Soulshed's self titled album isn't something we could call a masterpiece. Sure, it's not a bad album, but I'd be lying if I said I dug it a lot. Starting with it's production: overall, it doesn't sound very clear and vocals are recorded a bit too high. Ok, I wasn't expecting a pro production since it's an independent release, but that's not the only reason why I didn't really dig this album at all.
Soulshed's sound can at times remind of, for those of you who really need some comparisons, a mixture between Sevendust and Coal Chamber, with some influences of rap / hip-hop vocals. Unfortunately, this mixture doesn't work very well; maybe because of the band, maybe not. Singer Rick Massa deserves to be respected due to his wide variety of screams. This guy can scream like no one I've ever seen, and in every fucking way you might want! His medium tone, though, is a bit too deep, and doesn't sound very good. His rap is okay; not a very good flow as some would expect. Nothing outstanding, but it doesn't compromise. Guitars courtesy of Dan and Josh aren't too special. Even being downtuned, they don't come with as much heaviness as can be heard in other bands. It gives me the idea that they don't work really well together, and at times the guitars found on the record can be a little messy. Nelson's bass is probably the less notable instrument on the album. Pretty basic, yet solid lines, following the safe path led by guitars. Manny's drums could be a little more aggressive, but doesn't hurt in the way they are played, and just makes sure the jobs done.
The band overall gives me the idea that they probably sound much better live, and that this studio recording doesn't do them justice. I could definitely imagine myself jumping while listening to songs like Mind Of A Spider and Anthem live, but for some reason their recording just doesn't give me the urge to kick the first dude who steps in front of me. Stand out tracks, besides the two mentioned above, would be Death Becomes You, which is a little bit different from the others in the cd due to it's weird guitar lines and good drumwork in the background while Rick's voice just tears shit up, and Badge To Kill, that shows off a more rap style beat during the song with a greatly heavy chorus.
Somethings that should be noted with the band are: guitar work should definitely be improved. They sound pretty basic and not very interesting, after closer inspection. Their songs also can sound the same after a few listens to their cd, something that happens thanks to the poor guitarwork on the disc, and the not so captivating vocals. A little more work in the production of the album also would make it sound much better.
By no means I'm saying that Soulshed is a bad band. I just feel their sound isn't at the point they want to reach, and that they need a little more work so it can achieve exactly what the band wants. Even though it may sound interesting what they're trying to accomplish, unfortunately the results of their chemistry just doesn't sound the way it should....
(3 / 5)
