The name sounds familar, and I'm pretty sure that these guys have rolled through Cincinnati, Ohio a few times in the past few years, however, I have no recollection of the styling sounds the band creates.
Here I am reviewing The Berlin Project's latest release The Things We Say from Orange Peal Records, and I have no biases going into the reviewing process. I don't have an undying love for the band, nor do I have a seething hatred for some guys I might suppose to be pricks- rather, having never heard The Berlin Project, I am fairly confident in saying that this will be a CLEAN, unbiased review, so you might just want to take it for what it is.
The Things We Say is 11 tracks of pop driven music, fueled by gigantic hooks, melodic sing-along choruses, and intense drumming, which forms the backbone to most of the songs on this, the band's first label backed release.
"In Your Head", "Running In Circles", and "Walking Papers" blast out of the gate as the album's first three songs, and most impressive songs on the album. The melodies and guitar work is comparable to Cincinnati's The Junior Revolution. I read somewhere that the band's music can be lumped in with Sum 41, and Good Charlotte, but this doesn't seem to be the case.
As the album progresses I find this to become more true, as the songs are mostly rock driven, with a great singer moving the words along in a mesmerizing way. His voice has a uniqueness to it, that manages to be soothing, and not annoying.
"Celebrity", track eight, is a total sing-along; Belan's voice shines throughout, while guitar licks reminiscient to Gun's And Roses sneak into the song every once in a while. Keyboardist Aaron Mediate compliments the song by punching in catchy diddies on his synthesizer creating an 80's style vibe as well.
"All You Wanted Was A Crowd" begins in anthem rock fashion, both loud and wailing, but later relegates itself to a Midtown-ish sounding song, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
After nine years and many line-up changes, The Berlin Project seem to have found a formula that works. The Things We Say, while not one of my Top 5 records of 2003, shows just how far this band has evolved over the years, and it is pleasant enough to help thrust the band's hard hitting pop-rock melodies into my head for what will probably be months to come.
Check out MP3's here and form your own opinion of The Berlin Project.