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We Are I

We Are I

Review by Greg Olma

We Are I are one of those bands that just hits you the first time you hear them. Although the “alternative” tag might seem dated, it fits the music perfectly. It has a melodic but heavy base and the vocals courtesy of Jay Staples are the icing on the cake. Rich Chamberland (guitars) is able to go from heavy riffing to melodic strumming within the context of one song yet make it sound organic. The rhythm section of Keenan Wakem (bass) and Ralph Arsenault (drums) lay the foundation but they too add little nuances that keep the music fresh. These guys are the type of band that you hear once and you become an instant fan.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
One Choice
This is the longest track here at over 4 ½ minutes. It starts off with some mellow strumming but quickly kicks into a catchy rocker. Staples really shines here with a great vocal delivery. College radio should be all over this track (and this band).
Inside
Some slower strumming starts off this cut also and it follows the same pattern as the previous tune. This is the best track offered here and this has “hit single” written all over it.
Sorry
This number has a similar feel to the previous one but I don’t like the chorus as much. It is still head and shoulders above a lot of stuff I hear but compared to the first two, this one doesn’t hit me as much.
Portrait
The band changes things up a bit by throwing us this plodding rocker. Chamberland stands out on this tune due to the heavy guitar riffing.
She
This is the heaviest track here but Staples’ vocals keep things very melodic also. Wakem and Arsenault provide a great groove here and this one is probably a monster live.
End of the LIne
There is some nice bass playing on the intro of this short tune. It has a punk/new metal feel to it and before you know it, it’s over.
 
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