This Philadelphia band signed with Roadrunner Records in 2001, releasing their self-titled debut that became one of the top 100 Active Rock singles of 2002. Taking chances and mixing innovation with tradition, the Sinch bo... more »ys have been dubbed the "brothers of invention" by Philadelphia Weekly, and continue to evolve their intriguing live show with every performance. With "Clearing The Channel", recorded with maverick producer Drew Mazurek (Dog Fashion Disco, Linkin Park), Sinch's future looks brighter than ever.« less
This Philadelphia band signed with Roadrunner Records in 2001, releasing their self-titled debut that became one of the top 100 Active Rock singles of 2002. Taking chances and mixing innovation with tradition, the Sinch boys have been dubbed the "brothers of invention" by Philadelphia Weekly, and continue to evolve their intriguing live show with every performance. With "Clearing The Channel", recorded with maverick producer Drew Mazurek (Dog Fashion Disco, Linkin Park), Sinch's future looks brighter than ever.
CD Reviews
A must have alternative rock cd
Thomas Derosa | 03/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The fact is that Sinch is one of the best, somewhat lesser known bands out there. Other than their radio release a few years ago, "Something More", they never settled for seeking to create mostly radio friendly tunes. The downside is that they are not as well known as they should be. The upside is that their music is creative and real. If you don't own their self-titled "Sinch" cd, you must buy it. "Something More" pales in comparison to their other aggressive songs. Aside from that, "Plasma" and "Artic Ocean" are easily among the best slower melodic compositions ever created by an alternative rock band. Clearing the Channel is another outstanding release by one of the most talented bands our there. If you are, as I am, a fan of bands like Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Tool, StainD, etc, then buy it."
Absolutely Genious!
Esteban | Miami | 10/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first times that I heard SINCH's Clearing The Channel I got that funny special feeling, like there is something special here, but I really don't know what it is. Now I know that the only aspect that I could use as judgement for art, is whether there is something truly divine about the artist, or not.
What I could easily say is that Silence Broken (the album's first track) was not easily expected as an opening track for the album. It is weird. Explosive, but not in the usual sense. Explosive in an emotional nature, Silence Broken is succesful in bringing the whole album under a different light. After this track, the album just bursts with emotion all over.
My favorite track here is surely Dead Sentinels, I consider it to be one of the best songs I have ever heard. It is hard for me to point out as to which in here are my favorite songs, though, because the whole album is simply amazing. Even the ballads (Sails and Hydroplane) are well thought and perfectly performed.
The album gave me the impression to be divided in two sections, separated by the interlude (Vanishing Act). I see no other use for Vanishing Act but to divide these two phases in the album. I am sure that in such a well thought album as this one, this division has also been well planned and probably plays a part in the whole message the album tries to convey.
SINCH's Clearing the Channel can only be defined as perfect hard rock. This band has evolved in a real direction, achieving much better expression of emotion through mesmerizing vocals, inspiring and devoted guitar riffs, and mature and elegant drum and bass. This is not a surprise, for their last album was also a jewel, but in my opinion, Clearing the Channel is simply more elegant and evolved. A true lesson for those who think that the only direction in which rock can evolve is in the speed at which the bass drum can be kicked... SINCH has proven you wrong with this one and brought rock into a whole new dimension."
Unrivalled
Solaris | Ireland | 03/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most definately one of the best albums I own.Every song is filled with such power and emotion its hard to believe this is only there 2nd album.I loved the first release & "something more" is probably one of my all-time favourite songs but overall I think this album is better,more rounded,better organized & most importantly,better songs.lyrically & musically this is the closest thing to a modern day masterpiece that your likely to find..."
Slightly milder than their previous album
Frankenchrist | USA | 05/27/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Having split with their previous record company, Roadrunner Records, SINCH battled on and hooked up with Rock Ridge Music for their most recent offering titled, "Clearing the Channel." Even though their last album with RRR was an astounding piece of work for rock inspired melodic metal, it becomes apparent that their decision to move on to another label was a smart one. Now, they perhaps didn't feel the pressure to produce something that was drenched in throbbing baselines and powerful chugging guitar tones. As a result, "Clearing the Channel" is displaying a softer, more emotionally motivated style that still has all the artistic qualities of their previous efforts. However, there was more emphasis on vocal structuring and finely tuned melody that had the slightest of touches but with enough passion to draw you in. Acoustic beauty as well as a new found piano accompaniment was present in this release that managed to instill a real sense of boundless harmony with grace and undeniable style. Yes, it is on the lighter side when compared to their other releases but this was an obvious illustration of how they have progressed musically over the years with an eye towards giving you all they have to offer from a rather large basket of talent. Don't fret, they can and did still bring out those catchy hooks but mixed them in with sounds that can only be described as pure. Plug it in and crank it up for a satisfying and memorable trip."
A solid, mature, rock record.
George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 05/18/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Good
The intro to "Silence Broken" is a myriad of effects and audio clips that are accented briefly with chunky riffs. The real musical focal point is the driving piano work. Vocalist Jamie Stem delivers his vocals deep, throaty, and passionate; sometimes coming off as a possessed Eddie Vedder. The riffs return for the empowered conclusion. Percussive effects mixed with a clean guitar picking riff help drive "All That's Left Behind". Stem really pushes the limits of his vocal range on the choruses.
"The Last Scene" starts of calm and serine, but soon wallops you with an attack of distortion and frustration. "Sails" is an acoustic ballad with some great guitar tone and vocal harmonies. From what I read, Sinch is also a visual act to behold live; I figure they must to something pretty cool live with the instrumental "Vanishing Act". "Hydroplane" closes out the album with more of that unplugged sound heard before combined with more piano.
The Bad
Nothing notable.
The Verdict
When I heard Sinch was added to the Battle for Ozzfest Tour, I expected some heavy stuff. I got some of that, but I got a whole lot more. Clearing the Channel is heavy at times, but focuses a lot on powerful, encompassing vocals. Sinch is a hard rock band that isn't afraid to experiment either, whether it be piano or sound effects. A solid, mature, rock record."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1