THROUGH TOMORROW
, the debut release from Kansas natives SEASONS AFTER has quickly risen to the top of my “surprising albums” of 2010 pile. Originally self-released by the five-piece band early last year, the album was picked up by Dirtbag Music who reissued the set with an additional track last month, and promptly began giving the album the push it deserved. A straight-up rock record with both underground and commercial sensibilities, the harmonic-infused opening riff of “Some Things Burn” opens the album with a heavy groove that should prove inviting to fans of Killswitch Engage and Black Label Society before hitting vocal parts that equally blend hardcore screaming with radio-friendly melodies.
By mid-album, it’s clear that the band is serious about their craft with impressive playing and solid songwriting that maintains the momentum set forth from the start. Nearly every track on THROUGH TOMORROW contains moments worthy of inspiring a circle pit, while also delivering the goods to break through into the much-needed (though often scoffed-at) world of commercial opportunities – whether they be radio, song placement, etc.
I’d be foolish not to mention that Seasons After’s cover of G Tom Mac’s LOST BOYS anthem “Cry Little Sister” is the song that you’ve most likely already heard from the album. An acoustic version is also present on this release, something that was not included on the indie pressings. “Breaking” bands with the familiarity of a cover song is nothing new, and in this case may prove to be a successful move. Their version rocks, despite being the third new recording of the vampiric tune I’ve heard in the past year.
Bottom Line:
Seasons After manages to pull off what many bands try, and seldom succeed with – a blend of rock subgenres just right to the point where ears from the darkest corners of the slimiest dives, all the way to the casual listener of mainstream radio will all come together and find something to love.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Some Things Burn”, “The Knife”, “Save You”, “Cry Little Sister”
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
