The Explosion - Black Tape
I'm not sure why this band signed to a major but that probably has a lot to do with the direction of their sound on this release. If you think of what typically happens when a band signs to a major, they usually expand on their most radio friendly elements and "Black Tape" is no exception. There's an emphasis on big sing along choruses and big melodic hooks accompanied by a big polished sound that's perfect for the soundtrack of an MTV show (oh wait, they already did that.)
You can see this change most dramatically on the re-work of "No Revolution" which also appeared on their last record. They slowed it down a bit, added a new guitar track ringing out the chords along with the original guitars and ended it with a solo that's no where to be found on the original. These type of changes are sure to piss some fans off but I think it really adds a level of distinction and character to their sound that they only briefly hinted at on a few songs on their previous album. This is pretty surprising as usually bands get more generic when they sign to a major but I really think they came into a unique sound here.
Of course any punk band slowing down and trying to write better songs is usually asking for trouble as Face To Face found out after their "Ignorance Is Bliss" album but The Explosion keep enough of their harder edged past in place to satisfy most longtime fans. They also don't attempt any ill-fated ballads or try to stretch into pure pop. Most of the cuts here are faster paced, energetic pop punk songs that retain the spirit of their previous work but add a layer of stellar lead guitar work atop a more dynamic, varied sound. This emphasis on more melodic leads and a less frenetic, less generic punk sound makes all the difference in this band making the leap from good to great. With "Black Tape" they went from being a pretty good punk band to an exceptional punk influenced rock band.
Of course I'm sure this album didn't sell very well as it's too hard for the radio and maybe not punk enough for the die-hards so it will be interesting to see what direction they take after this. Will they retreat to their older, more punk sound like Face To Face or stick it out? Only time will tell.
You can see this change most dramatically on the re-work of "No Revolution" which also appeared on their last record. They slowed it down a bit, added a new guitar track ringing out the chords along with the original guitars and ended it with a solo that's no where to be found on the original. These type of changes are sure to piss some fans off but I think it really adds a level of distinction and character to their sound that they only briefly hinted at on a few songs on their previous album. This is pretty surprising as usually bands get more generic when they sign to a major but I really think they came into a unique sound here.
Of course any punk band slowing down and trying to write better songs is usually asking for trouble as Face To Face found out after their "Ignorance Is Bliss" album but The Explosion keep enough of their harder edged past in place to satisfy most longtime fans. They also don't attempt any ill-fated ballads or try to stretch into pure pop. Most of the cuts here are faster paced, energetic pop punk songs that retain the spirit of their previous work but add a layer of stellar lead guitar work atop a more dynamic, varied sound. This emphasis on more melodic leads and a less frenetic, less generic punk sound makes all the difference in this band making the leap from good to great. With "Black Tape" they went from being a pretty good punk band to an exceptional punk influenced rock band.
Of course I'm sure this album didn't sell very well as it's too hard for the radio and maybe not punk enough for the die-hards so it will be interesting to see what direction they take after this. Will they retreat to their older, more punk sound like Face To Face or stick it out? Only time will tell.
