Fortress Round My Heart

by

Ida Maria

Edit

Typically, when I order an album from an artist I never heard of it turns out to be a mistake, and I swear to myself I'll never do it again. Especially if I'm in the position of having to review the album, I hate to write anything negative--as I must it seems--because it belittles the hard work and years of commitment these artists put into their music. This time, I don't have any such problems because this album is terrific in every way.

Thank goodness I ignored the warning signs, such as the labels "Alternative" and "Punk." Seriously, why is any popular music out of the U.K. labeled "Alternative" and what the hell does that mean anyway? Seems like unless it's from the British Invasion era, it's considered Alternative Music. As for Punk, as a guy who grew up in the 80's I'd have to say this album reminds me more of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and not the least of Sid Vicious.

I especially like the live sound of this recording and suspect--note to self: read the album cover--this was recorded live to track rather than with the musicians coming in separately on a schedule. I would be very suprised if this band didn't sound even better live--as most performers these days can't pull off, relying more on technology than musicianship.

I love that none of the music sounds commercial--perhaps that's what "Alternative" means--and yet it's upbeat and energetic. Every song is very positive. No ballads of depression or songs that tread on our already overworn like of trendy or catchy commercial music.

My favorite song on here is "Queen of the World" and feel it's the best example of the tone of the album.

Like I said, I wont nitpick or tell you what to think of this album, but I will say that if you're looking for something to try, something that you're very bound to just plain like, I would definitely recommend this album.

BOTTOM LINE: You'll be singing it in the shower in no time.