Bangor, PA based SOUND THE ALARM are a nothing but
a bunch of punk kids. And I mean that as a compliment.
The band formed when they were all 12 years old and
were ‘discovered’ by Grammy-nominated
producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THE ALL
AMERICAN REJECTS, FLY LEAF) when they were still in
high school. Benson apparently liked what he heard
and helped the band record this, their debut album.
Now in their late teens the guys are currently touring
and focusing entirely on the band. I’ve got
to say, when I found out how old (or more accurately
NOT old) these guys were I was floored. Why? The level
of maturity displayed in the music, as well as the
songwriting skills are way beyond their years. And
a debut album no less? Friggan talented kids making
us pot-bellied middle aged guys who are going no-where
in a hurry look that much worse. But hey, if you cant
be successful, at least enjoy the success of others.
And SOUND THE ALARM are poised to be pretty damned
successful, if “Stay Inside” is any indication.
All they need is some radio coverage of tracks like
“Until We Collide” and “Closer”
and the American youth will eat it up. Guaranteed.
“Stay Inside” is a near flawless union
of pop, punk, and rock. Each track has the potential
to be a hit single, and given the right promotion
the album will surely produce a number of them.
The band claim to have been raised on their older
siblings record collections comprising of classic
rock like AEROSMITH and LED ZEPPELIN combined with
their own burgeoning interest in such bands as 30
SECONDS TO MARS, INCUBUS, and the aforementioned MY
CHEMICAL ROMANCE. Thus their sound was forged: exceedingly
radio friendly pop-rock with a touch of punk. Unassuming,
unpretentious and straightforward. What more could
you ask for in a bunch of punk kids?
Bottom Line: Totally accessible, and radio friendly
but not just another mindless American Top 40 clone,
“Stay Inside” will thrill fans of bands
like LIFEHOUSE, THE GOO GOO DOLLS, MATCHBOX 20, and
JIMMY EAT WORLD. And hey, that’s pretty much
75% of America, right?
Key Tracks: “Closer”; “Until We
Collide”; “If I Told You”
Reviewed by Farron Watson |
