Ünloco - Becoming I

2001 was apparently "the worst year of [front man Joey Duenas'] life," according to the biography on Ünloco's website. After a spin through Becoming I that fact is painfully evident, as the entire lyrical content of the album deals with anger, depression, and death. Not fun subject matter for a band that continues to rely on the same hackneyed, detuned riffs and nü-metal standards. The album starts out with "Crashing," which just seems like Ünloco are opting for paint-by-numbers songwriting, with brooding verses leading to melodic choruses leading to the fuming, climatic breakdown. The only problem is: the band hits the same dynamic peak throughout each segment of the song. The music has been normalized to the point to where there is no emotional give and take going on. And, unfortunately, the rest of the album is just 11 tracks of the same lackluster mess. The only standout comes in the form some 80's-styled keyboard overdubs on "Hands & Knees." Of course, that's not nearly enough to save the album. Aside from the music, the vocal and lyrical content is an uninspired combo as well. Duenas runs through the same minor intervals and depends on the standard "soaring" choruses in vain attempt to add creativity to an already bland arrangement. And, what's pushing those melodies? Well, just about some of the most dismal lyrics I've ever heard: "every time you're near me, I feel like crashing," "I feel so empty inside, I'm just a freak in your eyes," "there's nothing great about this life," "I've become the one thing I hate," "in my head I'm crying all the time," and "everything I know just falls apart." Seriously, Duenas could very well be clinically depressed. When Ünloco debuted, they were somewhat hailed as bringing melody to the rap-metal infested modern-rock arena, but it seems their creative growth is on the same shallow trajectory path as their music. I'm surprised major labels are still expecting music like this to sell. [www.unloco.com]