The Sheila Divine - Secret Society

My friend once said to me, “Boston rocks, it's just nobody knows it…” and its true. It seems no one knows about any of the good bands coming out of Boston, and The Sheila Divine is a prime example. Quick bio: after forming in 1997, TSD got onto Road Runner and released their debut in 1999. Their roster, at the time, had mostly hard-core bands like Cannibal Corpse, and a band like TSD, with influences of The Smiths, Radiohead, Nirvana, and U2, didn't fit in. After getting their album released by the label, they decided to put out their sophomore effort by themselves in 2001. Now, they find themselves with a new drummer, a new album, and a home on Arena Rock Recording Co. Thank God. Now I have to be honest: I’m biased when it comes to this band because I used to do their web site, and I hang out with the guys when they play shows in Boston. They’re the nicest, most down-to-earth guys I know and, frankly, I just love this band. That said, I’m still going to try and be a bit critical on this release. The intensity of the Sheila Divine's live show is part of what makes them so good, but unfortunately on "Secret Society" that intensity wasn't fully realized in the studio. The band tried to go for a more “live feel” and because of that I think the CD suffers a bit. On previous releases, layered guitars and double-tracked vocals with lead singer Aaron Perrino’s amazing voice were standouts, but sadly they’re absent here. All of this aside, this CD rocks. The band managed to get great drum and guitar sounds, and Perrino’s voice is nice and loud on this disc (when you hear it, you’ll be thankful its loud, too). “We All Have Problems” and “Back To The Cradle” are blistering rock tracks, while “Calling All Lovers” and “The Swan” are beautiful, sweeping numbers with amazing vocals. “Dramatica” is a perfect alt-pop song, and “Black River” sounds like it was pulled right from U2’s back catalog. With all that variety and the fact that the drumming rocks, the bass lines are great, and the guitar solos are amazing, you can't lose. To be honest, I suggest you first pick up the band's first CD “New Parade”, graduate to “Where Have My Countrymen Gone”, and then pick up “Secret Society”. You really need to hear the progression the band has made to fully appreciate their sound, and every CD is very much worth the purchase. If you don’t feel like doing this, at least check out their web site and hear MP3s of the new album. Either way, I would highly recommend this disc to everyone. [www.thesheiladivine.com]