Bring On The Harder Stuff
Ah yes, these grungy South African rockers. Recently, I was lucky enough to witness their live act here in Manchester with RoomThirteen's Andrew Latham. The general response, from the two of us, was the heavier songs sounded great but finishing on an acoustic, sad number was perhaps not their smartest move. Considering this album is entirely acoustic, things are not starting off well.
Nonetheless, this is a solid album. It is most definitely, soulful, intense and intimate. It includes hit songs off of 'Disclaimer', 'Disclaimer II', and 'Karma and Effect'; but in an intimate acoustic setting. Seether fans will enjoy this a lot. Detractors will most likely call them stripped down, emo songs with no fangs. Certainly, "Truth" sounds better with electric guitars. "Remedy" sounds plain wrong. It's a hard-rock song, reduced to something with less body, less power.
That is not to say the album sucks. Seether are certainly a band with something passionate and emotional to say and a lot of the songs benefit from the acoustic treatment. The vocals are excellent and the passion in their songs seems to come more from the throat more than the guitar. "Driven Under" sounds particularly good as an acoustic track. "The Gift" certainly sounds different but although originally there was some powerful guitar, the acoustic set evokes a different feeling. Largely a quiet, emotional song anyway, both versions sound great.
Not only are we treated to a CD, but a DVD as well. Recorded at Philadelphia's Grape Street on February 22, 2006, this DVD is their first recording. The quality is quite good, with good production values evident. In addition, there is a 9 minute interview, the video to "The Gift" and the making of said video. The interview is slightly interesting with stories of various road trips and goofs the band has made. All in all, Seether fans will like this DVD. It has been made with the fans in mind, certainly. You won't be upset with the quality of the content.
This album seems to point in the direction of "Broken". If you like that particular song and aren't too fond of the heavier tracks you'll like this album. Other people will no doubt voice the word "Nicklecack!" with venom. I suspect this will divide people. The band are talented, and they do play with passion; its sensitive side is reminiscent of Staind. The argument of whether or not they are simply out to steal the limelight from Nickleback or are an original grunge band in their own right could rain on forever.
Overall, it's a solid album for the Seether fan though it does occasionally feel like Seether are tripping up a little. An acoustic only DVD/CD does not feel like the right move. I certainly feel the heavier stuff doesn't always cross over well and the existing acoustic tracks were more than enough. From here I'm beginning to wonder about Seether's direction. This is enough to satiate the hard-core fan but after "Karma and Effect", we need the heavier stuff!