Here is a list of albums I can't wait to purchase in 2012:
Our Lady Peace - Title TBA (early 2012)
The Panic Division - Eternalism (early 2012)
Alice in Chains - Title TBA (early 2012)
Rush - Clockwork Angels (early 2012)
The Offspring - Title TBA (Who the hell knows 2012)
Stone Temple Pilots - Title TBA (Late Summer 2012)
Senate - Title TBA (Late Spring 2012)
The Cranberries (Yeah man! February 14th, 2012)
Filter - Title TBA (Summer 2012)
"Monarchy of Roses" - the latest single from the Red Hot Chili Peppers...
Released: September 2010
Producer: Blake Johnson
As I’m listening to “Break in the Middle” by Senate, I truly don’t know how to begin this album review. I have a very interesting history with this band and fortunately, my interest in this band has increased tremendously. I discovered Senate on Breaking Benjamin’s myspace page, specifically under their “top friends” list. Out of curiosity, I clicked on Senate’s myspace page and had a listen to their material. At the time (January 2009), Senate was a five piece band that had both a singer and rapper and their sound was comparable to bands like 311 and Zebrahead. The first song I heard was “Traded” and after that, I was quite intrigued to hear the rest of their material. They had a fresh sound that I hadn’t heard in a while and I really liked that about Senate. However, as time went on, I forgot about them and my interest dwindled. Fast forward to early 2010 and after going music shopping on iTunes, I stumbled upon Senate. To ensure they were who I thought they were, I visited their myspace page and was relieved. “Traded” was the first song I previewed on iTunes and once again, my interested returned. Am I ever glad I purchased this record. Now that you have the back story to my fanship towards this band, let’s begin the review.
“Adhere” is a solid debut record. That fresh sound I had heard once before is in every song, along with high-energy guitar riffs, solid rhythmic foundations, and impressive vocal harmonies. The only thing that has changed is the disappearance of their rapper, although it hasn’t posed any major or minor threat to my interest in Senate. The production on this record is fantastic – courtesy of vocalist / producer Blake Johnson, who also owns a recording company called Clarkstreet Recordings. The album definitely has a summer vibe with songs such as “Icarus”, “Trascend”, and “Let Go”, which sounds like an ode to 311. At times, “Adhere” even gets a little heavier with “How Long”, “All My Life”, “Lock Down” and the addictive “Chasing Second Chances”. I really tip my hat to these guys. Senate is a band who enjoys playing shows and writing songs they enjoy listening to.
Don’t be fooled by the inactivity of their myspace. I, too, was a little frightened that they succumbed to “RIP – New Band” category. Let’s face it, in today’s music industry, new bands are lucky if they sell enough records and draw decent crowds to financially record new material. Up until April 2011, Senate remained inactive. I don’t know the reason, but as previously mentioned I assumed it was another new band that bit the dust. Senate is not well known in North America. In fact, they only appear to be popular in the state of Florida. Never the less, Senate has enough of a fan following to keep plugging away. For you Senate fans out there, rest assured, Blake Johnson has been posting short videos of studio updates on what will be the sophomore Senate record.
This appears to be more of a band biography then a record review of “Adhere”. Even so, if you like alternative rock – bands such as 311, Zebrahead, and Third Eye Blind, you will dig Senate. Look out for a new Senate record in late 2011/early 2012. In the meantime, enjoy their debut album. http://www.myspace.com/senatebandonline
Rating: 8/10
