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If
there ever was a time to put Canada on the music map, that
time is now. With the recent musical explosion of rock bands
that are Canadian such as Nickelback, Default, Theory of a
Deadman, and now Noise Therapy, rock fans have a chance to
rejoice in their music once again.
Noise
Therapy was hand picked by Motley Crue to open for their reunion
tour, a big accomplishment on its own. Guitarist Kai even
toured with Methods of Mayhem in 2000. After regrouping and
adding some newfound ideas to their music, NT was signed to
newcomer Redline Records. This partnership between a label
shared by Prince and Pete Townshend could provide more of
a market share by drawing in the younger, more aggressive
market for Redline. Redline needs to attain as many break
out bands as it can, and Noise Therapy could be one of those
success stories you will eventually hear about in the near
future.
Tension
is heavy, adrenaline inducing, seamless hard rock that isn't
too overpowering, yet strong enough to fuel any pit. Chugging
guitars with plenty of distortion drive songs like "Get Up,
"Far Away", and "Star69" through the listener pounding some
memorable riffs and choruses into their head. "Far Away" is
by far the best song all around on the album. It's very similar
to Dry Cell musically, and brings out intense emotion through
a head banging riff line. The intensity is clearly identifiable,
which has led to the band's performances within the extreme
sports community, including a spring 2002 performance with
skateboarding legend Tony Hawk's Birdhouse production. Electronic
elements are even added into the mix, and since they are being
provided by Rhys Fuller (Fear Factory, Frontline Assembly);
you can understand why they fit so well into the music.
Some
songs on the album, such as "Yesterday" provide some acoustical
experiences that build up and change into heavier music like
the rest of the album. These build ups provide some stylish
adversity, keeping the listener on his/her toes and not becoming
boring through similar melodies. Little things like this usually
give bands character, which Noise Therapy has plenty of.
Is
the hard rock genre crowded with crap? Yes. Does Noise Therapy
go beyond this and enhance a genre that sorely needs attention?
Yes. Although this release did sneak up and seem to come from
nowhere, it deserves some attention. If you liked Default
but were looking for something heavier, this CD is just the
right thing for you.
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