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Without
even hearing The Salads, I knew through their fierce live reputation
that they were a fun loving, ska-influenced frat rock band. But
since their third release, 2003's Fold A to B, and their
subsequent chart topping single "The Roth
Fung Fu," Darren Dumas (lead vocals), Dave Ziemba (lead
guitar), Chuck Dailey (bass), and Grant Taylor (drums) have
all gone thru some life changing events. From band members
getting married, babies being born, and having all their studio
equipment stolen, the past three years have been an emotional
roller coaster.
All
these changes in the band's personal lives, was bound
to affect The Salads musical state. Their fourth release,
The Big Picture, is their evolution from ska-rockers
to a melting pot of hard rock, pop punk, and metal influences
that reminded me of a mix between Sum 41 (see first single "Growing
Up")
and Alter Bridge (see the perfect radio rock track "Circles")
with a punk edge.
While The
Big Picture does features some undeniably catchy, yet tender
lyrics, and fun metal riffs, you might find mid-way thru
the CD, that The Salads new sound and their use of numerous cheesy
production techniques (especially on vocals and drums) result
in generic-sounding tracks. The Salads have
a knack for writing some catchy melodies, but on The Big Picture,
they may have alienated old fans just to adhere to rock radio
standards. (Maui Wowie Records/Kindling
Music/Warner Music)  |
