Not Their Best - Certainly Far From Bad.
Seth Ford | Clearwater, FL USA | 10/08/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Regardless of what reviews you read, if you are a fan of The Fall of Troy pick this album up. Since the release of Manipulator, TFoT has been changing their sound up into something more prog-rock and away from the traditional frenzy of instruments and screaming.
Honestly, it's not going to be for everyone, but The Fall of troy have never been for everyone. This is a band that grew on me from the release of Doppelganger and will continue to do so because every album is fresh. They aren't just rehashing the same concepts and marketing them under a different album, they're trying to evolve their sound and create something new.
As for the actual album, only a couple songs hold the classic TFoT sound: Straight-Jacket Keelhauled and Battleship Graveyard make the most use of high pitched wails and frantic musical accompaniments.
Other songs on the album attempt to experiment with this new sound TFoT has discovered, and for the most part the end product is great. There are a couple exceptions (A classic case of transference being the main one) but for the most part the songs are catchy, creative, and still manage to keep TFoT's edge without the manic pacing.
All things considered, "In the Unlikely Event" is a solid release from TFoT. Some will complain about the vocals (TFoT has never had standout vocals), or the mixing, or the mastering - but these are people looking for a reason to hate this album because it IS different. If you listen to this album the first time through with an open mind you will find something to love. It isn't their best release, but it still is a great album that deserves a chance."
TFOT are on a downward spiral.
Aaron Curtis | Indiana, USA | 11/07/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Fall of Troy are an interesting band, creating their first (and arguably, best) album when the members were 17 years old. The self-titled debut was everything a young band could have hoped to record, and so much more. Sure, Thomas' singing wasn't the best, but his combination of singing/screaming mixed with bassist Tim Ward's screams more than made up for it. The album was simply epic. After that, there were the Ghostship Demos (which were later re-recorded and released as Phantom on the Horizon) and amazing demos they were, including a much more raw and energetic version of Macaulay McCulkin, of Doppelganger fame. There was a bit more singing, faster riffs, and the screaming was top notch. The Ghostship Demos are now held in very high esteem by post-hardcore fans. Following Ghostship, TFOT recorded Doppelganger, which rehashed 4 songs from the self titled and made them cleaner and crisper. Doppelganger began to show a slight shift in sound, with less screaming but highly technical instrumentation; it was much more progressive than the previous releases.
Manipulator seems to be where everything started to go downhill, as the band began experimenting with slower songs and more singing. Thomas took vocal lessons before the recording of this album, but they seem to have done more harm than good. Gone are the amazing screams of the previous albums, instead replaced by odd screeching that sounds out of place with the extremely sub-par production. This album was just a mess, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Now we have In the Unlikely Event, which is a completely different album than any TFOT have released thus far. The album opens with a cringe-inducing wah riff, but then progresses into an almost classic sounding TFOT song. The only apparent problem being the ridiculous lyrics, which probably didn't take that long to write. What happened to the amazing songwriting? After Panic Attack, Straight Jacket Keelhauled attempts to capture some of the TFOTs former glory, and almost accomplishes this feat. How does Thomas scream the way he does on this song? I've never heard him do anything like it before. Battleship Graveyard also attempts to fool the listener into thinking they are hearing classic TFOT, with several change-ups and some nice breakdown parts. Unfortunately, Thomas can't seem to reach the high notes on this one, which sometimes makes it almost embarrassing to listen to. A Classic Case of Transference is one of my favorites on the album, surprisingly. "Get me off, then get off me" is one of the most awkward lines on the album, and the chorus reminds me of the Three's Company theme song, but the instrumentation is pretty nice. Single is simple, catchy and poppy, nothing special. Empty the Clip, The King has been Slain is another catchy, poppy song. People and Their Lives is a long one at 6 minutes and 18 seconds, and doesn't really deserve that much time on the album. This song could have been alot better if there were some screaming in it and maybe better lyrics. Nice bass work by Frank Ene, though. Dirty Pillow Talk is the most unique song on the album, with guest vocals from Rody Walker of Protest the Hero and some pretty awesome guitar work by Thomas. Overall, a good song. Nobody's Perfect is pretty straightforward throughout, until the second half when some strange instrumentation comes in and Thomas screams over it. It would have been pretty awesome if there wasn't an opera singer and more intense guitars. Webs is a good track for all you people who like poppy songs about lost love, but most TFOT fans will probably hate it. Walk of Fame is my personal favorite on the album, for some reason it just reminds me of old TFOT and the lyrics are better than anything else on this album. Awesome solo at the end, too. Nature vs. Nurture is my least favorite track on this album and just a horrible way to end it. This is definitely not The Fall of Troy's best release, but it rivals Manipulator and is, in my opinion, better at times. Lets hope the next one is a little more like the early releases, although I'm sure it won't be."
Is cool ay!
M. J. Tamp | Wollongong, NSW, Aus | 10/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Many peoples have claimed the fall of troy lost their edge with this album, i would however like to disagree and claim they lost their edge with manipulator. This album incorporates the driving force and raw energy of doppleganger mixed with the pop that was introduced with manipulator. I personally love this album and believe it to be a brilliant follow on to phantom on the horizon. Listeners can hear and experience the growth of the band and easily hear the ideas their new bass player has brought. i love it.. yeh"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1