Classic Case plays rock in the vein of acts like Trust Co., Hoobastank, newer Linkin Park and possibly Jimmy Eat World (era-Futures).
The opening song "Into a Nightmare" is both a good indicator of what is to come during the next eleven tracks, while simultaneously being a tad misleading. It's a catchy rock track complete with mellow-to-build-up-bridge and a soaring chorus, but it has those bells and whistles that will turn off most indie listeners. It's catchy and tortured, but with production tricks that complicate and contradict the sentiment. The lyrics to songs like "Scott Free" will probably annoy anyone who has graduated high school and that cheesy-ness permeates the album in places that could have been devastatingly good.
However there are many redeeming points such as the Cave In (era-Antennae) sounding track "Devil's Advocate" and the more drawn out and ethereal rock song "Fatal Phrase". While there are some cool things happening here, and while Classic Case shows much promise as a developing rock band, they walk the line between indie band and major label arena rockers a little too much. I wish they would either commit to a less produced and more abrasive sound (increasing perceived authenticity), or just cut loose and go for the gold (literally).
They are good enough to do either, but on "Losing At Life" they shoot themselves in the foot more than once. With that said, there are many enjoyable parts and if you can look past certain elements this could be a very agreeable album for you.
The opening song "Into a Nightmare" is both a good indicator of what is to come during the next eleven tracks, while simultaneously being a tad misleading. It's a catchy rock track complete with mellow-to-build-up-bridge and a soaring chorus, but it has those bells and whistles that will turn off most indie listeners. It's catchy and tortured, but with production tricks that complicate and contradict the sentiment. The lyrics to songs like "Scott Free" will probably annoy anyone who has graduated high school and that cheesy-ness permeates the album in places that could have been
