While listening to the new Complaints cd, I couldn't help but think of Bon Jovi. The melodies, harmonies and arrangements are similar in spots. Guitarist Dean Petrella, Bassist Chris Cruz and drummer Anthony Marotti certainly put a lot of effort into this release. Dean has the type of voice that penetrates, but not overpowers. The musicianship is solid, although a bit predictable. Overall, these guys are very good. The songs on this disk are catchy and short with the longest song topping out at 4:46. Wrap it up; this album is ready for the radio!
Track one, "Weak", features Dean at his best. As he bellows the chorus, "You've got to take it, run with it" you can't help but sing along (which I was by the end of the song). "Elena" and "No" follow with appealing melodies of their own. It's not surprising that this rock band (like every other before it) finds plenty of time to sing about woman.
I really like "Comeback". This is a great song, and perhaps the best vocal track on the cd. If you listen carefully, you can almost hear the teenage girls screaming in the background. The only thing I found disappointing with this track is the strange vocal volume increase near the end of the song (around 4:10). This clearly sounds accidental (I can't see why they would have done this on purpose). Maybe they can fix the problem before the next batch of CDs goes out.
Comeback is followed by a couple of good 'ol rock tunes, "Before This" and "Down". But the album's real gem is right around the corner.
The highlight of the album is "Stole Sister's Sacred Secret". Buy the album for this song. You won't be sorry. It has a catchy, moving, spiraling melody and some excellent harmonies "The silly dreams you dream, they keep me at your calling, my black leather dangles, won't give you any warning". I especially like the verse/chorus transitions. Very smooth.
The title track, "Criminal Mind" closes out a very solid cd. Its guitar intro is very Rock & Roll, with the bass and drums following several measures later. I like the bass guitar here very much. Chris Cruz, who doesn't particularly stand out on any other track does so here on this song.
The Complaints do it all: catchy melodies, decent lyrics, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, wonderful harmonies, hooks, big finishes, feedback, drum effects (check out "Down"). There are many more ups than downs here. In short this is a great release that the band should be proud of. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to any melodic rock fan with an ear to good music. I especially recommend this CD to the average RI music fan. Great music exists right here in your back yard. Don't let this one slip by!
~hunter.
You can find The Complaints online at www.thecomplaints.com. Their website is excellent. Check out the 'video' link on the left, you won't be sorry! You can order "Criminal Mind" and their freshman release "Fear" on the 'store' page. Enjoy!
J. Hunter worked for the In On The What staff, and turned in a few live show and CD reviews. We archive them here for the benefit of future generations.
