Search - Cosmo :: Alien

Soilid recording but not at all like Boston

ShriDurga | 05/18/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In 2002 Tom Scholz released on his latest Boston album three tracks written by guitarist Anthony Cosmo, son of Fran Cosmo, one of the major constellations in the Boston universe since the early 80's when he provided vocals for Barry Goudreau's self-titled 1980 solo album. Daddy Cosmo later joined Goudreau in Orion the Hunter, a mid-80's project that mercifully disappeared after one album, and in the 90's provided lead vocals on Boston's Walk On.



Those three songs on Corporate America sounded little like Boston. Two were reminiscent of Oasis B-Sides, the third prog metal with a touch of Tom Scholz organ and guitars. More than a few Boston fans complained about these three tracks, this reviewer included, and while they still don't fit on that particular album, they were well crafted and the first glimpse of a new producing, composing, and performing talent.



The full fruition of that ability is on display in Alien, eleven 3-4 minute compositions from Anthony and co-produced with his father, who also contributes vocals. The band is filled out by guitarist Mick Brooks, bassist Bill Carmen and drummer Josh Hartner.



A number of influences are on display, not the least of which is the Oasis-like sound on the Corporate America tracks, found here on the album's best track, the acoustic-guitar ballad, Helicopter, complete with whiny, nasally Liam-like vocals. The title track is built on a pounding bass line and sounds a bit like Tool, while Dream Theater comes to mind on When I Close My Eyes, one of those slow-build songs that begins with a quiet synth wash accented by light percussion leading to acoustic guitar, voice, and peaking with a ripping electric guitar line.



The music seems to veer between these two polls, the Oasis-like ballads, and the prog-metal rockers, sounding nothing at all like Boston, though for obvious marketing purposes the Cosmos like to play up their Boston connection. This has lead to some acrimony between the Cosmos and Tom Scholz, who filed and subsequently dropped a lawsuit against the father and son for advertising their live shows as "Boston."



But never mind that Cosmo doesn't sound like Boston. Alien is a well performed and produced album of early 21st century middle-of-the-road rock and roll. It's not a memorable album, not likely to end up in any Best of the 00's lists, but its entirely listenable and stayed in my portable music player for the good part of two weeks. For what it's worth, Alien finished 23rd in Melodic.net's annual Best Album ranking for 2006.



The European version of Alien contains a twelfth bonus track, an acoustic version of Don't Tell Me Your Lies.



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Just my opinion

A. Schwartz | North Dakota | 01/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well it's not boston but it does have a similar sound to Bostons Corprate America. The sound quality and mix is excellent. Some of these tracks are heavier than the material you have head from the cosmos before. Overall a great disc. Very 2006 and worth checking out. I listened to previews on thier myspace site and had to have it, I think if your reading this you will want it to."

70's and 80's type music

Unknown but by God | Ohio | 08/16/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not a bad album by Fran and Anthony Cosmo, formerly with the rock band Boston. I like that style of music."