10
Years
The Autumn Effect
Universal
Records, August 2005
Offensive words: none
Genre: hard rock/alt rock
If you like this music the I would check out
Anberlin
or Terminal.
Based in Knoxville, TN, 10 Years is an alternative hard rock band
with an incomparable sound that is destined to create an island of its
own. Formed three years ago, 10 Years created a strong underground
following with their independent release Killing All That Holds You. In
2005, 10 Years signed with Republic/Universal Records, entered the
studio with producer Josh Abraham (Staind, Velvet Revolver) and recorded
their debut album The Autumn Effect.
The Autumn Effect has arrived just in time to counteract the cynicism
and to take rock music to its next logical destination. "Humanity
is slowly shutting down," says the band's frontman Jesse Hasek, who
points to the current rock scene as a prime example of this lack of
community. "Music is supposed to be about intensity and feeling,
but there's no thinking behind the music that's out there today. We want
people to think, to feel emotions again. We're always plugged in, or
connected to something, part of the machine, but the more we plug in,
the less human we become."
Music
I honestly had no clue what to expect when popping in the cd. I
don't remember getting a bio or anything when I was sent the cd but
sometimes that is good because I then have no preconceived notion about
the band. What I found was an extremely tight alt rock band with
plenty of edge. The hard rock genre is often over crowded but these guys
are in a league of their own. "Waking Up" has a great and
interesting intro going quickly into a powerful bass line followed up
quickly by the dual guitar hook driven chorus. The songs kept getting
better and better as I listened to the album. Many songs like
"The Recipe" have a haunting feel in the beginning which holds
and pulls you in. This song is one of the best on the album with
speed variations and great musicianship. "Seasons to Cycle" is
an amazing song bringing strings as a highlight to this melodic and peaceful
track. There is not a bad song on the album...it is full of gut wrenching
music that adds an incredibly haunting and unique feel to an overcrowded
market. This will be an album you will be hearing a lot from over the
next year.
Lyrically/Vocally
Wow, an amazingly deep and compassionate cd dealing with inner
strife and turmoil and also touching on hidden demons we all must face
and the struggle to do the right thing. Many songs deal with
relationships and bring a heart felt approach to the pain and
emotion that we go through in them. Nothing on the offensive side and
some songs have heavy spiritual overtones with religious references. I
don't know that the members are Christian but the band does take a positive approach in improving
one's self. Led by Jesse Hasek, the band takes a grunge/alt rock
approach with great vocals with just enough grit to give them a great
hard rock and bluesy edge.
Overall, this is an incredible album, vocally, musically and lyrically. The
haunting vibe will pull you in and hold you throughout the full 13
tracks to the amazing musical number on the very end.
"Cast It Out"
Cast it out I'm watching your eyes
Casting out my visions of nine
Blacking out
Cast it out I'm watching your eyes bleed dry
Touch with frustrated lips
Love is like starting over
With every step engraving the problems of memories
"Paralyzing Kings"
The death of a king
Alluring lassos slide on so smooth
Tension made of razors
Dragging across you
The flushing of eyes
Couldn't cleanse your abrasions
Deep inside consumed with guilt
I'm clothed in a bed of blankets
Dream suspicious strangers over night
Righteous Pharisees befriending
Silent movements mar reinjuring God
The taste of absent minded actions outweigh forgiveness