.
Is it a hit, *hit or miss?
Earshot � Two 
by Brad Podray

Earshot � Two
Label: Warner Bros.
Hit, *hit or Miss?:  Miss
Rating

3 seconds into the first track.  Within this time, I now know the entire scope of Earshot's album "Two."  By the end of these seconds, I know that they are a pop nu-metal band.  I know that the music will be predictable and easy to play.  I know that this is manufactured pop/rock for the hard audience.  These guys are no better than any pop nu-metal band that's ever come out.  If it sounds like I'm being hard on nu-metal, that's because someone has to be.  I'm predicting one acoustic, heartfelt song somewhere in the middle/end of the album.  I'm also wagering that they've read the nu-metal handbook, addressing the absolute necessity of contrasting low guitar notes with absolutely necessary high notes.  They need the hard-soft formula that modern rock is known for.  We need clean tone acoustic single notes during the verses and distorted guitar chords during the choruses.  This last sentence is a must.  I'm also wagering that the lyrics will focus on loneliness, hate, despair, and the offhand reference to death and/or suicide.  

Please reader, know that this sentence and all of the above paragraph is being written as the first track is playing.  I'm typing very fast so that I can get this all out before the first track is over.  First track is over.  I'm going to continue listening and complete the review. 
 
All of my above predictions are right.  There is nothing groundbreaking about Earshot.  If you like Nu-metal, buy this CD now, for it will definitely fit right in with the other bands you like.  I don't want to read a single response saying that I'm jaded against nu-metal and that's why the review is bad.  I can fully recognize the talent placed into that genre and I can also fully recognize what happens if a major label digests the formula and spits it out in a way that sounds like Earshot's "Two."  These songs were meant for radio play.

Might I add... Earshot is being showered with accolades from respected music magazines (I did not seek out other reviews, but their blurbs are proudly plastered on a sticker placed on the CD case).  It's about time someone gave them an honest review.  Someone has to prove that there still exists such thing as diversity in taste.  Music like this must be stopped. 

Probably the only people who respond to this will be Earshot fans who have already purchased the CD and therefore would not have a need to read a review, yet did anyways.
 
Sure to please- Nu-metal fans.
 
Sure to disappoint- Everyone who isn't a nu-metal fan.
 



CD Info and Links


Tracks:
Wait
Tongue-Tied
Fall Apart
Someone
Rotten Inside
Down
Nice To Feel The Sun
Again
Goodbye
Should've Been There
Control 
Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online

 



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