The Good
"Soldiers of Misfortune" [sample] is not only a tribute to our
soldiers in Iraq, but a criticism of our government for putting them out
there. The
guitars keep
a steady flow while Richard Patrick gives it his vocal all on the choruses.
Meaty bass licks dominate the opening chords of "What's Next." Driving
chugga-chugga riffs take you the rest of the way. Filter breaks out the
acoustics for
"Cold [Anthem for the Damned]." A steady drum beat and Patrick's
empowered vocals control the flow of "Hatred is Contagious." Filter
take the gloves off on "The Take." This has to be the most fevered
and powerful track the band has ever produced.
The Bad
If you've heard one Filter song, you've heard them all. Patrick plays it
safe by staying inside the box and never breaking his predictable formula.
The acoustic songs all sound like "Take a Picture" and the electric tracks
all have subdued verses followed by wailing choruses.
The Verdict
There's no denying that lyrically, Patrick is disenchanted with the current
state of events going on in the world. However, he can't seam to break
the 90s industrial sound barrier that left the mainstream (and underground)
almost as soon as it arrived.
Did You Know?
Richard Patrick is the brother of actor Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, Walk
the Line).
FILTER
out
of 5
