Search - Rearview Mirror :: All Lights Off

Impressive debut, a band that needs greater exposure...

Robert L. Thompson III | Columbia, MO USA | 07/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Formed in 1996 out of Cresco, Iowa, Rearview Mirror is a 4-piece band that features frontman Adam Ptacek, guitarist Matt Olson, bassist Jason Ptacek, and drummer TJ Kammer. Beginning mainly as a cover band, the quartet then recorded a 12-song album in 1999 titled Blown Out, which eventually attracted the interest of various record labels. It was not until Steve Lillywhite - famed producer of such acts as U2, Dave Matthews Band, Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel and many others - came into the picture that the band decided on a record company, choosing to sign with Steve's very own label and becoming the first signing to Gobstopper Records, an imprint of Chris Blackwell's Palm Pictures. From there, Rearview Mirror & Steve Lillywhite recorded the debut album All Lights Off with the record released on June 4, 2002, preceded by a 7-song Promo EP.Featuring a dynamic clash of melodic sensibility and pulsating vibrancy, Rearview Mirror has crafted a sound that takes its own spin on modern rock by mixing elements of alt-rock and grunge with progressive ideas. Comparison wise, it is a bit hard to describe the band as they reveal many different aspects from Incubus-like nuances and Tool-ish sophistication to Pearl Jam grandeur and Live-like drama. Musically, Rearview Mirror is very proficient & creative, led by sweeping melodies & intricate guitar play, offset by tight rhythms, versatile drum work and a swirling array of inventive electronics & effects subtlety integrated into the music. Song structures meanwhile, are diverse and innovative, effectively utilizing the verse-chorus | verse-chorus formula, while adding their own unique perspectives. Looking at the vocal aspect of the band, frontman Adam Ptacek shines with his stellar vocals, showcasing great presence and dynamic range, while delivering intelligent lyrics through a collection of soaring harmonies, memorable choruses & somber melodies, all of which contains traces of Incubus melodicism, Live-like inflections, and Eddie Vedder magnetism. Overall, Rearview Mirror is a very gifted & creative band that, while a bit rough around the edges, has only begun to tap into their abilities, and even now, the group finds them selves emerging in today's rock scene as a distinct presence, possessing both freshness and timelessness.With a concentrated emphasis on songwriting and a penchant for crafting compelling songs, Rearview Mirror has recorded an album in All Lights Off that radiates with consistency, appeal, and endurance. Leading off the twelve-track debut is the standout track and first single In The Beginning, a melodically-driven song that features melancholic verses & soaring choruses, and which ironically, was the last song written for the album, offering us a glimpse of the tremendous potential this band possesses. Moving on, the album then diversifies, ranging from the dark & moody power of 28/7 with its contrasting melodies & eclectic electronics to the more upbeat, pop-rock accessibility of such tracks as the Live-like Like They Were, and the catchy Guilty, an older song that won the 2000 Tonos songwriting competition. Another older song found on the album is Animal, which appeared on the Indie release Blown Out, and is an edgy, progressive-metal track, while City Walls is a slower-paced ballad marked by ethereal harmonies and unique, tribal-like drumming. Other notable tracks include the gripping ambiance of Dead Air, the funk-like, somber contrasted Sinking, the powerfully emotional ending track Thank You, and the harder-edged alt-rock songs in title track All Lights Off and Blade. As a whole, each song contained on All Lights Off is solidly written & performed, and showcases some different aspect of the band, though the group never deviates too from what they are best at, which is writing timeless, commercially appealing, yet edgy rock music. Though some listeners may be quick to label the band as a carbon copy of some popular band or other, in the end, Rearview Mirror does a great job of drawing from their influences, while crafting their own signature sound. And while it may be some time before the band fully breaks out into their own, it is best to note that Rearview Mirror is a very young group that has merely scratched the surface of their potential..."

Awesome Debut

Robert L. Thompson III | 06/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Truly amazing. One of the best new rock bands - young, talented and ready to rock. Has the makings of super stardom. Don't let their unknown-ness fool you - that has more to do with their label than with the talent within the band. Buy it - if you like Pearl Jam, Tool, etc. you'll love these guys. Plus, they put on an incredible live show. Keep an eye out for Rearview Mirror - you will hear more from them in the future."

This is a gem

P. Gibbs | Cincinnati, OH USA | 10/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I buy lots of CD's and I bought this one because someone said they sound a bit like Tool. I love Tool but I didn't expect much from Rearview Mirror. But WOW! This is one great CD. I can see their Tool influence in the intelligent lyrics, jack-hammer guitar, and strong vocals. These songs are solid from beginning to end. If you want to make a great discovery of the best band you have probably never heard of, buy this CD."