The Dent - Neurotica

I never got into the mood for this album, sorry. But I listened to it the obligatory repeat sessions in order to bring you a review... And here is my quick, capsule synopsis: If you like Duncan Sheik, but feel as though, due to the fact that Duncan's songs are now a staple at virtually every resturant, Duncan "sold out", this is the band for you. The Dent's Neurotica sings songs of the "sounds of sadness" with unobtrusive, unruffling lyrics. There are subtle guitar sounds to soothe the troubled soul... The very minorly troubled soul. There is falsetto, there is a hint of talent dribbled over the melodies; In short, this album doesn't bother you, it doesn't bother anyone... But it's very bothersome in this factor, as there's nothing there to really feel during the whole album, there's no jarring eclipse of the perspective, nor even a snort of raw dislike. It's banal in the same sense that "Dawson's Creek" is predictable. It's decent, sure, but it's not the least bit memorable, and music needs to be memorable to mean something. The only song that I can pick on without feeling a shred of guilt is the title track, which opens with a whiny example of flow that should explain to you why you might want to be scared of white boys rapping. Sample line: "Pick up the phone it's Rolling Stone/...How long can these rock singers swoon and dance/ Just hold on/ Here comes the record company's advance" followed by a chanted "rock" from a (most likely fictional) crowd. This song is backed by a puny back throb that only serves to underscore the irony of this song... There is no irony, these guys clearly mean what they're saying, and that's quite scary considering how actually uninteresting they and their album are. [www.dentmusic.com]