Seether Cooks Up a Vulnerable Gem Worth Saving

Often when bearing bad news you want to ease in slowly, let the weight fall in as digestible a manner as one could allow. Seether, an excellent unafraid to emote South African band isn't bearing bad news in the slightest. What's on display opens stripped of its electricity and the rewards extend as far as the imagination can fathom. Seether pulls back the curtain to expose the very mortal but very convincing rock workmanship that earns respect gig after gig. Seether won me over with the turbo charged "Words as Weapons". Slammed down on your eardrums like an industrial strength jackhammer. The vocals cooked to a fabulous crackle. The new "Save Today" ought to score massive points with both genders. Men who crave rock credibility get to go home happy while the ladies who like their dudes in touch with their feminine side will lap this up bones and all. Don't sleep on that acoustic opening though. Soon enough the plugging in works out to full effect. Doesn't cost the song punch in the slightest. The intensity level inches upwards degree by scintillating degree. If I may indulge in a highlight reel moment the chorus for "Save Today" scales the heights of beautiful and plants a flag at the very top. "So save the secrets that you prayed for", especially at the "for" part tugs on the heartstrings magnificently. Sprawling landscapes stagger the imagination with their unabashed grandeur. "Save Today" strikes a similar pose on its cruise for acoustic to electric. The dots connect slowly, steadily, impressively. Much doubt colors the opening stanza. Lead vocalist Shaun Morgan tingles with doubt. He's convinced the young aren't in line for good fortune. The "right?" question at the end of lines two and four illustrate he's unsure of his just agreed upon conclusion. He doubts he has what it takes to succeed. He rues the time lost that can't be reclaimed. John Humphrey knows not to overreach here. His is a conductor's assignment, simply keeping the train rolling along the track. Bassist Dale Stewart's contribution to this track cannot be underestimated. The bittersweet texture shoots straight from his instrument. You let it sink in, allow the raw weight to hit your shoulders, sigh heavily, and then retrace your steps until you've located your waylaid optimism. It's not too heavy on minor keys, but still manages to pack a heavy psychological punch. There's much rooting value to be gleaned from the lyrics. You want Shaun not to feel so heavy hearted but you're powerless to intervene. You keep your fingers crossed in hopes that a life raft materializes somewhere but you're not too married to his chances. If "Words As Weapons" was a jarring effective plea for a crumb of attention, "Save Today" pulls back on the rack and pinion steering in exchange for a chance to make the mileage last. "Save Today" makes good on the promise of the human touch any day of the week. It has already grown on me, and repeatedly listening stands to make this bud bloom into a dignified flower carrying itself with the utmost grace.