| “Whisper War,” The Cab's latest release on the infamous Fueled By Ramen Records, has a title so epic it outdoes itself. Still, this record relays refreshing pop punk anthems amidst a wave of the typical and the predictable. Needless to say, the genre’s context lends itself to a sort of pleading innovation, where most of the bands miss the board entirely by stretching themselves too thin—or by not making themselves different enough.
Thankfully, The Cab's effort encounters this plea by offering a safe collection of catchy, satisfying tunes that are at once alike everything you’ve heard before, but strangely refreshing. Maybe it’s the hefty production, but especially in an ocean where there is no shortage of catchy, reflective pop punk bands, The Cab overcame the challenging effort of making it to the surface.
The first release that quickly comes to mind paralleling Whisper War is Acceptance’s disappointing-in-sales-but-outstanding-in-quality final release, “Phantoms.” Both these albums swell with in-your-face rock and soaring vocals; both have exceptional production. While The Cab's timing isn’t quite what Acceptance’s was, this record rocks from start to finish.
Dynamically, the band is right on target. One of the most powerful tracks, “Bounce,” crashes in with a cohesive, radio-ready chorus and blasting vocals—only to contrast with a breathy, quiet verse. Sure, the lyrics and whispery “ahhs” are all too familiar, but the clean cut production and pulsating energy is undeniably fresh.
Aside from the last song “This City Is Contagious,” which has the most profound energy and hooky chorusing on the entire record—not to mention the most witty clever guitar riffs—most of the album is safe and consistent. It’s nothing that will change your life, or blow your mind. And where the title “Whisper War” stretches to epic proportions while the album as a whole doesn’t quite reach that goal, it’s nothing short of a good, fun listen that reminds me of the days I first got into catchy pop-rock.
~ Wayne
May 01 2008 |
