Platitude Nine
Scarlet Records 2004
By Jason Jordan
Platitude have one of the goofiest band photos Ive ever seen. Their sophomore effort Nine isnt goofy, but it certainly is an average release.
Dark Mind is fairly energetic due to the upfront instrumentation and welcoming vocals. The guitar tones, and the riffs themselves, are above average; but the vocalizations dont convey uniqueness or a sense of individuality, which is an important attribute to possess. Trust is more docile and forgettable. Oblivion begins with a nice drum rendition, and quickly utilizes keyboard tones that remind me of Magellans whimsical moments. If you havent caught the drift by now, Platitudes repertoire is mostly radio-friendly. Halcyon Days features pretty cool rhythms and the use of the China cymbal is notable. Search within the song to find interweaving guitar/keyboard solos. Catch 22 is frantic, Avalon Farewell seems overly uninspired, and Skies of Xenon displays the groups adeptness at shaping interesting commencements. Unfortunately, the band loses steam and subsequent credibility soon afterwards. Falling prefers the polar opposite juxtaposition between subtle and not-so-subtle composition. Skip two tracks to find Platitudes unnecessarily lengthy song, in Starlight.
I dont have many qualms with Platitude simply because they dont interest me enough to warrant qualms in the first place. They play their instruments well, but their lack of innovation will continue to overshadow their other qualities. Nine is, perhaps, what you get when you strain the progressive label; or, apply it too liberally.
6/10
Official Platitude website
Official Scarlet Records website
Scarlet Records 2004
By Jason Jordan
Platitude have one of the goofiest band photos Ive ever seen. Their sophomore effort Nine isnt goofy, but it certainly is an average release.
Dark Mind is fairly energetic due to the upfront instrumentation and welcoming vocals. The guitar tones, and the riffs themselves, are above average; but the vocalizations dont convey uniqueness or a sense of individuality, which is an important attribute to possess. Trust is more docile and forgettable. Oblivion begins with a nice drum rendition, and quickly utilizes keyboard tones that remind me of Magellans whimsical moments. If you havent caught the drift by now, Platitudes repertoire is mostly radio-friendly. Halcyon Days features pretty cool rhythms and the use of the China cymbal is notable. Search within the song to find interweaving guitar/keyboard solos. Catch 22 is frantic, Avalon Farewell seems overly uninspired, and Skies of Xenon displays the groups adeptness at shaping interesting commencements. Unfortunately, the band loses steam and subsequent credibility soon afterwards. Falling prefers the polar opposite juxtaposition between subtle and not-so-subtle composition. Skip two tracks to find Platitudes unnecessarily lengthy song, in Starlight.
I dont have many qualms with Platitude simply because they dont interest me enough to warrant qualms in the first place. They play their instruments well, but their lack of innovation will continue to overshadow their other qualities. Nine is, perhaps, what you get when you strain the progressive label; or, apply it too liberally.
6/10
Official Platitude website
Official Scarlet Records website
