Breaking Benjamin is a bit of a guilty pleasure that I feel somewhat guilty calling a guilty pleasure. Meaning, people always use the phrase "guilty pleasure" as a way to distance themselves from something that they feel doesn't live up to their usual standards or modus operandi. Thus, it can be somewhat of a backhanded compliment to the thing being referenced. Let me get this out of the way; Breaking Benjamin is a fine band. I'm not here today to critique them as a band, but I'm sure they fall somewhere in the void between that hazy (and huge) blur that is metal/hard rock and pop rock. It doesn't always feel right to call them just rock, but they don't quite tick the right boxes to be considered metal. Perhaps you disagree? Great! (comment below and let me know!)
Moving on, I remember hearing when BB broke up back in 2010 and thinking to myself, "bummer."
That was it, no real emotion and quickly forgotten. Then, when I heard they were coming back in some form in 2014, I had a similar quick reaction and memory dump. Wait for it, I'm getting to a point, I promise. A year later I heard their first single "Failure" off of the new album, I enjoyed it and then forgot about it. Now that the new album is out, I decided to give it a full listen and after listening to it I had one thought; pajamas. Now, before you think I've jumped the shark, hear me out. Think about your wardrobe. Do you have any article of clothing that you find yourself wearing around your abode quite often, but you never really think much about? Sure, you're happy to be wearing it at the time, it's comfortable and all, but it's more out of a sense of convenience and familiarity than it possessing any special characteristics. This is what I came to grips with about this album. It's a good listen. It's 100% Breaking Benjamin. I feel like you could take every Breaking Benjamin song, toss them into a bingo cage, pull them out and randomly assign them to different albums and nothing would feel out of place. It's to the band's credit that this would be ok.| Alright, so, it's time for a greatest hits album |
The songs on this album all have that mix of aggressiveness wallowing in a pool of melancholy that a veteran BB fan has come to expect. Or maybe it's the other way around. Anyways, the bottom line is, it's familiar. If you were expecting sweeping changes to the sound of the band after a few years off and a line up swap, prepare to be chagrined. It's still clunky (in a good way) guitar rock weaving a menacing tapestry around lead singer Benjamin Burnley's wails of sadness and sometimes hope. Perhaps the brilliance of Breaking Benjamin has always been that, while his voice isn't amazing, it marches in lockstep with the music. It's a perfect match and it elevates the band from run of the mill to pretty damn good. Notice, I didn't say "great." These are your comfy clothes. You don't wear them out except for a quick run to the corner store, lest you run into someone. (Unless you are like me, ahem) Such is this band and this album. Good. Worth a listen. Probably even a few. Will you binge on this for a day or two? Almost certainly. But when asked about your favorite releases, will you think to mention this album? Likely not, but not as a slight, more as a slipped your mind kind of event. Easily enjoyable, easily forgettable.
Bottom line; If you enjoyed any of the past BB releases, you'll enjoy this one. If accessible (shudder) rock is your thing, this is in your wheelhouse. If you are looking for something new, take a pass.
Strong tracks; Track 2: Failure, Track 3: Angels Fall, Track 7: Bury Me Alive, Track 10: Ashes of Eden
Rating: 7/10
You have convinced me to pass.
ReplyDeleteI will now listen to some Thundercat.
Yeah, I don't think you'd particularly enjoy it. What's Thundercat?
Delete