The Record Reviews Restitution
A little weak in confidence but powerful in production TheRecord.com - NightLife -
It takes a certain amount of nerve to give your band a name like The Weak Need.
Doing so is practically an invitation to music critics -- the opportunistic vultures that they/we can so often be -- to utilize the name as an easy linguistic weapon against the band in a snarky review.
"Weak," such a soupus scribe might snarl, "is precisely the right word for the music!"
Or: "I'll tell you what these guys need -- a better album!"
There shall be no such sniping here, though, since The Weak Need have a secret weapon of their own, which they have fired in a pre-emptive strike: a self-assured, beautifully produced album, Restitution.
In other words, their chutzpah was warranted, because there's nothing particularly weak or needy about this solid 10-track collection of lush emo-pop.
The band strides comfortably into the radio-friendly territory of bands like Muse and Keane, with brief glimmers of the adventurousness of Radiohead and Aereogramme.
While no aspect of this album can rightly be described as "weak," some listeners (myself included) might suggest that the album feels a little too restrained or cautious at times.
On several tracks, the band builds a crescendo that never quite reaches its peak, like a firework that launches into the air but fizzles out before the big colourful explosion.
The best tracks on the album, such as the stellar Heal You and Beyond The Stars, are the ones on which the musicians crank the volume, stomp the distortion pedals and belt out the lyrics with rockstar swagger.
Such bombastic tracks, however, are outnumbered by the heartfelt ballads that showcase frontman Sean Croley's emotive vocals and laudable talents on the piano. Some of these softer songs, like the album closer Thank You, feature haunting harmonies and evocative lyricism, but others could benefit from a bit more guitar-fuelled oomph.
The album, recorded at Kitchener's II dB Studio, boasts some of the loveliest production quality you're liable to hear from an indie band, and makes for a strong, satisfying listen.
The band demonstrated some chutzpah when choosing a name. If they'd only show a bit more chutzpah by truly rocking out when the time is right, they'd be nigh-on perfect. |
The intense, achingly beautiful songs of Kitcheners newest pop band The Weak Need reveal raw emotion, touching the depths of the soul and fueling introspection. Although influences such as Coldplay, Keane and The Cure can easily be heard in their music, the uniquely intimate voice and textured harmonies of lead vocalist/keyboardist Sean Croley give the band a signature sound that has been described by critics as “original” and “a breath of fresh air”. Completing the lineup are Rob Brayshaw (guitar), Shayne Laity (drums), Joel McNee (guitar) and Stephen Preston (bass), each with a distinct talent and fervor that exhilarates listeners. The Weak Need’s high-energy performances have blown audiences away, leaving them “speechless” and desperately wanting to “feel” more.