The Martlet

Default Comes and Goes EMI

These guys are douche bags.

A couple years ago, along with Theory of a Dead Man and Nickelback, Default rode the gravy train of cookie cutter alternative hard rock.

Discovered by Chad Kroeger, this Vancouver-based band got some mileage out of their two hits — “Wasting my time” and “Deny.”

They racked up a bunch of Juno awards and even went platinum. But they failed to garner much attention outside of Canada.

Now they’re back with their fourth album. (You read that correctly.) Originally slated to be released in 2007, it got postponed when their record label went bankrupt. (Insert punchline here).

For many, Default is a perfect example of everything that’s wrong with the music industry. With this album, they’ve furthered cemented that reputation.

“All work and no play makes another dull day,” the band sings in chorus on the track “Goodbye.” It’s unimaginative lyrics like this, along with the boring, repetitive guitar riffs, that make this album uniquely awful.

“I promise that I won’t let you go,” sings lead singer Dallas Smith with his bland, cliché rock star voice. “Show me I am the one.”

He’s not. Avoid this album at all costs.

Will Johnson

David Guetta One Love EMI

David Guetta’s “One Love” has a lot of your favourite and maybe some of your least favourite guests on it, including Kelly Rowland, Akon, Will.i.am and Ne-Yo.

The liner notes don’t include any lyrics, just lots of pictures of Guetta trying to look cool. I’m beginning to understand what the purpose of this CD really is–it’s more of a demo reel.

Guetta doesn’t make too many vocal appearances on his CD, but his work is heard in the layering of sound.

I’m sure the third track, “Sexy Bitch,” will be playing in clubs in no time. It’s reminiscent of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.” Akon belts out the chorus: “Damn youse a sexy bitch/A sexy bitch/ Dayum Girl.”

Really? Is there any lyrical integrity anymore?

Just about every track on this CD has that same patented drum beat from every dance song since 1983.

Most of the songs on “One Love” aren’t all that memorable. You could put this CD on in the background at your house party and no one would complain or even remember.

Will.i.am and apl de ap from the Black Eyed Peas both appear on “On The Dancefloor.” It’s like we went back in time before the Black Eyed Peas had Fergie in their band. I forgot that they were so boring without her.

I’m not really sure who David Guetta is, where he came from or if he actually ever sings. But if you like the dance/pop genre and you want to be in the club even when you’re at home, then put on “One Love.”

Jason Stasiuk

Subb To This Beat Stomp Records

This punk/ska outfit hails from Quebec. They have been playing for almost 15 years now and this is their eighth studio album.

Their sound is pretty typical but they have a unique melodic style that comes out in songs like “I Love MTL.” In an upbeat tribute to their hometown, Subb combines whistling, singing and rapping for a playful song.

Each track on this 16-song CD is different, showing the band’s versatility and stylistic flavour. For three tracks, reggae artist Jah Cutta lends his vocal talents. His voice really complements the band on those tracks.

Almost every track on the CD fades out before it should. It’s really annoying when a song ends before it’s come to a conclusion. It sucks when you’re finally getting into the song and then it just comes to a halt.

Subb has a socially conscious side that comes out in their lyrics. The first song, titled “Black Gold,” states “Support fair trade by any means/Make the right choice and please come clean.”

To This Beat is a solid album that will please fans of the genre. For newbies to ska, this would be a good starter that has enough elements of punk and rock to please everyone.

Jason Stasiuk

Alice in Chains Black Gives Way to Blue Virgin

Some bands just don’t know when to stop.

Along with acts like Soundgarden, Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains was a pretty awesome band in the ‘80s and ‘90s. They had some hits and some misses. They had a few good albums, they won a few awards and then they faded away.

With the release of Black Gives Way to Blue, Alice in Chains has returned after a 14-year hiatus. The music industry moved on — they didn’t.

On this album, newcomer William DuVall takes on lead vocals for the late Layne Staley, who died of a drug overdose in 2002. The two are interchangeable, but DuVall doesn’t bring any originality or personality to his performance. It seems like a cheap impersonation.

Each track on this album is a textbook example of how to write a radio hit in the ‘90s. Their grungy, heavy metal sound will bring instant comparisons to Creed or Godsmack.

In other words, they sound like bands that haven’t been relevant for at least half a decade.

The album is fairly well produced, but angry metal doesn’t have the same primal kick it once did. They don’t compare to acts that successfully made the transition, like Nine Inch Nails or Pearl Jam.

Strangely enough, Elton John makes an appearance on the title track — playing the piano. I can’t think of a stranger, more arbitrary collaboration.

People nostalgic for the glory days of the Seattle grunge scene might find something to appreciate in this album. Everyone else should move on.

Will Johnson