“Thieves and cannibals aren't lazy”
I hate to pick on one particular band, but The Assent embodies all that is awkward about the unsigned band/indie movement spawned by digital music and editing software. The band's been together for three months and they've already released an EP. I'm not saying that they suck, because they don't, they just sound like they're still getting their sound together. The songs come off “same-y”, likely because they haven't yet had time to explore each other's ideas and abilities.
To be fair, it seems that the front man and the drummer have known each other for years. Also, the band had another name (D in Detroit) for a month or so before they became The Assent. Still, we're talking about a time span measurable in weeks. That rush shows in the production of the songs, wherein the drums often overwhelm the rest of the music and Clint Stoker's voice sometimes sounds strained by more than the emotion of the lyrics.
That said, The Assent does have some successful moments, particularly in Slipping, the best song off the EP and just a good song in general. (You can listen to the whole set on the band's MySpace profile.) They're competent musicians who simply need to keep touring and perfecting their sound. You'll find some interesting lyrics, some strong guitar and drums, and a guy who sounds a lot like a whole bunch of other guys.
They don't list any influences that I could find, which is a shame because I can't put my finger on who they sound like besides a good college band or ten whose shows I used to frequent. That may be because they are a good college band, in Salt Lake City, Utah. I hope that they'll give themselves time to develop their talents to complement each other while they're pushing so hard to get recorded. If you want to pick up their tunes in the meantime, head over to MadeLoud. You can't get a CD of the songs, but you can buy digital copies.
I hate to pick on one particular band, but The Assent embodies all that is awkward about the unsigned band/indie movement spawned by digital music and editing software. The band's been together for three months and they've already released an EP. I'm not saying that they suck, because they don't, they just sound like they're still getting their sound together. The songs come off “same-y”, likely because they haven't yet had time to explore each other's ideas and abilities.
To be fair, it seems that the front man and the drummer have known each other for years. Also, the band had another name (D in Detroit) for a month or so before they became The Assent. Still, we're talking about a time span measurable in weeks. That rush shows in the production of the songs, wherein the drums often overwhelm the rest of the music and Clint Stoker's voice sometimes sounds strained by more than the emotion of the lyrics.
That said, The Assent does have some successful moments, particularly in Slipping, the best song off the EP and just a good song in general. (You can listen to the whole set on the band's MySpace profile.) They're competent musicians who simply need to keep touring and perfecting their sound. You'll find some interesting lyrics, some strong guitar and drums, and a guy who sounds a lot like a whole bunch of other guys.
They don't list any influences that I could find, which is a shame because I can't put my finger on who they sound like besides a good college band or ten whose shows I used to frequent. That may be because they are a good college band, in Salt Lake City, Utah. I hope that they'll give themselves time to develop their talents to complement each other while they're pushing so hard to get recorded. If you want to pick up their tunes in the meantime, head over to MadeLoud. You can't get a CD of the songs, but you can buy digital copies.
