Opening straight away without preamble, the soaring title-track is an excellent way to start an album. Full of energy, soaring melodies and tight musicianship, the song lays down the blueprint for what is to come.
Hailing from the OC (place, not TV show), you can probably already imagine the style of melodies Takota use throughout their album. However, unlike fellow scenesters, these guys aren’t pretending to be Goths – there’s no kohl in sight!
Takota have managed to craft a sound that is entirely their own, without being completely unfamiliar. Produced by Atreyu’s Brandon Saller, the album sounds crisp and modern, but thankfully Mr Saller has allowed the band to stick with their own sound. This is not Atreyu Mk.II!
“Satellite” and “Lioness” suggest that this band could very easily steal some record sales away from the likes of Lostprophets, Taking Back Sunday and Thursday and, with these bands doing rather well in the charts, Takota should be able to reap some deserved rewards. Sitting comfortably with their peers, but still apart, they should cause a few people to sit up and forget about My Chemical Romance and Aiden (until they are distracted by Kerrang’s next it-band…).
Metal Hammer described Takota as being “girly” and “floaty” at times, which they seem to have decided was a bad thing. Just because a band decides to not overdose on testosterone and leave out the screaming doesn’t mean they’re “girly”. Taking Back Sunday are as girly, if not more so. Also, Grant Arnow might just be the only person in that scene who can actually sing properly, with a decent range…
If you want a summer record, without diverting too far away from the Emo scene, then Takota’s The Ivory Tower is perfect for you. Full of rock anthems, you’ll be singing along in no time. This is unashamed pop-rock for the new generation.
Strong melodies, groovy rhythm and varied guitars that steer away from overly simplistic structures suggests the band are capable of perhaps still more, despite the strength of this debut.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
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