CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Lacuna Coil
Album: Shallow Life (2009 Century Media/EMI)
Tracks: 12 + 1
Artist website: http://www.lacunacoil.it
OVERVIEW
Shallow Life is the fifth studio album from Italian Goth Metal rockers Lacuna Coil. This is a very nice follow up to 2006’s Karmacode. The songs are powerful and melodic as always.
There is definite evidence in the evolution of the band’s sound on this record. The production on the vocal tracks are clearer than on previous albums. I feel that the vocals are more balanced between Cristina and Andrea. The songwriting also seems to be more focused.
Bravo!
HIGHLIGHTS:
I Won’t Tell You, I’m Not Afraid, I Like It, Spellbound, Unchained guitar solo, Oblivion
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Survive
Right from the get go, this track tells you what you’re listening to. The energy is there and the vocals sound crystal clear.
Track 2 – I Won’t Tell You
Nice hook. Very catchy.
Track 3 – Not Enough
The melody in the chorus is nice. But for some reason this track didn’t really sit well with me.
Track 4 – I’m Not Afraid
This has single written all over it. A really well put together track.
Track 5 – I Like It
This track could almost be a crossover song for the band into the “pop” charts. Really catchy and simple song. Awesome!
Track 6 – Underdog
This one is more like an old school rock song. I’m totally enjoying this track.
Track 7 – The Pain
It’s a nice song, but somehow (I feel that) this song doesn’t belong in the Lacuna Coil catalog.
Track 8 – Spellbound
This was the first single from the album. Good choice for a single. It’s a solid song and also features a guitar solo!
Track 9 – Wide Awake
Cool ballad.
Track 10 – The Maze
This is a very nice track. I really like the vocal interplay here.
Track 11 – Unchained
This song probably catches best what the Lacuna Coil sound is. If I had to play something off this album to someone who never heard of Lacuna Coil to illustrate what they sound like, it would probably be this song. Great guitar solo!
I could see this song being a single.
Track 12 – Shallow Life
Very pretty song. Kinda minimalistic, though.
Track 13 – Oblivion (Bonus Track)
Cool track. This shouldn’t have been a bonus track, but an actual track on the album.