Review by Rachel Jablonski
I may not be a qualified psychiatrist on paper, but I certainly feel authorized to make an educated prognosis of the debut album from Cinder. After carefully reviewing the signs and symptoms associated with the musical persona, I have come to an assured conclusion.
Diagnosis: The album entitled Break Your Silence is unmistakably suffering from the unsoundness of a condition called Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).
I’m not simply referring to variation in key, well choreographed mood changes, or complicated musical arrangements as the basis for my standpoint, but more to the blatant leaps from song to song disfiguring the overall character of the album. Forthrightly, the album sounds as if it were written and composed by multiple bands with various styles and personalities, rather than one rock based foursome from Ft. Myers, FL.
The very first song called “Soul Creation” is livid with energy. When I first heard this single featured on my hometown radio station I immediately found it snagging my attention. Crunchy guitars dominate while catchy beat and smooth vocals create a rise in blood pressure. By the time Roger sings, “Not enough to break not enough to break noooooooot enough to FUCKING BREAK THIS!” I’m pure pumped. However, the song is somewhat reminiscent of acts I’ve heard before. The verses sound to me as if Sully from Godsmack were singing them. In addition, particularly during chorus, the overall feeling makes me think of the song “Vanishing Cream” by The Hunger. Disregarding these brief reminders, “Soul Creation” really displays some strong points and power, giving off a full proof rock vibe. Another track called “Ugly” fits along these same lines as well.
In contrast, “Crutch,” and “Consuela” break into a slightly different musical approach and style. The vibe is that of the grunge era where bands like Alice in Chains reigned supreme. Interestingly, the vocals in these three songs are at times quite similar to that of the late Layne Staley of Alice in Chains as well. As a diehard Alice in Chains fan I find this to be rather disappointing and slightly disgraceful unfortunately.
At other times, such as in “Lush” and “Break Your Silence,” acoustic guitars dominate allowing for a slower paced tempo. The mood is not as dark or heavy, but is in fact very happy, soft, and upbeat. These tracks are more suggestive of Stone Temple Pilot sounding material and for good reason. Mr. Scott Weiland himself contributes lyrics and vocals on “Lush.” Weiland was much involved in this album as it turns out.
Clinical Data: The reason pertaining to the creation of an album with MPD… multiple producers.
Weiland produced nine of the album’s eleven tracks. In addition, Jay Baumgartner (Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm, and Drowning Pool) and John Kurzweg (Creed, Puddle of Mudd) lent a hand in the production process as well. Attempting to create a collaborative effort in the production department seems to have backfired. Rather than creating a fluent and flowing album, the work is comprised of short and choppy songs completely unrelated in feeling and forecasting a severe case of MPD.
Break Your Silence from Cinder exhibits some strong points musically and definitely displays some decent song writing, but as a complete work I find it to be too hard to absorb and ultimately connect with.