Review by Matt Miller
Aphasia debuts with a catchy and energetic Fact & Fiction. A little too upbeat, however Fact & Fiction leaves a repetitive, ‘40 minute single’ impression that mars the genuine musicianship.
The standout series of songs on the album begins with a solemn guitar melody and slow, emotional vocal verse in a 47 second track “The Truths I See.” Building up slightly with the rhythm section, this brief, yet complete track halts a moment before “Someday” picks up in a melodic reflection of the previous track. Equal parts solemn and upbeat, this song extends into the only variety on the album, falling back on that initial melody, while also venturing into others, including even a brief acoustic intrusion after a decidedly heavy section.
“Release (This We End Tonight)” extends the short series as one of the heavier tracks. Although it has a distinctly poppy chorus which makes me suck on the back of my teeth to hear it, the generally heavy feel gives just enough character to be refreshing, kind of like that that friend you know is a jackass when you meet him, but you hang out once in a while anyway for the sake of mixing things up.
Wrapping up the series, “Compromise” begins in an amalgam of mellow and upbeat, with soft guitars but speedy rhythm, which redirect into a slower acoustic verse before coming into a full on heavy riff in the chorus. It’s a little contrived, but entertaining nonetheless because it has at least a moderate amount of movement.
Overall, Fact & Fiction is a decent debut, like an expansion team that goes .500. Not playoff worthy, but impressive for rookies. The skill is there, but it’s somewhat stifled.