Allele – Point Of Origin Review
Posted by Brandon Ratliff on 11.14.2005
No, it’s really not Cold.
Allele – Point Of Origin
Release Date: October 25th, 2005
Label: Corporate Punishment Records
First Single: Closer To Habit
Recommended Downloads: Closer To Habit, Fake, Lost In Your Words
Allele is:
Vocals: Wally Wood
Guitar: Lane Maverick
Guitar: Kelly Hayes
Bass: Tim Tobin
Drums: Giancarlo Autenzio
Often times in the music industry, bands come and go. Many never make so much as a tiny ripple in the mainstream, and whether that is a good thing, in a world where money seems to rule all, is up to you. Many bands discontinue doing it "for the love of the music" once the label cuts them a large check to write an album full of catchy radio hits, and this is always what starts the downfall of many bands. Take Machine Head for example. They left Roadrunner Records, and before doing so, a ton of labels were courting them promising a new deal practically right away. After they actually left, all of a sudden they needed to put together a new demo an EPK (electronic press kit), and practically every label (even so called metal labels) told them they had to write a radio hit before they'd get signed. Out of that, and their four song demo came the track "Pins And Needles." The song is still (understandably) unreleased, and now the music for it is mostly the same music as the Robert Flynn written "Army Of The Sun" track on the Roadrunner United album. But enough of that. The point is that, due to creative differences (read: one band member wanted to go more radio friendly with another disagreeing) is the biggest reason for band members leaving, or bands breaking up. As for former Cold guitarist Kelly Hayes, i'm not sure if that was the case here, but if it was, i'd be surprised.
Allele is a band you've heard, and think you know who they are, but you don't. The average music listener can't get back what's on the surface…vocal melodies, chorus music, et cetera. This is why Allele, even if they do happen to break into the mainstream, will get lost in the crowd. On the surface, Allele sound a decent amount like Cold. But don't let that fool you. If you are able to delve into the details, this album will seem like a whole different entity to you. Maverick and Hayes, simply put, have a chemistry most pairs of guitarists would die for. What brought it about is unknown, but they play off of each other so well, often times you will find yourself drawn into both guitar parts. And unlike Cold ever did, they actually do realize that they do indeed have two guitarists, and make use of them. Their melodic trade offs, while subtle, are astounding. Quite often you do have to listen for them, and they occasionally get lost in the mix, but they are definitely there. With all of that being said, let's get to the song breakdown.
Fake: This one starts out with a heavy, almost Ill Nino like guitar riff. The verse is slower (enter example number one of superb guitar work), but that is just like the equivalent of taking a breather. The intro riff kicks back in for the pre-chorus, which leads right into the huge chorus. Damn that riff fucking rules. Interesting choice to open the album with, and don't be surprised if this becomes a single. My personal favorite track from the album.
A Different Someone: Crunchy, but slow paced guitars make up the intro and verse to this track. The haunting guitar lead behind the chorus plays into the phenomenal lyrics courtesy of Wally Wood perfectly. I could try to break down what the lyrics mean, but I think it would have more effect if you were to take your own meaning from them.
Closer To Habit: You know, i've played this song for a few of my friends (of course, I only HAVE a few friends, but that is neither here nor there…it's over there somewhere), and every single one of them asked me if it was Cold. As i've said before, guitarist Kelly Hayes is formerly of Cold. In addition, vocalist Wally Wood has a similar vocal pattern to Scooter Ward, so it's at least understandable. Though saying this may get me somewhat accosted, I find Wood's lyrics to be for the most part superior. Anyhow, the song itself is a good choice for a single, and I hope it begins to see more airplay than it has so far.
Tightrope: This one is a bit more mellow than the first three tracks. "The pressure is building inside of me, the tension is taking over, I know that i'm strong enough to see, it's not about me" is what Walls sings during the chorus, and that can be used to describe his outlook on the music industry and how vocalists forget that they are part of a band (see also: Tarja Turunen). Maybe that wasn't his point with the lines, but it does fit.
Immune: This one is another slower number, and guitarists Hayes and Maverick's counter melodies throughout set the atmosphere well. The lead guitar track does occasionally get lost in the mix a bit, especially during the solo, but everything else blends together well otherwise.
Lost In Your Words: The first thing I really noticed in this song is the guitars in the chorus. I think when writing the song they should have dropped the notes they use, but, it's arguable that it is better this way because, for good or bad, the song sticks with you. The lead over the…pre-chorus I suppose it would be…is well placed, but yet again, kind of gets lost among the course of things. The solo has an interesting chorus effect added to it also. Just felt like mentioning that.
Misunderstood: I'm not sure why, but i'd swear i'd heard this song before. Odd. Anyhow, I can't really describe this song and do it justice. You just kind of have to hear it. Go buy the album. Now.
Stitches: The intro to this track straight up rules. Yeah, I said it. More great lyrics make their presence felt here, but the music is probably a bit too…deep, for lack of a better term. I think they should have kept it simple during the verse as the ethereal sounding clean guitar kind of gets put on the proverbial backburner to the lyrics, but it still works as it is. Granted, it would sound kind of empty without it, but even so. I don't know. I'm not really sure what happened to the vocal mix during the chorus, as it, at points, just almost completely drops out for no discernable reason.
Lies: Have I mentioned how good the guitar trade off is? Well, several times, but yet again, Maverick and Hayes continue to prove their inexplicably chemistry with one another. The rhythm section of the band shines here as well. It's nothing fancy, but damnit it works. An almost Sevendust like riff permeates the bridge as well.
Unknown: Considering that, as far as the "official" tracklisting goes, this is the last track, it certainly fits the role. The last track just has to have a certain feel…atmosphere to it. The music is fairly straightforward for the most part, save for some guitar leads thrown into the chorus for good measure. Also, look up the lyrics for this one. They rule. Seriously.
Find A Way: This is the hidden track on the album, and it is just an instrumental that is very well written. It only sounds like one guitar playing though. Well, as far as I could tell anyhow.
As I've mentioned several times, the two guitarists here have a writing chemistry that most would kill for. They manage to work a well placed guitar lead into every single song, and damn near in every single riff. The sad thing is that, due to some issues with the mix, and the fact that your average music fan is too shallow to appreciate it; most won't see Allele as much more than a simple Cold knockoff. Personally, I find them, while similar in overall sound, to be superior on every level. I do enjoy most of Cold's work, but seriously, I know Scooter Ward has had a very hard life, but does practically every single song have to be about it? Wood knows this, and his lyrics do cover many topics. Oh, and don't take my constant ranting about the guitars and lyrics as a derogatory statement towards the rhythm section. Autenzio and Tobin are in solid form on every single track as well. They know how to lay down the canvas, and the guitars and lyrics paint on it well. Sadly, the band will probably get lumped and never see the success that their songwriting skills warrant, but you never know. They are at the right home on Corporate Punishment Records, and they are all great guys as my interview indicates. So, if you happen to check out the band, don't listen to them. Immerse yourself in the music. Feel it…see it…do whatever you need to do, but delve deeper than the shallow end. I guarantee that you will come out completely differently if you do.
Oh, does it help to know that they put on a phenominal live show as well?
The 411: No short paragraph can properly describe the album, so just read the review. Or look at the score, then go buy the damn album.
