What today’s commercial radio classifies as “Modern Rock” is pretty disappointing. Its an uninteresting mix of nu-metal, pop punk, and Some sort of re-used post-grunge. Last year, bands like Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse broke through that barrier, and made it a little more interesting. But for the most part, alternative radio is dismal, and The Exit would fit in perfectly to that mixture. Their punky rock sound is unoriginal, and despite what seems to be some talent, it fails to move listeners to think anything more of it.
The vocals are traded between Ben Brewer and Jeff DaRosa, guitarist and bassist respectively. DaRosa’s voice pretty much fits the vocal norm for any modern rock band out there. When its tamed it sounds descent and can its notes, when its revved up for the harder songs, it has a slight edge to it. Brewer’s voice is a little more unique, almost having a bit of a reggae twang. It's no surprise that his songs feature upbeat guitar rhythms and less predictable song patterns.
The opener, “Don’t Push”, is an example of descent Brewer song. His crunchy guitar holds down an upbeat progression while his high pitched voice preaches a story about sins like prostitution. The lyrics on this track, and most others, is embarrassing. Most of the album is bunch of post 9/11 fear, antiwar, gibberish. Some artists could have spun this material into great political commentary, but neither Brewer nor DaRosa have the talent to do so. The songs stick to the modern rock blueprint, except for the folky ballad, “Soldier.” In this track, DaRosa’s vocals are toned down and used well, as he tells a brief antiwar tale. It’s the one surprise of the entire album.
Despite the initial sense of disappointment from this album, it is not horrible, its just descent. The songs produce a few memorable hooks, and some interesting choruses emerge from the crunchy power chord pattern. Brewers vocals keep the album from being a total bore, and his songs are the better ones on the album. The main problem with The Exit is that instead of exploring their potential, they just seem content in basking in their mediocrity. |