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Signal to Noise

Kodiak
2007
Eyeball

Signal to Noise - Kodiak (Cover Artwork)

Review by: Chris
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Published on June 8th 2007

There are certain terms used far too often when speaking about music. Referring to an album as "overproduced" is usually pretty absurd. Who doesn't want their album to sound great, and not like it was recorded for SST in the mid 1980's, right? Well, the only problem is that overproduction can lead to a slight, or significant change in a group's overall sound. As is the case with Colorado's Signal to Noise, and their Eyeball Records debut, Kodiak.

Signal to Noise play your typical post-hardcore style of music. The traces of influence from bands like Hot Water Music, Jawbreaker, Jimmy Eat World and Sparta are obvious in the album's best tracks: "The Weather Machine," "The Wolves" and "Radiation." All three probably sound amazing live; however on Kodiak the production leans towards making these songs more polished than they should to be. That's bothersome, because STN write great songs, play them well, and are very honest and passionate about the music, which is clearly obvious in the actual delivery of the songs.

Generally, overproduction is used to cover something, or to add something a band is not capable of. Maybe a lack of technical ability, or vocals that need more work. This is what really frustrates me about Kodiak. STN are a great band. They write memorable songs, with catchy hooks, and well-arranged choruses and song structures. The dual vocals, trading off between melodic singing and gruff shouting, blend perfectly. The majority of the songs on Kodiak are anthemic, and condusive to a style that is clearly the band's own. However, the cleaner, crisper style in which the final mastering takes place with the material it causes the music to sound flat, and the vocals less urgent.

To some, these concerns may sound trivial or unimportant. I guess you will just have to judge for yourself. Overall, Kodiak is a good record, but with one minor flaw that really hurts the band by trying to add an aspect that simply isn't needed.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 11, 2007 at 6:14 PM (EDT)

Can't appease everyone, Chris! You can't change how you feel. Good review.

I have to admit though...it doesn't sound "over produced" to me, it sounds "clean". To me that's a HUGE difference. Over produced would mean massive amounts of layering, pro-tools glory and auto-tune. I don't think that has anything to do with being "tone deaf", it's just personal recording preference. This recording is sparse and spot on. Hold KODIAK up next to the new Fall Out Boy CD and you'll hear how UNDERproduced it is.

Posted by sickboi on 2007-06-11 16:22:39

Wow. You must be completely tone deaf. I personally love the songs on here, and think the band has an amazing sound. Unfortunately, the album is way too polished, to the point where is actually makes them sound like a different band. Sorry, but that's how I feel.

-Chris

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 11, 2007 at 3:09 PM (EDT)

I just got the album and it kicks ass from the first track to the last, can't wait to see them live!

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 4:29 PM (EDT)

how about writing a review about how bad this guys is. kodiak sounds great and is anything but over produced. opinions are like assholes and clearly this guy doesnt wipe

Posted by Kursk on 2007-06-09 17:50:57
My Score:

I haven't heard all of this album but the songs I have heard like "The Wolves" and "This Side of Texas" do not sound over produced to me, in fact they sound great. And this band is really fucking good too by the way, one of Eyeball's best recent signings.

Posted by lover13 on 2007-06-08 21:00:03

I love this album! I think the production makes it sound huge and great! Like Chris said, Kodiak is:

"memorable songs, with catchy hooks, and well-arranged choruses and song structures. The dual vocals, trading off between melodic singing and gruff shouting, blend perfectly. The majority of the songs on Kodiak are anthemic, and condusive to a style that is clearly the band's own."

It's too bad this review focuses almost entirely on production, only one small aspect of everyhing that goes into making a great record. In my humble opinion, the production works. Can't stop listening!

Posted by inagreendase on 2007-06-08 20:18:10
My Score:

This album's pretty good. Christ that dude that sounds like Jim Ward though.

Posted by rkl on 2007-06-08 16:25:45

There are certain terms used far too often when speaking about music
yeah, like post-hardcore.

Posted by thus_spoke_sean on 2007-06-08 13:14:26

you could take this whole review and replace STN with Monty Are I. that is the most sever case of over production my ears have ever witnessed.

Posted by the_other_scott on 2007-06-08 10:46:29
My Score:

definittley the best songs are "The Problem" and "a mendicant"

do yourself a favor and take a listen

Posted by SydBarrett420 on 2007-06-08 09:33:48
My Score:

Actually found myself digging parts of this. It makes my "to burn" pile. Will have to listen again to see what songs, if any, make my "keepers list."

Posted by osloboditelj on 2007-06-08 07:27:25

To deny the fact that too much interference from the engineer can noticeably change the sound of a record, often for the worse, is to suggest you don't really listen to the sound of a record at all.

Posted by imprettystoked on 2007-06-08 02:31:56
My Score:

This album is very good, and songs like "the weathermachine" lyrically always get me. I got this on tuesday when it came out and have listend to it non-stop.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 12:01 AM (EDT)

What the hell is wrong with SST's mid-80s sound? And, to SST's credit, you're thinking more of the producer known as Spot rather than SST itself. But even Spot had his own brand of charm.......