Underoath drummer expands musical horizons

Oct. 14, 2009

Photo Courtesy of EMI Music The Almost, side project of Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, releases their first studio album in November. Their EP is available now from Hot Topic.

By Kim Douglass
Reporter

Drummer Aaron Gillespie of Underoath has returned to the music scene with his latest project, "The Almost." Though their official album, 'Monster Monster,' doesn't come out until Nov. 3, the band and its label have joined together with Hot Topic to promote the band's limited edition five song EP, which is currently on sale.

The EP takes a card from past albums "Southern Weather" and their last EP "No Gift to Bring," but the difference is rather than Gillespie doing the majority of the work, both writing and recording, it is an entire band effort.

The special edition package will include the full-length version of 'Monster Monster' and two compact discs -- one of music (three album cuts and two b-sides) and a second blank disc to download the full album with a promotional code the day of release from Hot Topic's partner Web site, ShockHound.com.

On the opening track, 'Lonely Wheel,' the drum work done during the verse will draw the ears in. Initially there is a complexity before transitioning into a simple beat meant for steering wheel tapping.

Vocally, however, this is not Gillespie's best. At times he sounds like the male version of Paramore's Hayley Williams. Lyrically, this song is pretty much what one would expect with a title like this -- boy gives into his indulgences. Is it a girl? Drugs? We don't know.

But one thing that's definitely true is that this song relies way too much on the fact that it's catchy. It has tons of radio appeal and is intended for sing-a-longs in the car, but beyond that it doesn't have much else going for it.

"Monster" closes out the EP and with its slower acoustic appeal. This song takes a change from the entire album. Lyrically, the song shows a depth not readily exhibited through the band's other efforts.

The entire song is Gillespie asking an unidentified person to look past the outer appearance and inside to the real person. A pretty classic story line that is saved by the backing guitars, they add the necessary beauty, with their hint of country, they make this song work.

Then just when the song seems like it can get no better, the band takes it up a notch with electric guitars and drums.

However, the song that stands out the most is second track 'Hands.' It has a higher energy and shows the true work this band has done to become more professional with their sound. Though it is comparable to the latest Boys like Girls songs 'Love Drunk,' it still leaves a notable impact. Also, it finally shows Gillespie's own vocal capabilities; not the mirroring of other singers, which when left on its own is not that bad.

As a whole, this EP shows, musically, that each member has done their own individual part on improving from an adequate group two years ago to one that has every technical aspect. Tighter guitar riffs and less sporadic drum breakdowns are locked down.

They've proven studio workers can only clean up so much, and when a group doesn't know what they're doing, it still shows.

In this case, they have gotten it all together in a very small amount of time.

Grade: C+

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