This review of Saosin's debut album was also printed in Rival Street Press May 2007 edition.
Album Review
Saosin – Saosin
By Tom Mattessi
Californian band Saosin have been around for a few years now, but have only just released their debut self titled album. Their two preceding EP’s helped the band build a rabid American fanbase, and most savvy Australian fans know how good the band are. The long awaited debut full length is confirmation of the talent of a band that promised so much on last years Taste of Chaos tour.
Saosin are a band that mix the epic choruses of 90’s skate punk with the more technical musicianship of modern hardcore acts, minus the screaming that characterises a lot of popular contemporary bands. And like many of their 90’s predecessors they have produced a start-to-finish album without a weak link. The songs are driven by extreme drum parts: massive 4-beat roles and ultra-technical, driving rhythms. Guitarists Justin and Joe trade super fast riffs throughout each song. But what sets the band apart from many talented modern acts is the amazingly high pitched voice of vocalist Cove Reber.
When Saosin lost charismatic original vocalist Anthony Green a few years ago, many fans lamented the premature demise of a band with limitless potential. Somehow, they found a new vocalist with an identically high voice. But the new singer is not just a voice. As the album proves, his song writing ability is undeniable. ‘Voices’ is the perfect choice for a first single, and its chorus line ‘we sing in different voices’ is perhaps an unconscious nod to the fans who doubted the replacement singers ability. ‘You’re not Alone’ will doubtless be the singalong anthem on the upcoming tour, and ‘I never wanted to’ is a great revamp of an old song. The album is awesome all the way, and the band, refreshingly, avoid screaming for a focus on pure melody and anthemic choruses. It comes with a bonus DVD. Saosin tour Australia in May. The shows should not be missed.
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