Now - this one is a bit of an odd one, even for me, because this is the first record on this blog I actually didn't actively finish. See my reasons as to why below, but I still decided to put this one out, because I am a massive fan of Corey Taylor, and think that even musicians you love can let you down sometimes - and that's ok.
(CMF2 Album Cover Art)
The Box - 2:12 - I like the gentle opener, played over some simple chords with a jarring one cut in there, which is a nice effect, but grinds on as the song progresses. But it’s decent, with some good lyricism and Corey’s voice is as always, great.
Post Traumatic Blues - 5:43 - The last track leads into this one seamlessly, which scores bonus points as far as I’m concerned. It slams instantly into a nice metal breakdown-esque rhythm, but constantly jumps around and around, between sounds and breakdowns, screaming vocals and cutting cleans. Although it’s a good song in Taylor’s arsenal, you can’t help but feel it’s a touch cobbled together. It’s choppy at times and not a satisfying listen top to bottom, but still manages to pull off some of that CMFT magic to pull through.
Talk Sick - 4:34 - From a song with none to a song bursting with identity, this track is a solid classic rock ballad. With swinging guitar, booming bass and good clan vocals that elevate the emotion beyond anything on this project so far, Talk Sick is a classic rager from CMFT. It crashes on and on and on, earning both a brilliant solo and a great breakdown in the final portions. Good lyrics and some brilliant instrumentals, this is the type of sound and dynamism needed on the rest of the project to really take it to the next level.
Breath of Fresh Smoke - 3:50 - This has the feelings of a Nickleback track, and I’m not mad. A nice glittery guitar riff and solid chords and bass, along with a country style delivery from Taylor makes for an interesting toe dip into a different genre for the band. It’s a slow burner, but again thrives in the places CMFT excels, great guitar solos, decent lyrics, and just good vibes all around. Nothing to write home about, but hey, it’s a nice change in pace, and the final chorus really ties the song together.
Beyond - 4:18 - Now this one was released as a single, and I think it’s pretty good. Bar the sometimes cringy lyrics, Beyond is a great track with what feels like a driving soul to it. Again with that classic rock feel but this time with Taylor’s signature edge and mania, this track is another brilliant example of the ballpark these guys really thrive in. Huge focal choruses, a rich melodic background cut and ran through with some brilliant lead parts, and you can always hear through the mix to the plucky bass at the back. It’s a great song, and one that’s sat quite happily on my playlist for a while.
We are the Rest - 3:02 - Another solid opening to this song, once again with strong guitar - shoutout Christian Martucci. The hang vocals are seemingly the centre of this one, and it’s a nice effect. Again, this one suffers similarly to PTB, in that it goes from an almost punk-esque style into the classic rock sounds from the last tracks, and although it goes tooth and nail for a glam guitar solo and grinding drums, you can’t help but feel it all seems a little off. And then into a spoken word breakdown, a refrain and then back to those gang vocals, and back into the glam rock. This track isn’t my favourite, but I can still respect the attempt to create something a little different - for all I know it could just be falling on my deaf ears.
Midnight - 3:36 - Atmospheric. It’s a foreboding experience the opening sections of this track. With threatening synth and a gentle guitar riff wailing over the top end. It builds really naturally, easing in the bass and a rumbling snare. The lyrics are nice in this one, not too cliche, just real emotion, which is really nice to hear. It slams then into a guitar solo almost instantaneously, and I’m always for a solo, but ONLY if it’s earnt. This one wasn’t, by any means. It ruins the atmosphere that was made previously, and honestly upsets me. If they’d let it climb and build a little more, and then slammed into it, it would have been ten times more impactful.
At this point I actually gave up on CMFT. I was getting frustrated with the music, the strange lack in identity and odd direction they decided to take it all in. It runs across different genres without clean transitions, somehow expecting things to go well, when actually it’s jolty, disjointed, and creates a canvas of sheer confusion instead of the beautiful chaos on the last record. I won’t be coming back to CMF2, and it’s a shame. CMFT had a real sense of identity, whilst keeping the tracks diverse and tight, whereas this new record falls painfully flat in comparison. Nothing but respect for Corey and the guys, because they're all talented and capable musicians - its just a shame they weren't capable enough to pull this pie in the sky project off with the same class as last time.
Rating: 3/10
Highlights: Beyond
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