| |
| Hint: Follow a reviewer to be notified when they post reviews. | Author's Rating
No one has rated this album. You can be the first. Inside AP.net
| Panic Division, The - Versus | The Panic Division – Versus
Release Date: November 1, 2005
Record Label: The Militia Group
Let’s do a little mind experiment, shall we? Take The Jealous Sound, de-indie-fy them, inject them with a 300% dose of hard, heavy rock, heap layers upon layers of dark, atmospheric, electronic textures on the band’s palette, and marvel at the product: The Panic Division. The band’s Militia Group debut, Versus, is an exceptionally crafted, melancholy, dark, electronic-based, spacey, heavy-hitting, pop-tinged rock record; yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Whereas many bands these days scatter electronics throughout their songs simply as an afterthought, The Panic Division actually writes their songs based off the electronic loops they create. Such a process results in a very genuine sounding record: the electronic loops and keyboards weave in and out of the songs gracefully, never coming or leaving abruptly, but always setting the mood and helping to carry the songs where they need to go. Weaned on such artists as Aphex Twin, DJ Shadow, and Snapcase, singer Colton Holliday says the band tries to combine electronic and rock music “the right way.” Well, Mr. Holliday, The Panic Division has succeeded. With flying colors.
When I listen to Versus, I am immersed in a world all my own. The mood the album creates is one I empathize with: melancholy, and a sense of loneliness. Err, I guess that makes me sound like I’m depressed, but I’m not. It’s just a warm feeling to know that other people can create music that sounds the way I feel at times—after all, isn’t that what music is about? Whenever I listen to the album, I feel like I’m wandering around in a desolate, urban, city late at night, just walking and thinking. Yeah, that’s pretty weird, I know, but the album does that to me. And I love every second of it.
The rich, textural electronic samples perfectly complement the heavy, hard-hitting guitars, and though I’ve said this before, the fusion of the two really is remarkable. The synth loops are deep and expressive, the swirling, oft-delayed guitars are full-bodied and ready to smack you in the face, and the vocals and harmonies are smooth and melodious. The production is nice and thick with the guitars, but allows for some breathing room too—it fits the music perfectly. If you were reading this review to figure out whether or not to buy the album, the answer is a resounding yes. Well done, The Panic Division, well done. |
|
|
Displaying posts 1 - 9 of 9. |
01:07 AM on 11/25/05 | Hmm. I listened to it once and didn't think it was anything too special. I guess I'll give it another try if I come across it. | | |
|
06:24 AM on 11/25/05 | I love this album. It's really good. | | |
|
06:54 AM on 11/25/05 | these guys are pretty good, not like everything else you hear these days | | |
|
01:01 AM on 11/27/05 | I just attended a concert and when I came back to my car, an annoying sticker was on my windshield. And who did it feature? The Panic Division. | | |
|
07:55 AM on 01/16/06 | I'm really loving this album lately. | | |
|
12:37 AM on 01/26/06 | Originally Posted by Nick Lopez Hmm. I listened to it once and didn't think it was anything too special. I guess I'll give it another try if I come across it. |
Took me a few tries too. It's an amazing album. | | |
|
08:51 AM on 02/01/06 | Soaring. Thats the one word that comes to mind when I listen to this album. I've seen them live three times. And I love it. They're also great guys. Very fun to hang out with and chill over coffee. Very receptive to hearing about all the different areas they are in. | | |
|
12:19 PM on 03/17/06 | awesome ambient riffs.....love this album | | |
|
|
| Options
More From This Author Buy the Music |
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Artist Profile
View News Articles
Stream the Music
Buy the Album or MP3s
View Profile Picture
View Signature
Posts: 16,913
View Blog
Follow This Review
More Reviews By This Author