Search - Apartment 26 :: Music for the Massive

Another great CD from this criminally underrated band

David Greenwood | Hanover, MD United States | 03/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Apartment 26 seem to have been designated critic's whipping boys from the get-go, as the press have gotten it into their heads that the only reason they have any sort of record deal is due to their lead singer's dad being in Black Sabbath. True, that WAS probably the only reason they got on the OzzFest 99 tour despite being completely unknown, but I'm glad they did, since I saw them perform there and have been a fan ever since.I had actually given up on the band's existance, since it's been about 4 years since their debut LP, and I'd heard nothing from them since. But out of nowhere, they've reappeared with a noticably overhauled sound, which is sure to alienate some of their hardcore fanbase. But really, who cares? I mean there were only about 12 of us anyway, weren't there?The first thing you'll notice upon hearing the first track is that it swings. And I don't mean in a groovy, "Clutch" sense. AMG described it as "Filter covering Zoot Suit Riot", and that's really not too far off. Sure, it's a gimmick, but who cares when the songs are this good? I challenge anyone to listen to "Give Me More" or "Book (Be My Friend)" and not feel the urge to dance around like an idiot.Fortunately, they limit this approach to only two or three songs, which leaves a lot more room to flesh out and their "classic" sound. They definitely trimmed the electronic influences this time, which could be seen as good or bad. Even though it's sad to see the backbeats and techno bleeps shifted to the background, the melodies and songwriting are ten times tighter here, which easily makes up for it. "Strike" and "Stupid World" simply rip, and are guaranteed to make you bang your head. Songs like "88" and "Kick to the Head" show a much more pronounced sense of melody, which isn't exactly pop, but makes the tunes stick in your head a lot faster this time. The only blatantly pop moment is the almost-ballad "Heaven", which is actually really good. In true Apt. 26 fashion, this song isn't nearly as schmaltzy as you'd think, and actually doesn't make any clear emotional statement... it just sounds really good, and is really fun to sing along to.The only real misstep is "Summer", which is wrong on so many levels. It sounds like the lead singer is trying to seduce the female guest vocalist, but it doesn't make any sense, doesn't fit, and sounds just plain wierd. Fortunately, some of the techno experimentation is still here, and the best tracks prove that this really is Apt. 26's forte. The instrumental "bonus" track closes a somewhat inconsistent second half on a very atmospheric high note. The most powerful track here is "New Year's Resolution" which is so mind-blowing that it simply rips a hole in the fabric of space time. Definitely a must hear. Come to think of it, so's most of the album."

AWESOME NEW SOUND!!!!!!

A.S.T. | St. Louis, MO United States | 02/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys ROCK!!!! A mix of old time 70's metal and early 90's Alternative with a hint of swing and jazz...you will dig this!"

Pretty good

M. Randall | Allen Park, MI | 02/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i have been a fan of apartment 26 since 2000 with their debut album "hullucinating" and this album seemed like it took forever to come out. after waiting till 2003 i gave up on these guys and finally found out they were releasing something again. this album, while much different then hullucinating, is very good. its a real breath of fresh air from all those teenie boppers on the radio these days. this cd isnt really the industrial/techno/rock that apt 26 used to be.. its more less alternative rock with a few elements of industrial. the lyrics are simple but alot of times catchy. my favorites on here include: give me more, 88, kick to the head, and the hidden/instrumental track which as far as i can tell is titled "Resolve". if you're a fan of their first cd then this will most likely please you... but if you're expecting more hard hitting techno beats then your in for a let down. either way this cd doesnt dissapoint"