CLOSURE
CLOSURE
TVT
LINKS:
closuremusic
tvtrecords
If you listen to modern-rock radio or MTV, you’ve heard an over-abundance of groups who sound similar to Closure. The L.A. based quartet’s debut album sounds powered by Fuel, motivated by Nickelback and trapped in the sedimentary rock of early-Nineties grunge aesthetics. Everything from that era is here: tearful power ballads, bitter anthems that rage about expected relationship-related trauma, and manic-depressive ditties which wrestle between discordant chord progressions and joyful melodies. Nevertheless, Closure is talented, despite their lack of originality.

The album kicks off with “Look Out Below”, a rockin’ song bursting with melodic vocals that dance around driving leading guitar riffs. Songwriting appears to be the band’s strongest suit. They write typical aggro, circa 1994-Seattle lyrics, but vocalist Brian Howes’ delivery is strong and impassioned. Have you heard it before? Yes, but all the components gel together well, making the song worth a once-over. “Afterglow” is another groovin’ track. One might not expect such hard guitar riffs to accompany vocals as soft and melodious as Howes’, but it works. Overall, a fun listen, but nothing earth-shattering. “Whatever Makes You Happy” takes you on a trip down the dark-side. A dissonant guitar intro jumps head-on into angry thrashing--the perfect backdrop to Howes’ snarling vocals: “Cause I found out you’re the one fucking around.” This line is unexpected, but it adds a touch of aggression to an already heavy song. On “Lie To Me”, the Nickelback influence is loud and clear with moody, loud-soft dynamics and discordant chord progressions. Sort of sounds like Chad Kroeger too. Once we get to “I Don’t Mind (The Rain)” the distinction between each song completely blurs. The same catchy, poignant vocals weaving in and out of the way of dueling semi-metal riffs and soft, melancholy rhythms. Fans of retro-1990s alternative rock will love it. Others will be begging for some diversity at this point. The outro, “You Are My Hatred”, is Closure’s hardest track, a good choice to stamp the band in listener’s memories. Fast tempo. Sweeping guitars that tussle between heavy and mournful, and light and cheerful. Great lyrics. Howe shows he’s got some balls on this one.

Okay, so what about the drumming? It didn’t move me one way or the other. Robin merely keeps the beat, which is fine, but more intricate drum-work would have added more flare to Closure. Perhaps on the second album. So, is Closure worth buying? None of the songs are bad. It’s just that they’ve been heard before, many times before. But if you like an edgier Nickelback mixed with a little Fuel, then I suppose Closure is your band.

---- Eric V. White