Spring Break
CD Review: ASHES dIVIDE's "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright"
ASHES dIVIDE's debut album
Dale Johnson
Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: Reviews
The saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, don't judge a band by its name. ASHES dIVIDE's name may lead you to believe it's the millionth screamo band you have heard this month, but it's actually something far more unique than that.
The brainchild of A Perfect Circle founder Billy Howerdel, ASHES dIVIDE is much more alternative rock than it is Hawthorne Heights. On its debut album, "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright," the band combines alt rock with a bit of the electronic elements and melodic moments of 30 Seconds To Mars to create a clear and concise sound.
Unlike A Perfect Circle, Howerdel is the primary song writer for ASHES dIVIDE and lead vocalist. He also played virtually every other instrument on the album.
ASHES dIVIDE expands on the sound that was created by Howerdel's unorthodox guitar playing in A Perfect Circle, and new depth is given to the music with the addition of electronic sounds and keyboard.
Howerdel's vocal style is soothing and strong, yet can be aggressive at times, fitting perfectly by the dark and moody songs on the band's debut.
Songs like "Forever Can Be" and "Ritual" build on a slow foundation of intricate guitar lines and powerful lyrics, reminiscent of the soaring sound of fellow alt rockers the Smashing Pumpkins.
The album's first single "The Stone," as well as the opening track "Stripped Away," have a similar sound to the songs Howerdel made with A Perfect Circle with the introduction of piano lines accompanying his powerful melodies.
With Howerdel taking center stage, he is able to step out of the shadow that was created by James Maynard Keenan, who fronted A Perfect Circle, and flex his creative muscles in a powerful alt rock band that is unique enough to set them aside from the rest.
The brainchild of A Perfect Circle founder Billy Howerdel, ASHES dIVIDE is much more alternative rock than it is Hawthorne Heights. On its debut album, "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright," the band combines alt rock with a bit of the electronic elements and melodic moments of 30 Seconds To Mars to create a clear and concise sound.
Unlike A Perfect Circle, Howerdel is the primary song writer for ASHES dIVIDE and lead vocalist. He also played virtually every other instrument on the album.
ASHES dIVIDE expands on the sound that was created by Howerdel's unorthodox guitar playing in A Perfect Circle, and new depth is given to the music with the addition of electronic sounds and keyboard.
Howerdel's vocal style is soothing and strong, yet can be aggressive at times, fitting perfectly by the dark and moody songs on the band's debut.
Songs like "Forever Can Be" and "Ritual" build on a slow foundation of intricate guitar lines and powerful lyrics, reminiscent of the soaring sound of fellow alt rockers the Smashing Pumpkins.
The album's first single "The Stone," as well as the opening track "Stripped Away," have a similar sound to the songs Howerdel made with A Perfect Circle with the introduction of piano lines accompanying his powerful melodies.
With Howerdel taking center stage, he is able to step out of the shadow that was created by James Maynard Keenan, who fronted A Perfect Circle, and flex his creative muscles in a powerful alt rock band that is unique enough to set them aside from the rest.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 13
piotru?
posted 3/30/08 @ 5:47 AM PST
where's fu*kin' cd?! give mi it. anyone know bout some leaks? ;D
Bryant
posted 4/06/08 @ 3:32 PM PST
I just wanted to say that Billy Howerdel used to play guitar for Smashing Pumpkins, which would be why ASHES dIVIDE sounds reminiscent to Smashing Pumpkins. (Continued…)
Tristan
posted 4/08/08 @ 12:13 AM PST
I've just listened to the leaked album. I intend to buy it when it comes out here in Aus in a week or so. Some of it is very solid, other parts just filler tracks. (Continued…)
Dan
posted 4/14/08 @ 10:25 AM PST
It is Maynard James Keenan..... not James Maynard Kennan. I think it helps to actually know people's names if you are going to write a review...
rEvolve
posted 4/14/08 @ 9:30 PM PST
Bryan... Billy didnt play guitar for the Smashing Pumpkins. He was a guitar technician ..as he was for Tool(during the Aenima recording sessions/tour), Nine Inch Nails, Fishbone and several other bands. (Continued…)
Dissheveled
posted 4/15/08 @ 6:42 PM PST
This album was garbage. Absolute trite crap. To be fair, there is a unique sound that is very reminiscent of APC, but it ends up becoming a soundtrack to lethargy. (Continued…)
Piablo
posted 4/26/08 @ 3:14 PM PST
Dont agree with Dissheveled....i think is a rewarding, artistic and genuine. Has great replay something the latter APC was lacking. Sorry Disshelved but thast is what you are go listen to Atreyu or some other emo shite. (Continued…)
robert rock
posted 5/10/08 @ 10:52 PM PST
first off "the stone" has an APC feel and very powerful song ....billy and the producers MUST have known the other songs dont come close ....BUT...... (Continued…)
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