Shinedown

"Leave A Whisper"
(Atlantic Records)
by Melanie Falina

Florida's Shinedown offers a gulp of fresh air for those of us who have been suffocating on the legion of today's radio-clone bands who all seem have the same low, inarticulate vocals wafting around the same three guitar chords.

The Atlantic Records release, "Leave A Whisper" offers up 12 songs that are all heavy, catchy, melodic, and have solid rock vibes. This enhanced CD can also be played in your CD-Rom drive and includes band photographs and a link to Shinedown's official web site. There's also a video for the song "Fly From The Inside" which not only demonstrates the band's monumental and vigorous live stage presence, but also gives a peek at the guys just being silly and having fun in off-stage antics. Shinedown's sound has a hint of an Alice in Chains type of feel, yet also sounds very full and very new. Vocalist Brent Smith belts out each of their songs with authority and an expansive range. Song per song, guitar virtuoso Jasin Todd exercises a voracious diversity that hooks you into each groove. And drummer Barry Kerch and bassist Brad Stewart complete this perfect rockin' union.

Highlights of the disc include "Fly From The Inside," the tough sounding "Left Out," "No More Love" which is destined for radio airplay, "45" a song that undulates back and forth between a haunting feel and a stronger thrusting power. And the big, full sounding "In Memory," where vocalist Smith cantillates all over the place effortlessly. To say that Shinedown's "Leave A Whisper" release is a great first effort is utterly putting it mildly. I have a feeling these guys are going to be big, and they've already hooked me. This is a great, rocking album that's sure to do well. My only complaint is how all of their songs on this disc very much have the same type of sound. A little more aural diversification would do them good, but maybe that will develop with time. Shinedown can be found on the web at: http://www.shinedown.com