Archive for October, 2009
October 26th, 2009 | 
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While their self-titled debut in 2002 passed under the radar, 2005’s ‘A Beautiful Lie’ saw 30 Seconds To Mars propelled to headlining status at Give It A Name festival on the back of hits such as ‘The Kill’ and ‘From Yesterday’. A record company dispute provided a backdrop to the recording of this follow-up, which is supported by a UK arena tour in February 2010.
Clearly embracing their grander appeal, 30STM open with the atmospheric intro of ‘Escape’ before Shannon Leto grabs the attention with the thunderous drums that introduce ‘Night Of The Hunter’. Tinged with electro, the guitar lines have a touch of stadium-specialists U2, while Jared Leto switches between whispers and roars. A pulsating anthem, it is only spoiled by a poor command of the French language, but following it up with the sweeping ‘Kings And Queens’ keeps the momentum going and in truth the quality rarely drops. Many of the songs are filled with angst and fighting oppression and though specific details are not present it could well be taken for the broader meaning of standing up for oneself. Certainly the energy and dynamics that power ‘Closer To The Edge’ and ‘Search And Destroy’ are an invigorating catalyst, but it is the more considered approach of ‘Hurricane’ that steals the show. A brooding piano number, it is truly stirring when Leto begs the question “do you really want me dead or alive to torture for myself?” and shows this is more than just a band to champion for the emo generation. The only real gripe with ‘This Is War’ is an overuse of the recordings of 30STM’s fans, The Echelon, which despite being a commendable idea leaves ‘100 Suns’ feeling cheesy once the applause kicks in. It certainly doesn’t spoil the album though, which easily proves that the band’s success with the last record was no fluke and if anything surpasses expectations to be a very enjoyable alternative rock collection.
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John Mayer is a massive hit in the US, and for his followers here, Battle Studies has been eagerly awaited. But has it lived up to the hype?
Battle Studies is essentially a sombre affair, and I use the word affair loosely to compliment his inspiration. Quoted in June as saying that the album was a ‘heartbreak handbook’, the entire 45 minutes reflects his luck, or lack of it, in love. We all know about his on off relationships through his appearance in the gossip magazines, but his material tells a slightly different story.
For an apparent light hearted and fun guy, John Mayer appears to lose this at the sight of a studio door. That is until you reach ‘Who says’. He becomes less sombre and serious, and consequently more likeable. We’re not all heartbroken, and don’t want to be brought down. As for applying the concept of heartbreak to a war torn country, I’m not so sure that’s a sensitive analysis. Yet it sort of works for him.
This is not to say that I haven’t been listening to the album and enjoying most of it. The production is high quality, the material is tight, and his talent remains clear. This is however no Continuum, which in my opinion is his strongest album to date. Battle Studies remains to be a safe release, there is no statement being made here.
Eleven tracks crossing between modern pop and blues, all a self reflection of previous relationships. I can see his aim, something to relate to. ‘Friends, Lovers, or Nothing’, ‘Who Says’ and ‘Assassin’ stand out, but for different attributes. Assassin is perhaps the riskiest track on the album.
An apology has already come out for the lack of a defining guitar solo’s on Battle Studies. It’s all part of his plan apparently, so I guess we’ll see.