Orlando-based rock band, Afterglow Radio, is back with their newest collection of songs on the LP, Miles Away from Anywhere. This album features more radio-friendly tracks than their previous CD, Find Yourself Again (2008). My friend Ana works with this band and she asked that I take a listen to the tunes and share on the blog. Of course I would jump at the chance to listen to new music and give my opinion (hint hint). I guess it becomes it a little bit trickier when you know someone associated with the music or the musician themselves. In order to keep with the theme of the blog, I would have to only share something that I enjoyed or recommended. Fortunately, Afterglow Radio’s newest release, Miles Away from Anywhere, is enjoyable and I would certainly recommend to fans of mainstream rock.
Before I give my perhaps silly thoughts on the album tracks… there are things that I do have to mention about this album that may sound a bit critical or, hmmm, constructive. There are a few times on the album where I only enjoy a portion of the song due to the bridge or instrumental break in the song. Now, I realize this is just my own opinion, but I had to say it.
1. Going – I love when an album opens with a bang. The hard hitting piano notes drew me in quickly and then the forceful vocals take over. The song sounds very determined to get its point across and that, my friends, is why it works. Good choice for the first track on a new album guys!
2. American Beauty – I wouldn’t be surprised if this is one of the bands favorite songs to play live. This is a great band song with a good chorus for fans to sing along with. I will find out soon enough.
3. Don’t Forget to Breathe – This is certainly a track that I could hear on mainstream radio. It has the rock elements, but the chorus echoes recent rock ballads. In addition, the positive “keep on keeping on” lyrics of this song fit the masses. “You can have it all, if you just want to let it go. You can see it all, if you just want to let it go…”
4. Homesick – One of my favorite things to do when listening to a new album is find the song that the album title is mentioned. Well, folks, this is the one. I have now bursted the search bubble for you. Sorry. This is one of those mid-tempo rock songs that you find yourself bobbin’ your head to through the chorus. It has a flavor of 90s rock songs in the instrumental break. Then…the end gets a little scream-o sounding. Although I like the ending, I often jump to the next track at the 3:00 mark.
5. Pieces - Not one of my favorites.
6. Stratosphere - I have been told that this is Ana’s favorite song. This could certainly be the first radio-single to pop/mainstream stations. It is a midtempo jam that allows for the listeners to sing along at the top of their lungs with the windows down. It may just be me, but I could hear a little Evan and Jaron sound in this song (“Crazy for this Girl” anyone?). This very well could be the intentionally written song strictly for the mainstream attention. If so, smart move fellas!
7. Loss of One – Hearing some vocal exercises in my mind while listening to this one. Although I enjoy this song, I feel that the rest of the song feels a little disjointed from the chorus. However, you don’t often hear songs with the word dissonance in them. Bonus points.
8. Can’t Stand Losing You – I got a little Sublime vibe from this beginning of this song…then I got a little Green Day….then back to Sublime. And, that’s all I got.
9. Just Wait – I feel like this one was written for the girlfriends -the ones in the audience swooning and swaying.
10. 9th Ward – This song follows the trend of sounding a bit depressing with a chorus of belting long notes. However, I really like the instrumentation on this track. Of all the tracks, this was a good choice to close out the album (even though I like when albums have 12-13 tracks!)
I guess what I am trying to say is that, if you are a fan of mainstream rock music or even a little indie sounding rock, check out Afterglow Radio. I don’t think you will regret the $9.90 on iTunes. Plus, I think some of the music will remind you of music from the past and that very well could bring you to some good memories…or bad ones. whatever.
Oh, and if you live in Orlando, come to the free show tomorrow night.
