R50 is an unsigned band based in Florida. When putting "All time Low" on the stereo you immediately sense that
R50 symbolizes extremely well-played rock music. From the first notes of
Drag you have to surrender to singer Geoff Abraham's great pipes, which ooze American rock when it's most tuneful. The vocals are very visible and absolutely the trademark of
R50.
Bassist Aaron Akers lays a solid foundation to
R50's Rock music and he has co-written 3 songs on the disc among them my favorite
Something Better. Listen to drummer Drew Thompson on
Something Better, since his drumming style is very entertaining and it makes
R50 Rock and Roll.
Other favorites include the title track and
The Life I Know with amazing vocals and a catchy chorus. Another version of
The Life I know is to be found as hidden bonus track in a semi-acoustic version with the piano more up-front. The only really up-tempo song
All Over You has lyrics that hit bulls eye on my current situation.
Alive is another memorable track with a catchy chorus, which I have got on the brain.
Overall
R50 definitely has radio potential in the US. Unfortunately radio is dead in Europe, but that should not prevent Europeans from enjoying this disc. The only flaw is sometimes
R50 sounds a bit without identity
(My Sweet Enemy, A Better version) and you tend to get the feeling that you have heard it before. However, Geoff Abraham's voice has so much edge and expression. The vocals are the leitmotif of "All Time Low" and they add a new dimension and differentiation to
R50 well-penned material.
The material seems occasionally a bit even with the many mid-tempo songs when listening to the whole record. A sappy ballad, acoustic song or more hard-hitting rockers would break the even flow. It's pretty much mid-tempo rock all over, but its consistent and the sound on the CD makes you think this is a major release.
Lately I have been collecting Goo Goo Dolls releases, but that is unnecessary, because
R50 perform this type of US Rock better. "All Time Low" is
R50's third album - give it a try.
Written by
Michael Thursday, July 15, 2004
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