Search - The Start :: Initiation

Re-Initiation

Andrew Estes | Maine | 02/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The power-couple of Aimee Echo and Jamie Miller, collectively, theSTART, finally follow-up 2001's brilliant "Shakedown" with this, their first release on Nitro Records (also home to A.F.I.), "Initiation." I've been an Aimee Echo fan since Human Waste Project. I love her voice, very unique and very seductive. I've also been a fan of Jamie Miller's since his drumming days in Snot, and now, he is just as gifted as the guitarist for this band. There have been a lot of changes in the three years since theSTART made their debut. Aside from being dropped from Geffen, there has also been a line-up change, with former drummer Scott Ellis and bassist Jeff Jaeger exiting the band and being replaced respectively by Billy Brimblecom and Erick Sanger. However, this change hasn't affected the music much. Together with producer Brian Virtue (Deadsy), theSTART has recorded the perfect and long-awaited follow-up the "Shakedown." The style of music they play hasn't changed much, as the lead-off track "Like Days" indicates, but they definitely throw in some new elements. "Life Is Sweet" is a very catchy, and unique sounding song, probably their biggest pop-experiment to date. "The Underwater Song" sounds a lot like their friends in Orgy, while the title track is brief, but murky and experimental, and is followed up by a straight-ahead rock track, "A Thousand Years." "The Conversation" and "Christian, Christian" capitalize on the bands knack for 80's flashbacks very well. All the songs are amazing though. Overall, it's a solid album. It's got all the great elements that "Shakedown" had, with a bit more experimentation and variety. It definitely has potential to do something big for the band, if only their label could get 100 percent behind their backs. If you were a fan of theSTART before, you will more than likely love this."

This is a great CD!

A. B. Wells | 10/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD totally rocks! I was a major fan of The Start after listening to their debut album "Shakedown". I totally fell in love with the bands creative style of almost 80's like rock filled with synthesizers and catchy hooks. The "Death Via Satellite EP" was just as great, but almost better because it seemed more guitar driven than "Shakedown". "Initiation" has a lot more guitars than their first album and I would have to say that it is almost better than their first. I can listen to this whole CD without skipping any tracks whereas when I listen to "Shakedown" I skip some tracks. Some of the best tracks on this CD are "Life is Sweet", "Peacock", "The Underwater Song", "All or Nothing", "Initiation", and "A Thousand Years". I can't understand why this band isn't popular, it is such a good band! So do yourself a favor and buy this rocking CD from a band that is, sadly, unknown."

Could be their best yet...

Michael Heminger | Pardeeville, WI | 10/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think, if you asked them, that this is the album The Start has been waiting to make for a while now. After a lengthy and committed tour schedule, they've finally released their first full-length lp since their amazing debut "Shakedown" in 2001.



I've had a hard time describing this band to people. Aimee Echo's voice is often reminiscent of Gwen Stefani, but she has the trills of Siouxie Sioux and much more energy than either. Lyrics are deep and thoughtful or inspirational, often in an obliquely religious or spiritual way. They combine this with a hard driving beat and INCREDIBLE amounts of energy onstage, and a slightly retro-80's sound. Then, as if that weren't enough, guitarist and sound genius Jamie throws some incredibly trippy and floating guitar or key parts on TOP of the driving guitar riffs, which means you are going for a good ride, toots. This one's more direct and driving overall (they make great music for driving on the highway, for example). I'm hearing this for the first time, and it hasn't grabbed me as much as their first 2 releases, but with time and a few plays, it should creep up on me like the others did. The Start could be the most energetic band I've seen in my life, and I've been doing it for over 20 years now.



Aimee seems more intense on this album, and is really belting it out on tracks like 'Dead End Queen'. Most tracks have some serious riffage: 'Life Is Sweet' really chunks it up, and 'The Conversation' has a beautiful shimmering guitar part (a nod back to the days of my Bloody Valentine) that's ruined in the middle by a slow part with a plinky piano that's totally unnecessary. Overall, not as dynamic as 'Shakedown', but it rocks a lot harder. Now stop reading and go see them live, ok?"