Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces

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Customer reviews

review by: CD Collector date: 2008-06-24 rating:
seether- the best thing from south africa
What a fantastic album, you don't get much better than this, pure rock/metal quality from start to finish

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review by: the-rocker.co.uk date: 2008-06-02 rating:
...post grunge survivors angry and bitter...
I was mildly surprised to find that Seether were still on the go. After all, most of the other big rock, post-grunge bands have long gone the way of the dodo and the pig-footed bandicoot , with the honourable exception of Nickelback who seemed to have evolved some kind of immune system / defense shield that repels all comers.

But here come the South African metal band with their sixth-ish album (depends whether you count their debut as Saron Gas or, indeed, their rereleased debut), which crashed into the Billboard Charts at number 9, on the back of an infuriatingly catchy single, in the shape of "Fake It". Now the album gets a UK release, in advance of some Summer shows.

Now, casual passers by may need reminding as to who exactly Seether are, as they became better known for the tabloid exploits of main man Shaun Morgan, than they did for their music. Naturally, I'll repeat it all again! Their breakthrough hit was a re-recorded version of "Broken" from their debut Disclaimer which appeared on the soundtrack to the lamentable movie The Punisher. The new version turned the acoustic lament into a goth / grunge crossover with Amy Lee from Evanescence appearing on vocals. Morgan and Lee then embarked upon a romance which ended with the Seether man in rehab, Evanescence having a huge hit called "Call Me When You're Sober" and guitarist Pat Callahan leaving the band.

But that was then, and this is now. And now seems to involve the three piece Seether releasing the finest album of their career. "Fake It" is an obvious highlight, one designed for radio, with an irresistible melody and chorus. Follow up single "Rise Above This" seems primed to do likewise, twisting their sound into more of an adult contemporary rock noise.

However, it's when you move away from the commercial singles that you discover just how good Seether have become when you weren't looking. There are some tough riffs and angry vocals on the likes of "Like Suicide" and "Fallen", but it's on the immense "No Jesus Christ" that Seether hit their peak. A song that starts off away down there, slowly building and twisting its way to a climax over seven priceless minutes.

Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces is an angry album that rages hard from beginning to end, replete with hefty bouts of shouting and swearing, deserving of its Parental Advisory sticker. Morgan often sounds like a man possessed, and it can be quite uncomfortable listening to him exorcise his demons on some of the more coruscating tracks. Generally, it's a bleak and bitter album, with Morgan finding little of joy in his life.

Seether don't really break any new musical ground, although there are some unexpected sprinkles of psychedelia and inventive percussion from the excellent John Humphrey. But with only a couple of tracks ("FMLYHM" and "Eyes Of The Devil") failing to make the mark, it's an album that those pining for the lost days of Soundgarden or those wishing Nickelback would hit puberty will clutch to their hearts.

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review by: Kaptain date: 2007-12-15 rating:
FBINS....
This CD is Awsome!! Can't get enough of it. Not one single bad track on it 10 out of 10... Sean, Guys...you ROCK!...More please!

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review by: 1touch date: 2007-11-25 rating:
An interesting new direction
This is a very interesting album from Seether's last three: 'Disclaimer', 'Disclaimer II' (a re-release of 'Disclaimer' with some bonus tracks including 'Broken Feat. Amy Lee') and 'Karma & Effect' (or 'Catering To Cowards' as it would have been called without the influence of Seether's record label). This album was produced by Howard Benson, and it really shows. The 'sound' of the album has something more like a Papa Roach feel than a Seether feel to it. The intensely heavy sound of past albums has disappeared, and whilst the lyrics remain dark, the music sound doesn't match. It's hard to describe but if you take a listen and you're familiar with Seether's past work you'll hear what I mean immediately. To me this is an interesting thing for Seether to have done and I certainly didn't see it coming. I haven't really been able to make up my mind on what I think about it yet, but I'm sure many Seether fans that have been supporting the band from the start won't like it. Judging this album for what it is though, I've got to say that I really like it. The first single off the album is 'Fake It' and it's got great rhythm to it. For me 'No Jesus Christ' and '6 Gun Quota' are the best tracks on the album, with 'No Jesus Christ' clocking in at over 7 minutes long, resemblant more of a Metallica length of song rather than a Seether one of the past. But it's great. Shaun, Dale and crew have done a great job again. Full marks from me guys. Just don't forget that 'Seether sound' that your old fans love. PS - you'll have a hard time finding a copy of this album in record stores as it doesn't seem to have been released in the UK properly, but get an imported copy. What's with all the US bands/artists not releasing their work over here anymore? Come on guys, the UK needs some good rock and metal to combat the pop-rock, pop-punk phase that seems to be taking over. All American rock/metal artists, and you South Africans in Seether too, please hear my plea!


review by: Adam J North date: 2007-11-15 rating:
Good, but losing their edge!
I have been a huge Seether fan since 'Disclaimer'. They had a bit of an edge over most Metal acts for me. Where most singers would scream though everything and guitarists would hammer out chords with mallets instead of plectrums. Seethers music was melodic and story telling but still retaining the power. (There was still some screaming but only when it seemed necessary).

This new album is great, but it is weaker than it's predecessors. It took time for it to grow on me, but is still leaving me wanting. All the tracks are good but none are brilliant.

This seems an odd comment to be making, but Shaun has become more positive with life and has reflected that in his writing. I believe this is the problem! the angst of the previous albums gave them the edge.

Don't let this review stop you buying this album, it is still a great album, but not a brilliant one.

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