Smile Empty Soul is a band that will be forever remembered by the mainstream/pop crowd as the band with hit song “Bottom of a Bottle”. In their defense, the single does happen to be their highest charting song to date helping their self-titled debut, Smile Empty Soul (2003), earn a certified gold accolade. However, to the more reliable and credible hard rock fans, there is much more lurking beneath the surface with Smile Empty Soul. The band has plugged and chugged away for the last decade while singles “Silhouettes” and “Nowhere Kids” were on in heavy rotation on rock radio. Having survived label woes, rotating drummers, and the departure of second guitarist Mike Booth (formerly of Cold), the band has still managed to release 4 albums. The meticulous hard work ethic demonstrated by this band has not been deterred by the unfortunate obstacles that seem to have been thrown at them on a consistent basis. The band is comprised of Sean Danielsen on vocals and guitar, longtime bassist Ryan Martin, and skinsman since 2006 Jake Kilmer. To their credit, the band has always had a full, rich sound; especially considering they are a 3 piece. All this said, it’s refreshing to see the band still active and forging ahead with heavy touring and a new album entitled Chemicals.
Opening the record, “Black and Blue” has a solid chunky guitar riff, with the trademark Smile Empty Soul sound courtesy of Danielsen. Danielsen’s voice has always been a standout among the crowd of other post-grunge and alternative rock acts, and of course shines through on this track, as well as the rest of the album. With a hint of Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Wes Scantlin of Puddle of Mudd, Danielsen’s style remains a unique sound of his own. Another very distinct quality of Smile Empty Soul is in their lyrics, which always paint vivid pictures of pure emotion and often extreme anguish. When coupled with Danielsen’s delivery, the sound is honest and raw.
The verses on the current single and second track, “False Alarm”, carry nicely leading into the “woah-oahs” of a catchy chorus. Heavy-hitters like “Swim” exhibit Danielsen’s more aggressive and raspy screams, whereas “Sitting Ducks” showcases the band’s more pensive and mellow side. The band sounds like a well-oiled machine, with a tight and cohesive rhythm section to balance the guitar and vocals. Direct evidence of this is the amazing intro to “Mechanical Rationality”. As always, the choruses of the songs are contagious and very well written.
Chemicals continues progressing much like the band’s earlier efforts, 3’s (2012) and the more commercially successful Consciousness (2009). There is enough diversity where it doesn’t seem to drag or become repetitive. Moreover, with a total of 10 tracks, the album is short and sweet with a straight to the point approach. Smile Empty Soul has always been an impressive act, despite the hardships that have faced. Their experiences only seem to help their sound mature. While it would be nice to see the band get more of the attention it so willing deserves, it’s still fun to root for the underdog. CrypticRock gives Chemicals 3.5 out of 5 stars.
- Pavement Music
Written by Mr. G
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