So, Bring On Mixed Reviews

Gwen Stacy – A Dialogue – Review

Release Date: October 20th, 2009
Record Label: Solid State Records
Genre: Metalcore

Truly, a lot can happen in a year. Just ask Indianapolis, IN four-piece Gwen Stacy, who after releasing their indie label debut “The Life I Know” back in 2008, asked their ex-lead singer Cole Wallace to leave the band, as well as having his replacement (Bobby) leave as well soon after. After the eventual refiling of roles though, the band is now headed by vocalist, Geoff Jenkins (Once Nothing) and the band has recently signed to metal-sided, jesus-amplifying, label, Solid State Records. Gwen Stacy, it seems, had their eyes set on establishing a confident effort with producer Andreas Magnusson (Haste The Day, Oh Sleeper), in loo of recent events. Enter their junior effort, “A Dialogue.”

First let it be said that this isn’t the Ferret-backed, up and comer, Gwen Stacy that we had become familiar with. It bleeds Solid State, even down to the albums cover, which looks like something Destroy The Runner or Norma Jean would come up with while dismantling a stereo system. Not to mention that the absence of Cole, has changed the vocal direction greatly. No longer do we have scratchy reverberation and low production. Instead, Gwen Stacy have upped their game with clean melodic guitar-work that doesn’t sound like it’s coming from your neighbors garage, and a complementary (albeit off-putting) set of both shouting and singing. This is possibly the biggest departure from their old efforts, as you often forget you are even listening to Gwen Stacy, because it instead resembles bands like Poison The Well and Oh, Sleeper.

So while the band has dropped much of their rough and tough exterior in favor of a sharper and quicker assault (which I enjoy), I still can’t completely accept, “A Dialogue.” The airwaves are literally getting filled to the brim with bands that sound just like this. Why would you make an album which features a sound that has come out at least 4 times this year. I won’t lie though — much of Patrick’s fretwork has progressed and Andreas’ clean production bring them to light, where they were buried underground before. Also, Geoff has brought all of the intensity from his former band, Once Nothing, to the role, but it still doesn’t help the fact that this record has made Gwen Stacy feel like something they aren’t. It’s kind of like when you would do anything to be popular back in high school, and you started to dress a little different and talk to different people — forgetting about your true friends in the process.

There are some benefits to listening to “A Dialogue,” such as its infectiously melodic guitars and vocal structure, which are most potent in songs like “Devil Devil,” but I know a mask when I see one, and they are wearing it proudly. Solid State Records has tons of talent and is very deserving, but I can’t help but feel like they have found a way to shove a rectangular prism though a circular hole with this one — not to mention the sound has been done to death before. Gwen Stacy has made a move away from old roots and metalcore fans will either have to sigh and move on or give it a chance depending on how much free time they have. My guess is that most will simply wave to it as it passes by trying to start up a conversation. ~Staff

Score: 2.5/5

Track Listing:
1. The First Words
2. Profit Motive
3. A Dialogue
4. Creation and How I See It
5. Words of the New Prophet
6. Devil Devil
7. Addictionary
8. Braveheart
9. A Middle Ground
10. The Making Of
11. The Sound of Letting Go