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The first three or four times I listened to Albert React, I wasn't sure whether I should believe that there was sincerity behind the band's words and motives. After all, the fusion of hardcore influences with accessible pop has become an often traveled and successful path for many bands in the last couple of years. While Albert React continues to beat the trail made popular by bands like Thursday further into the ground, something about their sound rubs me right, and I've grown to enjoy some qualities of "Confluence And Scrapes."
Although I haven't been able to put my finger on it, I believe the reason I have etched Albert React onto my good side is the consistently somber feeling that their music emanates. Throughout the album's duration, cute hooks aren't used like they're going out of style, and there is little that is bouncy or bubbly, which eliminates that looming Taking Back Sunday reference. Instead, the slow- to mid-paced music actually creates an emotional response that is believable.
For the most part, Albert React's music is based in delicate, flowing rock with smooth, mid-ranged crooning. From time to time, the band will break into an aggressive burst of screams and thick guitar riffs. While somewhat artificial, these parts aren't overused or bubbly themselves, as they actually bring the late This Day Forward to mind. Albert React refrains from abusing the aggressive side, and keeps things subdued more often than not.
If anything about this album irks me, it's their reference to car accidents in the first three songs. It's become a bit of a tired concept, and that's why, in the first place, I wasn't sure if I should even pay any attention to this record.
I don't think "Confluence And Scrapes" is that great of a release, but there is more promise behind what one initially hears. I can't imagine fans that of Thursday, Taking Back Sunday or even the final offering from This Day Forward would strongly dislike this album, and for them, it's worth checking out. Otherwise, you might as well steer clear.
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