Some groups can't decide if they're good or bad, thus falling into the ever-mediocre category of average. On April 17, the Chicago-based group, 1997, will be releasing their debut album, "A Better View of the Rising Moon."
1997 polishes a punk/acoustic folk sound, creating an intriguing and dynamic sound throughout the disc. Despite the unique style the group produces, their lyrics are nothing more than run of the mill.
The text lacks poetic meaning, simply giving the songs coherence. It gives the feeling that 1997 wouldn't include lyrics if they didn't have to.
The lack of lyrical effort is plain in songs like "Grace."
"Tell me why the snow is white / But I can't wash it all away? / You left last spring / you went to find something you could see / But could never speak / West winds will wash you away / Love will lift you off the ground / Don't be afraid," sings Kevin Thomas.
It's clear that 1997's strong point is their musical ability. Although some songs tend to drag, they're musing of male and female voices sustains interest. This kind of technique is slightly comparable to The Hush Sound, while their music will remind listeners most of old school All American Rejects.
"Garden of Evil" serves as a perfect example of their uneven balance of ambition, creating stylish sounds to match painfully unoriginal lyrics.
"I ran through the Garden of Evil / Traced your steps / Saw it all / Did he hold your hand the way you prefer? / Did he ask you like I asked you your first time? / Turn the lights off / I don't want to see myself doing this," sings Thomas.
The diversity does bring a lot of creative ideas to the table, but at times it feels that they are trying to cover too many bases at once.
Lyrics aside, 1997 certainly has potential. Their music is harmonized well due to the use of different voices. Unfortunately, their music cannot make up for their lack of poetic ability. It seems that 1997 has tried too hard to establish themselves, instead of sounding like everyone else.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
