Track Listing
01. Revolution02. Welt
03. Pictures
04. Myself
05. Away
06. Down
07. Right On Time
08. Far
09. Absence
10. Dead & Gone
11. Believe
12. The Gathering
13. Learn To Learn
Tags: AM Conspiracy, Drowning Pool
AM Conspiracy is described on Last.fm as an Orlando-based band that encompasses “hard rock and killer melodies”. This is my first time hearing of AM Conspiracy but being a Florida resident, I was eager to check them out and support music in my area.
Right off the starting line, AM Conspiracy is burning on all cylinders. The first track “Revolution” begins with hypnotic guitar and a drum line that has an almost tribal characteristic to it. Imagine the impending doom of a tiger attack and you’ll understand the opening to AM Conspiracy’s self-titled album. When it comes to the lyrical content of the song, don’t expect anything insightful and meaningful (you can always resort to your Celine Dion collection for that), but do expect the chorus to get stuck in your head. It’s filled with a catchy wah guitar riff and crispy vocals. Infectious and driven by aggression, a great combination.
The next track titled “Welt” takes a bit of a departure from your introduction to AM Conspiracy. I found this track to be more of an accessible, radio-friendly song and I think songs like this will peak the interest of those listeners who aren’t into the super heavy guitar, guttural screams or multiple change ups. “Welt” starts off with a hearty bounce to get your head bobbing and the breakdowns offer up a nice change throughout the track—complete with echoed, endearing vocals that your girlfriend will probably dig. I have to admit that I wasn’t entirely blown away by “Welt”. Although it’s not a bad track, it doesn’t introduce anything ground breaking. The guitar consists mostly of power chords and the drum and bass work gets the job done without putting any extra shine. The chorus reminds me of a baby crying or something. You have to hear the track to understand what I mean because I don’t know how else to put it. I also found it to be a bit repetitive as it rolled along.
“Myself” is the first song on the CD to step away from the power chords and throws in some solos to show us what dueling axe wielders Brian Diemar and Clint Campbell are capable of. It opens up with some crunch and distortion on the guitars and is more of a down tempo tune, with nice bounce thrown in for good measure. I dig Jason’s vocal work because he has distinctive rasp and can scream with the best of them, and yet still step it down a notch and bathe the lyrics in emotion. His vibrato and overall voice were slightly reminiscent of Jerry Cantrell at times for me. Jason’s vocals go from the bottom end and carry us all the way up to the heavens.
“Down” opens up with a much softer, clean guitar and a hearty helping of Jason’s vocal work. Further down the line they pick it up a bit and lull us with bouncy layered riffs, rhythmic bass and Dean Andrews on the drums. This song has my favorite breakdown thus far on the entire album. A bluesy guitar line that sets the track apart and shows us these guys aren’t afraid to mix it up. This track serves up some staple rock when you’re looking to kick it down a notch or two. Infectious and full of replay value. Love it!
AM Conspiracy closes out the album the same way they open it: slamming you relentlessly with a menacing, up tempo drum line, cramming thick power chords in your face and bombarding you with aggression in spades. Prepare yourself for the F bomb because Jason delivers on this one! Where it lacks in technical prowess or ground breaking progression, it makes up for in energy.
Overall I have to say that I got into AM Conspiracy and their self-titled installment. I thought it was a step in the right direction for the band and it really shows that these guys have worked hard to get to where they are. This album has a radio-friendly quality and should appeal to a wide array of fans.
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One Comment
January 28th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
After a few more spins I have to add that Kenny Harrelson goes over and above with his bass work on a lot of the songs. I heard some classy basslines thrown in throughout the album.
I have to stress that this album is pretty radio-friendly though. I know a lot of the TNR readers are metal heads (like myself) and might not get into the toned down, more accessible rock. I like a wide array of stuff and this album had some characteristics that reminded me of some 90’s alternative bands, while still holding onto some of the modern aspects.