Even after a few listens, I was struggling to get into this album. It felt like it should be catching and engaging, like the Foo Fighters at their best, yet none of the hooks were biting, making for a very forgettable experience.
Then, to perk myself up and try to get some Bodyjar love happening, I tried listening to some of their older albums. Big mistake! The older albums are just brimming with frenetic energy, and the upbeat music sits perfectly with the angsty lyrics. The counter-play of the soaring guitars, the vocal harmonies, the endless supply of hooks... bliss! Then, switching back to this 2005 album, it feels weighed down by the slower tempo, which also brings out a darker mood in the lyrics.
Maybe if this album was by another band, I might be able to appreciate it for the mid-paced rock that it is. And maybe I should respect Bodyjar for trying a new direction. But my overwhelming reaction to this album is mourning the loss of most of the things I enjoyed in previous Bodyjar albums.
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