Old Devil Moon - Midnight and Bright

Sometimes you get writers block. A four month block is no excuse, but I’m excited to be breaking out. It all started with this album. I know I sort of like it, I just can’t seem to accurately describe why. So I did some research… Apparently, Old Devil Moon is a side project for the hardcore band, Suicide Note. I’ve never heard of Suicide Note, and I’m not that familiar with hardcore, so I listen without preconceived expectations. What I hear is hints of Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and The Pixies. Remember, I said hints, but those touches make Midnight and Bright digestable. The first two tracks regurgitate the power pop taste the Foo Fighters bake up. The title track is most reminiscent of a Kurt Cobain eulogy. The song’s complete lyrics are as follows: “Here’s one last lie. It’s midnight and bright / Such a perfect way to say goodbye / You should have been my best friend on our way back down.” Glimpses of The Stone Temple Pilots are obvious in “Echoes of Sunshine,” and elements of 311 shine on “Lay it Down” and “Used to Being Dead.” “Cybil” straddles the fine line between alternative angst and hardcore. Ultimately, the hardcore drum speed overwhelms the melodic verses. The significant problem with this album is…the significant problem with this album is…the significant problem with this album is…the significant problem with this album is…Repetition. Let’s give Old Devil Moon credit for branching out. But let’s not give them too much because better bands have made better music before. If you’re an Old Devil Moon fan with an open mind, you’ll tolerate Midnight and Bright and pray that it’s just a phase… [Not Online]