The Almost: Monster Monster Review

The Almost is a band fronted by Underoath drummer/vocalist/multitalented badass Aaron Gillespie. Their debut album "Southern Weather" was known for its freshness, originality, and enthusiasm, but their new effort falls short of that mark. Don't misunderstand me, this is not a bad album. It just lacks the fervor and energy that the first album possesses, which, in my opinion, made The Almost unique and entertaining to listen to. As an avid fan of Underoath, I almost (no pun intended) think that The Almost is an attempt for Aaron Gillespie to mellow out after the intensity of Underoath, but the music is definitely solid and exposes another side to not only Gillespie's talent, but also the talent of the band as a whole. However, it is important to note that while "Southern Weather" was pretty much solely Gillespie's brainchild, this new release represents a transition from an individual-centered project to that of an actual band; what I mean is that for this CD, the other members had more influence on the music, and it definitely shows. I think the diversity of the band's members really shows: Aaron Gillespie covers lead vocals, guitar, and sometimes drums, Joe Musten covers drums for the most part, Dusty Redmon and Jay Vilardi play guitar, and Alex Aponte covers bass. However these are just the core members; Josiah Holland does keys, Chris Scruggs and John Davis pitch in some steel guitar, and Aaron Sprinkle contributes additional vocals, keys, guitar, and sundries. All of this contributes to the fact that while "Monster Monster" is pleasant, easy-going rock that almost anyone can pick up and enjoy, it's just not at the same level as their debut. This is a good album for what it is, but compared to the standards set by its predecessor, it doesn't fulfill the longings of fans for another typical The Almost outing. I've listened to this album all the way through multiple times, and I have no shame in admitting that I'm confused as to the approach in reviewing this album. There is no doubt that these songs are definitely good and worth listening to, but the fact that "Southern Weather" completely surpasses "Monster Monster" in nearly every facet still remains. There are elements of blues and even country present in this album and even though it contributes to the individual songs, it creates an identity crisis that makes labeling as a whole hard to do. The mellow nature of this new effort undermines its authority as a dominative sophomore effort, but there is no doubt that The Almost still deliver something worth listening to.
1. Monster Monster- The lead-off track has some pretty cool and unique electric guitar at the beginning and the lively drumming lives up to fans' expectations of the kind of music Aaron Gillespie can produce. While the lyrics of the chorus are not strong, the verses aren't half bad (The Almost said "bastard"!) and the concept behind the song is pretty good. This is the kind of music I was expecting to hear throughout the album, with catchy guitar hooks, lively drumming, and Gillespie wailing and singing loudly. There is some technological influence on Gillespie's voice and while I normally hate that kind of thing, it serves its purpose here. This is a fun and highly enjoyable song, especially during an awesome guitar solo near the end. 9.5/10
2. Lonely Wheel- The first song to be released off the CD first displayed the more mellow side to The Almost's more fast-paced rock that seems to be a recurring theme of the whole album. The verses aren't really interesting but the chorus is solid and catchy. Gillespie's vocals really shine here but the drums and guitar are great as well. This fits in with the realm of what fans are used to hearing from The Almost, with subtle little hints thrown in suggesting the future break from the norm. This is an excellent song with solid lyrics about giving in to someone you can't stay away from. 10/10
3. No I Don't- In their debut, The Almost's slow songs were really good and demonstrated diversity and spiritual and thematic maturity in the lyrics. The Almost once again deliver on that established standard, giving us something nice and reflective to listen to. The only qualms I have about the slower songs on the album is how many there are, even if all of them are good songs. This particular song starts off with some acoustic guitar and very soft vocals. Then the other guitars and drums kick in, the vocals step up, and the chorus unfolds. It has a beautiful message about finding a change in yourself with God's help despite what other people say or think to hold you down. The drums really set the tone, and one can hear the steel guitar in the background (for those of you who don't know what steel guitar is, steel guitar is that Hawaiian-style warbling, resonating sound that you hear a lot in country music, used to add a certain touch of beauty or hopefulness to any song). This uplifting song really hits its peak for the climax, and finishes appropriately. 10/10
4. Hands- The second song to be released from the CD is a little too mainstream for my liking; I'm not ready to jump on the bandwagon of calling this song the best. Despite the nice addition of the piano to the solid guitar and drums, which gives it an interesting touch reminiscent of Relient K, the chorus is kind of simplistic and almost annoying with the backup vocals and clapping. This song has sing-a-long written all over it, but not in the good way. The verses are solid, but the chorus is too generic for my liking. There is a touch of raw emotion near the end when Gillespie wails "I am the one who needs you!" multiple times, but other than that this song is just kind of average. 8.5/10
5. Young Again- This song returns to a more fast-paced tempo and kicks things off with a killer guitar intro right off the bat. The guitar and drums are solid throughout. Gillespie's vocals contain some of the most intense wails on the album are are a welcome addition to the album because it falls right in line with what fans are expecting. This song is about feeling young again and the message really fits in nicely with the emotions stirred by the music itself. This is a very solid and entertaining song because it grabs your attention and doesn't let go. 9.5/10
