Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Pop

Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Alternative, Pop

Sixty Stories — Anthem Red Buy it at Amazon

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Sixty Stories have a formula apparent on their latest effort, Anthem Red, that screams independent success. Two parts Weezer, one part Jimmy Eat World and the added flavor of a female vocalist! Unfortunately Sixty Stories rely too much on the vocal abilities of Jo Snyder, and while she`s competent in the role, her monotone voice is just too weak to carry an entire album. For their part, Sixty Stories provide a steady supply of bass-heavy pop/rock delicacies that are hard to resist for the album`s first five songs, yet Snyder`s disenchanted vocals add a weight to the material that doesn`t compute. Anthem Red wants to be poppy but comes across sullen and depressed, and the band never seem to play to Snyder`s strengths. Sarah Sangster controls the album with her dominant bass presence, and it carries the album in several areas. Inevitably, Snyder`s drowning mumbles commandeer this ship, as "Constellations" follows a more post-hardcore tone and the band excels with this melodramatic weeper. "A Letter From Mom" rises above it`s surroundings as well with this formula, and the additional keyboard subtleties allow this to overcome it`s insecurities and stand out as one of the album`s most impressive offerings. Paul Furgale`s low-key percussion keeps the song from wallowing in a depressive mood, yet never consumes the dreary atmosphere either. Sixty Stories aren`t cut out for high-profile pop/rock, yet their moodier cathartic style of indie rock is mouth-watering in it`s intensity. Anthem Red is a scattershot rock record, yet for all it`s flaws, still holds your attention throughout.

- LochnessPimpster

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