CD Review: The Almost – Monster Monster

The Almost – Monster Monster(Tooth & Nail) Caution: proceed carefully

When he's not playing drums for the Christian metalcore outfit Underoath Aaron Gillespie is busy writing songs for his side project The Almost. Unlike the band's debut, 'Southern Weather' (in which Aaron played all the instruments himself) Monster Monster is a collaborative effort between the members themselves. In addition to drums the project finds Aaron on vocals, which gives him an outlet to confront his demons that he exercises throughout the disc. Mainstream rock with an alt-edge the album's title is a metaphor for our sins and flaws as conveyed through Gillespie's preachy lyrics. Monster Monster starts off strong with the boldly fierce title track. The rest of the tunes take on a more laid back approach as reflected in the acoustic "Hand Grenade" and "Souls on Ten". "Hands" offers up a catchy sing-a-long chorus, and the anthemic "No I Don't" is reminiscent of early 90's pop-rock. Overall, Monster Monster effectively displays the band's diverse nature. However, it is a work in progress that suggests the group has a promising future ahead.
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