Breaking Benjamin - Phobia - Review

[-MK-]

As this is my first review of music ever, I'd appreciate comments, both on the music itself and the review as such. Whether you choose to comment in English or Norwegian makes no difference to me. Critique, of any kind, is most welcome.

 

Review - Breaking Benjamin's "Phobia"

 

Phobia was released in 2006 as Breaking Benjamin's third album, featuring hit singles such as "The Diary of Jane"

 

The album kicks off with an Intro song, purely acoustically, with nothing else than sound effects from an airport in the background. Except for setting the mood, this song contributes little to the album. As for the name of the album, Phobia, the Intro might indicate a Phobia for, or fear of, flying.

 

Next comes "The Diary Of Jane", which spices things up quite a bit. Drummer Chad Szeliga introduces the song with Benjaming himself on rhythm guitar, before lead-guitarist Aaron finnk kicks in and sets the standard. Throughout the song, [And the rest of the album], he contributes with catchy riffs and occasionally plays his part as backing vocalist. This he does with great intensity and skill, and I look forward to hearing more from this man. Vocalist Benjamin Burnley delivers a decent performance; intense and insightful. He lacks a certain distinctive stamp that separates him from other mediocre vocalists, but his style of voice suits this band perfectly and he is therefore a most valuable contributor.

 

"Breath" is one of my favorite songs ever, even though I have no idea why. Generally the song is boring. Fink is only allowed to unfold towards the end in a rather short bridge. The song clearly suffers from his anonymity. However, Benjamin manages to carry his own somewhat emo-oriented lyrics in a way I think is beautiful. Especially the chorus is masterfully performed. Each and every verse is like a latter Benjamin climbs and he reaches his peak just as the chorus sets in, and you experience a musical climax every time. At least I do.

 

In numbers like "Until The End" and "Dance With The Devil" the album wins over a whole different group of followers with its nihilistic lyrics. Without downgrading the album, Benjamin and the band manages to appeal to a wider audience and gain additional support. However, in making that decision they also accept their position as just "one of the pack" as opposed to being something of their own.

 

The ballads "Here We are" and "Had Enough" contribute to the same emo-oriented image of the band, with emphatic lyrics and an overload of passion. I am not sure if I like it, and I guess it depends greatly on the current mood and stress-level. "You Fight me" is also down that same boring emotional road with no intensity and drive. In my opinion this is the worst number on the album, and could as well be dropped.

 

Both "You" and "Topless" is among the best tracks on this album. Musically, they're exciting, inspiring and well-performed. Towards the end both tracks profit from a musical blowout; everything is let loose, and I love it. The drums, guitar, and Klepaski on Bass really takes this album to new astonishing heights, cementing this band as one of my favorites.

Endret 30. desember 2009 av -MK-

[Gjest Slettet+13412342564]

Synes dette var ganske bra, jeg. Har plata sjæl og synes forøvrig det er en ganske bra plate. Enig i det du sier om "You Fight Me" og en del andre låter, selv om jeg synes at "Diary of Jane" er desidert best. Eneste jeg kanskje savna litt var en konstatering av at lydbildet er ganske mørkt hele veien gjennom.

 

btw: Introen har en sammenheng med vokalistens enorme flyskrekk (derav albumnavnet også) som også er grunnen til at de aldri turnerer noe lenger enn en båt kan frakte dem.

 

Edit: typo

Endret 31. desember 2009 av Slettet+13412342564

[-MK-]

Takk for tilbemelding

 

Se forøvrig den nye siden min for utvidet (ny) konklusjon; http://sites.google.com/site/theshoshin/music

[knottsau]

Fantastisk album! En av de beste innen denne sjangeren