Someone Like No One

Album Review

The introductory notes sung by Tom Morrissey resemble a mix between Pete Townshend and Live's Edward Kowalczyk. It's a promising forerunner given how solid a tune "Oblivious" is. A pop ballad with a menacing guitar chorus, Morrissey doesn't emote the lyrics. A brief nu-metal bridge in the vein of Incubus is a bit odd, but it's done in an economical fashion. More sounds like a well-packaged band ready to break out, especially during "Ms. America." A tight emocore rock song, the track mentions the album title over a framework that resembles Jimmy Eat World performing "Sweetness." The album contains a series of anthem or arena-like songs, each giving guitarists Paul Special and Neil Mack ample time to amplify their talents. "Remember" is perfect hard rock radio material in the vein of Live and Creed to a lesser extent. There is a lull in the middle, though, before the guitars are brought to the fore. Unfortunately, some songs suffer from being too slick. "Travel" evolves from a replica of Collective Soul's "The World I Know" to having some originality, but it's far too layered vocally to come across as a credible live track. "Hey Sister" is an infectious tune that has a confrontational tone to it, but the result is worth it. Here Morrissey shines over some intricate drumbeats and percussion work. "Kate" has an acoustic slant before moving into some heavy and lumbering guitar. If there is a weak spot on the album, it has to be in the lyrics. At times bland and uninspired, the words seem more like filler for the music's slower tunes. The album's high moment is the deliberately slow-building "Fembot." Reeking of Led Zeppelin in its tone and arrangements, it would seem a much better fit higher in the track listing. Its conclusion, though, features more funk given the added horn section.

An interesting choice for a closing cover is "Space Oddity" by David Bowie. Sticking mostly to the idea of the original, More makes it a tad beefier, with a slower tempo and vocals replacing the organ in the song's middle portion. An impressive debut album for arena rock lovers.