Appleseed Cast

The End of the Ring Wars (Deep Elm)
by Tim Den

I’ve heard my share of Sunny Day and Mineral sound-alikes, but these guys take the cake. Not only has Appleseed Cast perfected the emotionally-shaken voice and the tear-jerking feedback, they’ve also managed to write eleven songs that follow the chord progressions of the aforementioned bands almost note-for-note. Now, in most cases, what you get from this formula is “all style and no substance.” However, Appleseed Cast actually makes good use of its influences. Sure, all the songs sound like the stuff you already own, but you just won’t be able to stop listening to it for some reason. There’s just something comforting in hearing the melodies in all the predictable places. The crescendos all happen at the right moment, the clean guitar breaks all come in at the perfect time, the vocals are drawn out to exactly where you’d want them… and it all sounds good!! Imagine that!! So if you’re sick of “emo” bands that don’t deliver, but are guilty of wanting new records that don’t mess with the way you like your sensitive rock, then Appleseed Cast is perfect for you. For once, an album actually kicks ass without being original.
(PO Box 36939 Charlotte, NC 28236)