Madina Lake

Attics To Eden

Written by: TL on 12/05/2009 20:39:38

When the twin brothers Nathan and Matthew Leone appeared on Fear Factor in the states in an attempt to make enough money for their band to record their first EP, the ensuing attention that was suddenly paid to the band was certainly enough to make most people expect their music to be lost somewhere in the process. What a surprise then, that the debut album of 2007 "From Them, Through Us, To You" actually turned up with at least a couple of good songs on it (those would be "Here I Stand", "House Of Cards" and "One Last Kiss"). Two years have passed and now Madina Lake are back to follow their success through on album number two called "Attics To Eden".

The reason that Madina Lake, poppy as they are, weren't demolished totally by critics back on their debut record is that after hearing their music or seeing them live, one is left knowing without a doubt that the band is completely serious. Much like a band like Papa Roach, Madina Lake have an agenda to help their fans overcome negativity and make their lives better, and this noble purpose shines through in both their music, their lyrics and their concept. This however is also their biggest problem, as they seem to be too wound up in creating something that everyone will find uplifting, to actually remember to also be original.

Hence "Attics To Eden", though slightly different to its predecessor, still sounds very similar to other radio/stadium rock bands of this world, such as Papa Roach, Lostprophets and 30 Seconds To Mars. Madina Lake are well intentioned, but more often than not, their music seems to just be too damn obvious and mainstream for seasoned rockers to take seriously. While the bands mentioned have found ways to balance this with attitude to some degree making themselves enjoyable (to me at least) I think Madina Lake have yet to find that crucial element that will make their music credible. They've got the big songs with the catchy choruses alright, but it all just sounds really hollow when Nathan croons his terribly cliché lyrics out on top, which is a shame considering the fact that there is in fact a cool artistic vision behind the band's work. Their realization of it just doesn't seem to be quite good enough, and effectively their record doesn't sound like more than pop/stadium rock straight from the assembly line of a major label.

6

Download: Not For This World, Through The Pain, Friends & Lovers
For The Fans Of: Papa Roach, Lostprophets, 30 Seconds To Mars
Listen: myspace.com/madinalake

Release Date: 28.04.2009
Roadrunner Records

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