The Cab's new album
Whisper War -- Augh, so before I even get into the album, I have a few complaints. I try very hard to give you guys a little bit of background about the band or the album before I get into the music; it helps set the scene for what I'm about to talk about. One of my biggest frustrations is when bands act like they're big and then don't even have a damn 'About Us' section. And sometimes, that wouldn't bother me, but with this band in particular, it's like they're nothing but pretty faces with no personality.
I'm going to be honest with you; I'm very torn on this album. Half of me loves it and the other half is disgusted with it. It's nothing but pure boy band fluff -- pretty faces (their pianist looks like a freaking girl) with pretty voices (and they do sound really good) singing trite and angst-ridden lyrics (who is this "girl" that everyone keeps singing to?). "Vegas Skies" is an entire song dedicated to (of course) "girl", alcohol references, and lyrics that sound like the poetry I used to write when I was twelve and thought my life was OVER because I got in a spat with my best friend. But if you can manage to completely ignore the lyrics, the steady piano and the light violins in the background combined with the acoustic bridge makes it a song that could really pull on your heartstrings. "One Of THOSE Nights" is the track that is most like their city- and labelmates
Panic! At The Disco, but with a really shallow boy band twist. Believe me, if you're looking for a Panic! fix, don't come here. That's not to say this song isn't enjoyable on it's own, because it does have it's moments -- and can I just say, the electric guitar solo in the background near the end made me laugh the first time I heard this song. Seriously guys, what the hell was that? And "Risky Business"? Pretty sure I've heard this before... oh wait, "London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines"! Except P!ATD did it incredibly better, with real lyrics and relevant references. But now I'm just poking fun at them, rather than actually reviewing them.
Now if you're okay with a boy band that literally sucks other genres into it and spits it back out onto a cd, then these guys will be great for you. I like a little bit more substance in my music, but I'm not everyone. All in all, The Cab sound like a shallow Panic! At The Disco trying to include their *NSYNC boyfriends in an attempt to build a Maroon 5 / All Time Low hybrid album. If that sounds appealing to you (and I know of a few people that it will) then go ahead and get them. I mean, they honestly make a great attempt at a boyband, and will probably be the heartthrobs of the rising generation -- but keep in mind, this is the same rising generation that has photos of themselves in their bras and panties at the tender age of 13.
