Schenker has been a favorite of mine for a while now. Their songwriting is superb, and it always makes for an interesting song. I believe one of the things that really sets them apart from other bands is how they incorporate their Scottish heritage in their music. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but I always find it endearing. After hearing their music for a while, you’ll realize that it’s not just the fact that they’re from Scotland. This is a band that truly understands what it means to be a band from the get-go.
The Biggest Surprise
To start off, I want to say that this album is a complete departure from their previous albums. It’s very much an album of original material, and it really shows. The production value is absolutely top notch, and it helps make the songs even more memorable. It was a real treat to listen to the whole album without having any idea of what was coming next. They’ve always been very protective of their music, which is why this album was such a pleasant surprise.
An Original Blend Of Rock And Roll
To be completely honest, I did not enjoy Loud Town at all. That’s not to say that there aren’t any good songs on it. There are definitely a few, but the album just drags in my opinion. Schenker’s sound has always been a blend of rock and roll and alternative. Maybe it’s because of how the members of the band came from a variety of musical backgrounds, but this album is very much a rock album. It incorporates a lot of the great elements of being a rock band, but the production values are very much on par with a pop album. Even now, I still find myself playing this album because it’s just so much fun to jam out to. That’s always been part of the charm of Schenker. They’ve always been very accessible for anyone who’s ever wanted to jam out.
An Emotional Album
For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I typically do not review albums that I do not enjoy. That being said, Dear Diary is not an album that I would usually put down, but it’s one that I found myself playing over and over again. This is a highly personal album, and it’s about a woman who deals with issues of mental health and depression. It’s very honest and upfront about what the band is trying to say, and that really shines through in the music. My favorite song on the album is Dear Diary, as its honest and vulnerable sound struck a chord with me. I think that this album will speak to a lot of people, and that’s really what matters in the end.
I mentioned already that this album is a bit of a departure from Schenker’s previous efforts. That statement definitely does not hold true for the members of Haim, which is a seven-piece band that includes Shimon Secundus on drums and percussion. There’s a reason behind the name Haim, and it’s because they’re the sons of Alfred and Rivkah Schenker. They’re also all graduates of the BRIT School of Music in London. If you’re familiar with the Jewish tradition, then you know that there’s a reason why all of the members of the band are named after notable Jewish composers and musicians. This is an all-star band that absolutely killed it on this album. You have to put down the credit for the amazing production at least partially to the fact that they have some of the best British and American producers in the business. The album starts out extremely heavy but soon turns into a progressive rock masterpiece. It features some of the most exciting and intricate songs that Schenker have ever tackled. This album is pure joy to listen to. It will leave you breathless.
Overall, this is a very good album. It’s not perfect, but then again, it’s not meant to be. It just is what it is. Schenker have always been very good at what they do, and this album is no exception. It’s an excellent demonstration of what a band from the get-go can do. If you’re a fan of Schenker, then you’ll want to pick this album up without thinking twice.