Means - Sending You Strength
Facedown Records - FCD057 - 2007
By Brandon Strader
Means follows in the footsteps of some of the greats, but so do numerous others. The main difference is that these guys do it well-- not as well as
As I Lay Dying or
Killswitch Engage, but definitely above average. "Learning To Be Brave" succeeds in opening the album with joyful progressions and soaring clean vocals.
The music never takes an unexpected turn, and always remains within the same genre and style. That aspect will surely please fans of the genre yet may keep
Sending You Strength from becoming a memorable album. Groups like
Pheonix Mourning (on Metal Blade) did better at making a fresh rendition of this style that could go through many listens.
Means's songwriting seems a bit too typical, despite being very well produced and performed. How many hundreds of bands suffer from the same thing?
Because of the recycled vibes,
Sending You Strength really fails to make a lasting impression. It's very clean and well done, but it just lacks its own identity. Regardless, fans of the style will probably enjoy this album for a while before they realize they've already got the same thing from 20 other bands on the side. There's something about the artwork that really catches the eye, and there aren't as many hardcore breakdowns here as there are in most of the other clones. It's worth hearing to determine how you feel about it.
Official Means Website
Official Facedown Records Website
