Flavour of the Weak (Metropolis)
by Chris Best
Every time I get a stack of CDs to review, I inevitably get a bunch of electro bands that imitate Front Line Assembly. Oh sure, I enjoy them as much as the next guy, but I know that the bands just aren’t doing anything new and interesting. Front Line Assembly have pissed off a lot of people by branching out and making records that don’t sound like FLA are “supposed to.” Much to my chagrin, I can’t pat these guys on the back for trying new things. This is because I believe in my heart of hearts that the last couple of FLA albums did poorly because they sucked. All those bands that I accuse of imitating FLA at least have the decency to mimic the good stuff. There are a lot of bands that sound like the Ramones, but I don’t know of even one that would imitate Brain Drain on purpose. What makes Flavour of the Weak a more frustrating affair is knowing full well that these guys can, and have, done better lately. I’ve heard so many side projects these guys have done, and all of them are head and shoulders above this. They all still have their talent, why don’t they show it here?
With that said, I shall now address the band. OK, guys, I’m going to say this once, and I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say: Give it up. It’s one thing to bilk your fans out $12 or $15 for this, but what about that hour spent listening to this? That time is lost forever. FLA, you have cheated me out of one hour of my life. I did this so I could write an honest review of your music. After listening to this disc, I wonder if I’m the only one who owns this and has actually listened to the whole thing. FLA, do yourselves a favor and pack it in while you still have some fans left, or better yet, why don’t you all use some of those songs you’re reserving for your side projects and make a real breakthrough record?