Crafting the sort of heavy
alternative rock
that was a radio staple before
rap-metal
blew up,
Cyclefly
continues to get better with every album. Tracks like
"Karma Killer"
have a pleasantly catchy feel that puts the emphasis on the hooks instead of the heaviness. Of course this is derivative music, at times bringing to mind
Jane's Addiction
, among others. But oddly enough, this sounds a whole lot like an early-'90s
alternative
band named
Love on Ice
, whose claim to fame was an inclusion on the
Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey
soundtrack. Like that band, they make music that does not really classify as
metal
or straight
, but includes elements of both in a weird
pop/rock
soup. As far as the album goes, there are a few notable tracks that emphasize how much better they are on this album. The title track is a very likable
ballad
that creates a wistful mood, while
"Drive"
is a bouncy
psychedelic pop
song that takes more than a little influence from
the Beatles
. But the band wisely saved the best track for last, something that more mainstream
rock
acts should try. Like the glossy cousin to
Sunny Day Real Estate
's
"Pilars,"
"Tales From the Fishbowl"
finishes off the album with a swirling, epic feel that perfectly captures how good
can be when they really put their mind to it. No, it is not anything new or original, but instead it is dependable, which was a rare occurrence in the
pop
/
landscape of 2002. ~ Bradley Torreano