Knocked Loose A Bit Too Lifeless For My Taste

Oldham, Kentucky's own Knocked Loose knows its way around Cookie Monster vocals. Just ask vocalist Bryan Garris. He's got the whole thing down pat throughout the band's "Deadringer" a showcase for Kevin "Pacsun" Kane's skin work. Lamentably it's the only really strong aspect of the song. The vocals are too gruff too be palatable. The pacing is uneven at times which detracts from the listener's ability to have a chance to truly appreciate the artistry at work here. Macabre lyrics like "I have dreams of dancing with the dead but my feet won't keep the tempo. A circus of ants. My feet won't follow suit. My tombstone was made at birth. My coffin is on my back. Wrapped in chains I carry burden. Dressed in chains I carry burden. Dressed in tarnished rags I carry burden." Very heavy stuff to absorb. The musicianship does gel well but its a shame the content is so garbled that you don't get a clear enough picture of what could have been a rewarding experience. I feel sorry that I couldn't serve up a nicer review given the potential for greatness is there. It really has a tight sound when it sets its mind to do so. Kevin Otten lays down some cool bass riffs that, again, are wasted on material that is not up to snuff. Isaac Hale lead guitar and vocals add some zip to the proceedings. He's got what it takes to thrive on the stage at this level but again the material isn't up to the level on display. Cookie Monster vocals are so new millennium. A modern upgrade would be nice but I don't see one coming for this group. Not if "Deadringer" is any indication.