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CD reviews

February Son

Oleander - February Son Audio CD

A fair review of the Oleander "February Son" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Oleander reviews here, or go back to the Oleander tabs.

Band: Oleander
Title: February Son
Rating:

Release Date: 1999-02-23
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: You'll Find Out 2: Stupid 3: Down When I'm Loaded 4: Why I'm Here 5: I Walk Alone 6: Lost Cause 7: Where Were You Then? 8: Shrinking the Blob 9: How Could I? 10: Boys Don't Cry 11: Never Again

pleasanty surprised
I hate to compare with other groups, but it is reminds me of something from the 80's vocalwise with a 90's edge musically. Purchased this for one song, WHY I'M HERE and I was pleasantly surprised with the entire cd. I rarely like anything the first time through and this caught my attention from beginning to end. . . so much I let it play through three times before I realized it was time to go home from work. What a bonus!!!
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not completely bad
there are 3 good things about this album. rather than seeing the cup as 2/3 empty, i'm gonna try to look at it as 1/3 full. 1) "why i'm here", 2) "i walk alone", and 3) "how could i?"

the only other one you might not want to skip is "stupid", as this song is fairly mediocre and not painful at all to listen to.

I could listen to this disc for hours on end!
It is constantly in rotation with my music collection and typically gets a few more plays than the rest. I could not keep this CD out of my stereo. Since this was their major label debut it was important to come in with a bang and they accomplished that task. This band is exemplified by heavy guitar work, but the unrefined vocals of lead singer Thomas Flowers stick out as one of the most unique things about the group. If you need a disc to listen to all day long everyday, this is the one for you. Here is a track breakdown�

1. You�ll Find Out: A mysterious guitar intro leads into a straightforward rock track. This song is a great set-up for the rest of the album, good enough to get you interested, but holding back a bit on what they can do. 8/10

2. Stupid: Yeah, this song is the weakest on the CD. Not bad, just not as good as the others. The weakest lyrics on the album could have been saved by great music, but a modest guitar solo leaves a bit to be desired. 6/10

3. Down When I�m Loaded: A good song overall that got some radio play. Decent guitar hooks combined with lyrics that actually have a meaning lead to a well put together song. 8/10

4. Why I�m Here: The first �slow� song on the disc shows the versatility of the band. Strong vocals push this song through with just �there enough� guitar and a placid drum part that tie the song together and push it through to the end. 10/10

5. I Walk Alone: Catchy singing with nice string arrangement leads into one of the best songs on the disc. No one item in this song sticks out; everything melds well into a song that most people can relate to and is fun to listen to. 10/10

6. Lost Cause: My personal favorite, high-energy guitar work drives this song from start to fake finish to starting again to the actual finish (listen to the song to see what I mean). Fantastic lyrics and a slamming drums top this song off. 11/10

7. Where Were You Then? Not a bad song, but you can feel the formula of the band really develop in this song. Not a bad thing, you just really start to recognize what you are in for. 8/10

8. Shrinking The Blob: Starts out with a great guitar intro, but then it falters. The music overall is good (especially in the chorus) but the lyrics are really weak and this song leaves some to be desired. 6/10

9. How Could I? Time to slow it down again, which is a nice change of pace. With an album of driving rock sounds, hearing a ballad with string accompaniment and good lyrics was just what was needed. 9/10

10. Boys Don�t Cry: Every once in awhile a cover hits home with the same energy and passion as the original and this cover (originally by The Cure) does just that. An all out drive to the finish, this song rocks. Turn the stereo up when this tune hits. 10/10

11. Never Again: The final song really encompasses the whole CD very well. From the slow melodic intro to the driving middle, and the reflective end, this song leaves you wanting more. Throw in the best lyrics on the disc and you have another winner. 10/10

This CD is a winner and I would recommend it to anyone. It gives you a great combination of fabulous lyrics, grinding guitar, driving drums and enough fun that you want to listen to it over and over.
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A band that is definitely paving paths for future pop/rock
Oleander have their instruments tuned (and distorted at the same time) to perfection. What can you expect from a CD which has a little robot in a flower field on the cover? A WHOLE lot. They can also play with a superlative amount of talent, with lead singer Thomas Flowers' distinctive vocals. To many people, this album is a breath of fresh air over " Shrinking The Blob", which some found to be inferior.
Here is a track breakdown:

1. You'll Find Out- Excuse me, but did someone see or hear an alien UFO land on the beginning of this song? Very different and distorted. Hence, does this recall the opening style or sound to Nirvana's "Stay Away?"-4/10

2. Stupid- Better than the first; completely listenable. Ends a little bit too abruptly, though. -5/10

3. Down When I'm Loaded- THE BEST FRIGGIN' SONG ON THIS WHOLE DAMN ALBUM!!! This was also a radio hit a while back. Perfectly paced song, with excellent alternative guitar hooks. -11/10

4. Why I'm Here- Just ONE step down from the previous song. This has Nirvanaesque hooks to it. Hence, the beginning of "Heart-Shaped Box. "-9/10

5. I Walk Alone- If I could squeeze in my rating between "Why I'm Here" and "Down When I'm Loaded"-well I actually can, making this song a 10/10. I can also REALLY relate to this song.

6. Lost Cause- Ummmm. . . I don't know. I think they could have put a little more time and effort into this song. The guitar choruses are also annoyingly repetitive. -3/10

7. Where Were You Then?- A very fine song, but the guitar riffs this time on the solo sound random and contrived. -6/10

8. Shrinking The Blob- SUCKS. -1/10

9. How Could I?- A beautiful, beautiful ballad, and very ,melodic. Slow and relaxing. I think that every rock album should have a cool-down song like this. -10/10

10. Boy's Don't Cry- This song seems like a filler, but I have to admit it IS good, although a LITTLE bit fast. -7/10

11. Never Again- The closing song on this CD, and also a very promising one! It seems like Thomas is talking about breaking some of his bad habits on this song. Role model? You be the judge. -8/10

Well, that's it. Hopefully this information will guide you to a classic CD. In other words, February Son by Oleander. Buy it now.

Throw Back
Evidently unaware that grunge was itself metal; Oleander set out to disprove the elusive myth. Some say that grunge ended metal forever. They are a throw back's throw back, representing the leading edge of metal before it descended in the self indulgent clich�s of the hair bands. Hard, edgy and only slightly screechy, Oleander will doubtless please old Dio fans who are looking for a return to the good old days, when Devils were devils and rock bands thought that loud meant good. To anyone weaned on the alt craze of the nineties, they will just seem dated.

You can see a complete list of all Oleander discography, or go back to the Oleander tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.