Damage Truth and Consequences
by Leyla Hamedi
Staff Writer
Starting with a bass-heavy riff, Damage manages to balance subtly melodic rock with higher energy vocals without any awkwardness. The first song, “God” goes through several transformations throughout, each reminding one of a different band, which is echoed, in subsequent songs. They’re a mix of ’90s American radio rock with hints of Brit-rock too as they integrate interesting little harmonies reminiscent of Placebo.
“Don’t Wait On Me,” is a good example of the comparison. It mixes breathy, softer vocals with softer backing instruments that don’t really start showing off until they can interact with the more powerful, albeit slightly nasal, chorus. “Forgive Me,” also follows this pattern, soft at first and then it hits you with soaring vocals and music.
However, they mix it up with, “Another Girl,” with a steady beat and lilting lyrics. The harmonizing vocals and almost big-band sound actually give it a ’60s pop vibe which is a nice surprise in the middle of the album. “Raise the Dead,” begins with a simple cello and guitar and the dreaminess of the song continues throughout, no unexpected bursts of power or energy here. But it’s a pretty song and doesn’t upset the pace at all since from hereon in the rest of the record takes on a more subdued tone.
“You Seeing Me,” starts out in the same vein but about two thirds in, it kicks up the energy so that the vocals belt over twangy guitars and loud drums. Ending with, “The Other Side,” they take a completely different tone with a more electronic opening followed by Tool-like guitars and manage to end it on a good (and loud) note.
Web site: On MySpace
Label: Warner Music Group
Band Members:
Michael- vocals/guitars/keys
Tony- guitars/backing vocals
Spencer- bass
GW- drums
Erin- cello/backing vocals
Track Listing:
God
Don’t Wait On Me
Forgive Me
My Point of View
Another Girl
Every Single Day
No-One
You Seeing Me
The Other Side
Hardrock Haven Rating: 7/10