Had Metro Station, the four-piece electro-pop outfit hailing from Southern California, released its self-titled debut record five or ten years ago, it may have been deserving of more attention. The trouble here is that the album has just been released, toting a tired and worn-out sound.
Right away it's clear what the band's intentions are as "Seventeen Forever" kicks off the album, an obvious teenage anthem about enjoying life at a young age before it's too late.
While this opening track is certain to get flocks of pre-pubescent boys and girls alike chanting along, it's far from original. Ironically, just a few songs later, that same pre-pubescent flock will surely be swept away by lead singer Trace Cyrus in "Wish We Were Older."
The problem isn't that the band members are young, but rather that Metro Station produces a clich?(c)d, repetitive sound.
While some of the dance beats and keyboard/synthesizer riffs are catchy and lined with potential at times, it just ends up being too much regurgitated fluff and not enough real substance.
The lyrics are so uninspiring and dispassionate that it is just hard to believe that these artists have any real experiences worthy of writing music about.
A solid example of this is the near vomit-inducing "Tell Me What to Do," in which Cyrus weakly pleads throughout the chorus.
"Girl, tell me what to do/I'm so in love/I'm so in love with you, you, you," sings Cyrus.
If it's any consolation, Metro Station without a doubt will appeal to the aforementioned "young" crowd. Unfortunately, this has all been done before, but in a smarter, wittier, and more heartfelt style by countless other bands.
At a running time of just over a half hour, the kids who love Metro Station will be able to familiarize with it quickly, while those who see right through it won't have to waste the time.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
