Written by Mark Lush 01.21.06
Musicianship - 8.5 out of 10It’s funny; I’ve reviewed each album that Apparently Nothing has released, and it seems that every time I do, I forget what a unique experience it is! As with previous listens, I was truly impressed with each individual member’s ability to play his respective instrument! However, at first listen, I felt like the overall project was a bit messy. As I listened a second time, though, everything gelled, and I began to see the ways that Shekey and Lincoln play parts that complement each other, and I also began to see how the rhythm section members (Layne Knutson on drums and Ryan McGrew on bass) hung together while seeming to be at odds with the other instrumentalists. With each subsequent listen, the song continued to make more sense, and I began to see the true strength of this band! Each player is great at what he does! Even more amazing is the fact that each individual is also a great team player! Bands like this seem destined to do great things, because it’s very rare for creative individuals to work so well together! Here’s to the boys in the band! They are excellent musicians!
Songwriting - 8.5 out of 10I like the fact that I work in an industry where creativity is at once celebrated and castigated! People either want their music to stay exactly the same, or continually change, and artists have to decide which side of the fence to stand on! You either decide to fall in with the rank and file, or chart a new course, creating something totally different. There are risks either way, honestly. The artist may alienate their fan base, or lose them totally in the creative process. Groups like Apparently Nothing choose to keep the material fresh, unique, and different, and though they take a chance that they might lose fans along the way, they continue to search for the new approach that will provide a truly unique listening experience! Do I have to say it? Yes! I think these guys are awesome songwriters! I particularly liked the songs “Being Saved”, “All I Need” and “A Life Undone”. These three tunes are perfect examples of the abilities that this band possesses; however, every song should be heard at least once, if not multiple times!
Sound Quality/Professionalism - 9 out of 10I like the sound that Apparently Nothing has produced on this, their newest album. The guys are mature beyond their years when it comes to creating a pure, authentic Rock sound, and they go to great lengths to maintain that quality! Just take a look at the liner notes, and you’ll find many interesting facts about the making of Sprawl! The proof is in the pudding, though, and the only way that you’ll know quality is to hear it. Just pop the CD into your player, and you’ll see what I mean!
Packaging - 10 out of 10These guys are excellent musicians; in addition, they are also excellent graphic artists! They always coordinate their website with their album packaging, and make everything look very professional! The lack of lyrics in the liner notes would ordinarily cause me to rate the packaging a little lower, but everything else is done so well that I have to give credit where it’s due! Additionally, these guys are selling Sprawl, a full-length CD, for only $5! They could ask twice that amount, and people would pay it, but these guys are keeping it real for the people who love their music! They are to be commended!
Favorite TracksBeing Saved
All I Need
A Life Undone
Sprawl
I Don’t Get You
Overall Rating - 9 out of 10There are very few bands listed at MWB that have allowed me to review all of their material! This album will mark the third project that I have listened to from Apparently Nothing, so I feel as if I have watched these guys mature and grow, both as individuals and as a band. This is a band that has challenged me to step outside the bounds of conventional thought with regard to songwriting and Rock Music, and it has truly been a pleasure to work my way through their catalog! When you hear Sprawl, I hope that you’ll like it as much as I have! This CD is a departure from their formula in some ways, because they seem to have left behind some of the Geek Rock influence. They still have the emo feel to their music, but it’s somehow different! They are more progressive in their arrangements, and they are focusing more stringently on the elements of recording/playing that make their music a living, breathing entity. Think I’m out of my mind? Take a listen, and I think you’ll agree! This is a different album, and the more you listen, the more you’ll like it! Make sure to give Sprawl a listen! It’s not going to be everybody’s cup of tea, but I think hearing it will help you see how a band is able to take influences, blend them, and create something entirely unique. Apparently Nothing continues to invent and re-invent their sound, doing things that make their albums worth hearing! I’m a fan, and I think I always will be!