6. Summer Summer- The second slow song has an appropriately dramatic intro that gives way to a very slow verse. This song has a heart-wrenching feel to it especially when the chorus hits and the violins come out, and examining the lyrics only enhances these feelings; a song about dwelling in past memories and trying in vain to bring them back is enough to remind anyone of home and evoke at least some kind of emotion. Some will label this song as depressing, but it's beautiful in its own right as a blues rock song with a lot of soul and emotional firepower. 9.5/10
7. Hand Grenade- This is another slow song but this one is certainly more uplifting and one might think this is a country song in the beginning. The use of steel guitars really gives it that country feel. The acoustic guitar is really beautiful here, and the drums contribute nicely for the chorus. Gillespie's softer vocals are very pleasant and mix nicely with the great message about falling inside God's love. The metaphor about the hand grenade might seem slightly morbid but it represents the notion of God's love transcending death and giving everything up to follow Him. The piano comes in at a great moment, and the song ends appropriately. I never would have thought it would come to this, but a slow song takes the title as the best song on the album this time around. 10/10
8. Books & Books- An upbeat drumming intro gives way to some rocking guitar reminiscent of Paramore. Gillespie's vocals are almost haunting in the beginning, alternating between raw, deep, throaty wails and high-pitched notes. He returns to his normal screaming and wailing for the mellower chorus. The more intense verses do not really correspond with the relaxed chorus, but it works well and the transition is not awkward in any way. The only problem I have with this song is that it doesn't really have to do with anything. The title of the song doesn't have anything to do with the lyrics, and the lyrics are a little bland and vague. The song does end on a rocking note, but this is not particularly note-worthy in comparison. 8/10
9. Souls On Ten- The upbeat, catchy guitar and piano intro reminds me of New Found Glory or Relient K, which is a good thing here. I never thought I would say that about the Almost but it adds some pleasantry to the song between the chorus and verses. The chorus is very agreeable and is about being with someone special and making memories. It's a nice little song, even if it is a bit hollow in terms of impact on the album. I probably never would have pictured The Almost making a song like this, but it's actually not too bad for what it is. 9/10
10. Want To- This song starts off with some guitar reminiscent of Spitalfield, and there is some fast-paced background drums and guitar strumming that foreshadows some intensity to come despite Gillespie's slower singing. After the first chorus everything picks up and it stays that way until the end. Gillespie's wails are right on the money here and a little bit of the Underoath side comes out as well. Lyrically, this is about fighting through confusion and finding yourself and acting on it. This is a solid song, not really anything too special, but it's still good. 8.5/10
11. Get Through- This is more of a return to the kind of music "Southern Weather" gave us with some heavy upbeat drumming and solid guitar. The verses are energetic and build up to the chorus well. The chorus slows down in comparison, but they mesh well. I really like the headbanging verses that still manage to be light and universally accessible. This song has pleasant rock written all over it, and should appeal to "Southern Weather" diehards because it embodies the fast-paced harder rock elements mixed with the fun and accessible qualities that characterized their debut. This is a very energetic, fun, and vocally rocking song. 9.5/10
12. Monster- This song embodies all of the qualities an awesome closer track should have. It begins with some acoustic guitar and mixes in some steel guitar, but it is a different kind that actually sounds pretty close to regular guitar if not for the warbled, whining effect it creates. Gillespie's softer vocals go along perfectly with the message of the song. Lyrically this song is about being embraced by God despite being the monsters that we all really are because of our sin. The acoustic and steel guitar mix perfectly with Gillespie's superb vocals, and the effect it creates is stylishly haunting. The first few verses are extremely slow, but then it builds up and turns into a dramatic and haunting rockfest. The drums kick in after a perfectly hit wail from Gillespie, and the steel guitar's limitations are lifted and allowed to jam out. It gives it a dramatic, soulful feel and really makes you appreciate music in general. This song is just really cool in general. 10/10
Overall: 112/120
As the final score indicates, this is a very good album, but one should keep in mind that it is a good album for what it is. "What it is" is a break from the standards set by their first album, and while it is unfortunate that they weren't able to deliver on those standards, they did create something interesting and different. The slow songs are really good here, but I just think there are too many of them. I have mixed emotions about this album because it definitely is good, it's just not the same. I think Gillespie should be given more executive power over the direction the music takes, especially given the fact that his influence single-handedly made "Southern Weather" the surprising triumph it was. I will be watching this band closely to see where they go from here with great interest, because depending on what direction they take from here they have the power to establish themselves as diverse and unique or to go downhill into the depths of disparity and disarray. But with Aaron Gillespie, I have a good feeling it will be the former. Thanks for tuning in. Next are We Came As Romans and Weezer. Rock on.