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| ExhaustraExits & Escapes2004 Greyvan 
 Review by: Brian See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
Exhaustra (link) Only registered users can post comments 
 Published on August 31st 2004
Is it at all hypocritical to call something "straightforward indie rock?" Most likely, but with Exhaustra's Exits & Escapes, I can't help but find myself slapping them with the awkward label. The band plays up front, contemplative, guitar-driven rock with a not-quite vocal tenor that gives off a Some Records-like feel, but without the focus on experimental, post-rock tendencies. The emphasis placed on occasionally catchy joints and hip-slapping hooks keeps things interesting; Exhaustra succeeds fairly well in this sense, because they don't seem fit for spastic genre-hopping. It's certain that the record suffers from a substantial amount of generally under whelming moments, but its knack for staying consistent in moods and pace places it on a scale a fair amount higher than the proverbial notch marked "background music." The flow between tracks is perfect, but the songs don't really build within themselves. While "Vs. the Robots," for example, is a yearning, competent rocker, its failure to really hit a climax in the bridge is frustrating. Exits & Escapes is worth a gander, but will probably find you scratching your head searching for the exit.
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I thought the songs were great, original and catchy. The review, not the music, is what left me scratching my head. I could see a "straightforward rock" label, even "punk rock", but "indie" is definitely not the feel of the music. I was also confused by the statement "...they don't seem fit for spastic genre-hopping..." I have no idea what that means. And finally, putting this band on a scale with background music is just not right. Even though you said the music was better than that, the comparison was still made. A reply is requested Brian...please clarify for me... tie dye the whites red, BA-DA-DA-DAAA!! You're one up on me, but i'll get it back. more downward-pointing thumbs for the reviewer not mentioning that the band recorded and released the album themselves. Thumbs down to this review for not mentioning the band gets it's name from a Radon song. (Yes, I have asked.) there's no screaming on the record, so how can it sound like thrice's vox? sounds like Nickleback with Thrice Vox, 13 year olds will eat this up. nickelback? come on. you people kill me. they sound like thrice which ain't bad. These guys could open for Nickleback, this SUCKS! i might be able to trust your review a little more if you didnt label the band completely wrong, if you ask me this band is a punk influenced rock band and their album (especially tracks 1,2, and 9) makes me orgasm with its badass use of two guitars and badass original sounding vocals. I think everyone missed the part where I said STRAIGHTFORWARD. "It's certain that the record suffers from a substantial amount of generally under whelming moments" indie-rock? if the reviewer means 'independent rock,' then i agree. but indie-rock brings to mind jangle-y stuff like modest mouse, et al. exhaustra seem to have roots in punk or hardcore, depending on your definition of either. it's a great debut album from a band i hope we'll hear more of in the future. While this record is not experimental or vocally driven I think that it is by far and away the best local band record I have listened to in quite some time. Far too many bands latley are trying to sound like Thursday or Taking Back Sunday, and it is refreshing to hear a band that succesfully produces good "Rock" music. Not crappy Creed or Puddle of Mudd Rock, but music with some classic elements to it, that isn't afraid to throw a face melting guitar solo in it. Rock on Exhaustra; Rock on! Wow, how in the world could you be so shallow about one of the best albums to come out this summer. Perhaps you were to busy writing about Anna Kournikova and the Strike Anywhere guitarist to actually listen to the album. yea, not sure about the indie rock comment either. u Sux!11 yu only ment01ned 1 s0ng from teh album who chuld i no if eye lyke thiz or not??!1? I'm so cool because I knew about this band, and I'm not even from Florida. |
