Mad At GravityResonance
By
Vinnie Apicella,
Contributor
Monday, September 16, 2002 @ 1:26 PM
(ArtistDirect)
In spite of their ill feelings, "Mad" At Gravity still manages to take to the sky for their latest Resonance release, a fine mix of driving hard rock and atmospheric temperament. "Walk Away" is the catchy obvious choice for lead single with its forthright rigidity in simplicity and a robust chorus; listen for it along with likely follow up, "Burn," with just a note of tranquility and touch of remorse, each song trailing off the closing credits for the Reign of Fire flick later this summer.
The compressive course of said singles give way to Tool-like expansiveness where fragmented hooks and sharp angles take command for songs like "Historypeats," "Time and Time Again," or the indissoluble "Letter To Myself," harmonic pleasantries mingling well with minor key interludes and faithful vox, in step, rather than outworking, the slowly-building rhythmical accompaniment.
Architecturally adept as opposed to unilaterally predictable, Mad At Gravity's among many of a burgeoning new school of indie rock-styled professionals, tightly wound but free and easy followers of yesterday's baton passing melodic rock modernists of a predetermined pop culture that the nineties forgot, finally getting their due in today's cue takers like MAG, Earshot, Vex Red and Sinch, with designs on durability.
Resonance lollygags a little at the end -- fourteen songs on a debut (?) -- save for a couple exceptions after halfway through, mainly owing to spatial lethargy than anything else. The songs are emotionally appealing but we've been there before… and occasionally some of us are still wandering while the clock keeps spinning. Still, Resonance sets a strong foundation for future growth.
* * * *
ValoneShadow - 10/15/2003 12:51:32 PM You guys really bother me. I've been listening to MAg for a few months now and personally I cant compare them to anything. THEY are no where NEAR pop at all. There something out there on their own. I completely understand what the review dude is getting at. These guys are a simply amazing band. It's a shame they aren't noticed more. I actually found them by accident and when I did hear "burn" I was captavated. MAd at Gravity has more talent then any other band I've seen. They deserve more then what they're getting.
suicyco - 9/25/2002 3:53:48 PM Confusing? OK. If you DO like Nickleback, Creed, etc you probably DO like MAG. If you DON'T like Nickleback, Creed, etc you probably DON'T like MAG. Btw, to compare MAG with Tool is like an insult to Tool, if you ask me. MAG's music is just pop with guitars mixed in. Tool has a lot more draught compared to lyrics like:"Would you stand me up again? Wonder if I've said too much And we'll never speak again." But he, if you dig it, than that's ok.
FarkPark - 9/23/2002 10:33:41 AM suicyco - your post is more confusing than vinnie's review. do you mean that if i like puddle of mudd, i should buy this CD? as it happens i've got both, and i reckon they are quite different. some of this mad at gravity album is a blatant rip-off of tool, but very good at the same time. i also like puddle of mudd when the mood takes me, but the wife loves them! i sahll be looking out for them, as i reckon they are good.
SK - 9/21/2002 1:05:15 PM I saw these guys live and they put on an awesome show. Plus they're not all big headed rock stars like most. It was also nice to see a band that sounds the same live as they do on their cd. Keep an eye out for these guys.
suicyco - 9/19/2002 12:59:21 PM For all the people who have no idea what Vinnie is talking about; if you don't like Nickleback, Creed, Staind or Puddle of Mud don't buy this CD. It's pop for the alternative minded.
fizzgig - 9/17/2002 2:24:44 PM Most CD's sound stupid after Vinnie gets through reviewing them. I can't say enough how this review sucks!
Sixxisgod - 9/17/2002 12:32:41 PM Sounds fucking stupid to me.
fizzgig - 9/16/2002 10:19:23 PM innie, you oughta be fucking ashamed of yourself1 THis is the dumbest, most verbally-masturbatory review I've ever read in my life! I have no fucking clue what this band might sound like, and that is the reviewer's job, i.e. YOUR job, to make the reader feel as though they might already have heard some of the music. Architecturally adept as opposed to unilaterally predictable? Faithful vocals? SOmething about (insertt adjective) rigidity? What the FUCK are you talking about?!?!?!
charliedontsurf - 9/16/2002 2:38:39 PM Cool!
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In spite of their ill feelings, "Mad" At Gravity still manages to take to the sky for their latest Resonance release, a fine mix of driving hard rock and atmospheric temperament. "Walk Away" is the catchy obvious choice for lead single with its forthright rigidity in simplicity and a robust chorus; listen for it along with likely follow up, "Burn," with just a note of tranquility and touch of remorse, each song trailing off the closing credits for the Reign of Fire flick later this summer. 
