Review 1 of 9

galvin writes:

Not Rated

THE RECENT AOA SHOW AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES ORLANDO
WAS AN EVOLUTIONAL LEAP IN PURE CONTINUITY OF THIS
DRIVEN, SINCERE ROCK AND ROLL WISH COME TRUE- THE
SYMBIOSIS OF ROBERT AND AND DEAN DILEO IS APPARENTLY
INFECTIOUS, AS BOTH RAY LUZIER AND RICHARD PATRICK
HAVE SEVERELY CONTRACTED MAJOR CASES OF THE DISEASE-
NOTHING WAS MISSING FROM START TO FINISH AS THESE
POLISHED DIRTY BOYS SPEWED JUST ENOUGH FROM THE
STARTING EXPLOSION OF AOA MATERIAL TO LURE IN THEIR
STILL SOLID INDIVIDUAL FAN BASE, CARESS THEM WITH
ACOUSTIC TREASURES AND ACCOLADES TO THEIR RESPECTED
INFLUENCES, TEASE THEM WITH CONVOLUTED VERSIONS OF
RESPECTIVE FILTER AND STP MATERIAL, WHILE ALWAYS
CORRALLING THEM BACK INTO THE REASON THEY WERE
THERE, THIS INCREDIBLE ARMY OF ANYONE RECORD-
ROBERT'S POUNDING BASS LINES, EFFORTLESSLY COMPLETE
HARMONIES AND GENTLE GRACE ON GUITAR, DEAN'S
ASSAULTIVE THUNDER AND TENDER BLEED OF SLIDE LINES
AND TEAR JERKING LEAD WORK CARRESSED RICHARD'S
PHENOMENAL, INCOMPARABLE VOICE WHICH ONLY GETS
BETTER EVERY DAY AND EACH SHOW, ALL SURROUNDED BY
RAY'S EARTHQUAKE OF TIMING AND ROCKSMASH THAT IS
LITERALLY BEYOND DESCRIPTION- THE AUDIENCE COULD SEE
THE BAND BREATHING INTO ONE ANOTHER AND REALIZING
THAT THIS WAS WHY THEY WERE ALL STILL HERE- WATCHING
HOOTSIE, THEIR SEASONED SOUNDMAN, LAUGHING IN
PLEASURE LIKE HE WAS NEW AT THIS, AND THUMPING ALONG,
KNOWING IT WAS ALL COMING TOGETHER AND FURTHER, WAS
A PLEASURE TO WATCH- THE CROWD LEFT SATISFIED, MOVED
AND HUNGRY FOR THE FUTURE, REALIZING THEY HAD TRULY
WITNESSED A SMALL VENUE, BARELY CONTAINING THIS
ENORMOUS ENTITY, ARMY OF ANYONE

Nov 29, 2006 18:45:39

Review 2 of 9

mynabull writes:

5of 5 Stars

Stone Temple Pilots is my favorite band of all time. Filter? My second.
So to think these two rock powerhouses would combine was just beyond my
thinking range. I mean, who would've thunk'd it?

Anyways, Army of Anyone rises from the ashes of Stone Temple Pilots, and
join up with Filter to form one of the most unique bands out there today.
The music on this album is nothing short of fantastic, with each song
deserving merit for it's uniqueness it has on the album. Forget other
"supergroups" like Audioslave or Velvet Revolver; finally a band is able
to live up to their name.

By now, you must be thinking, "Wow, this guy is stupid", or preferably,
"What makes this album so good?"
Good question. There are many reasons for just loving this album, but
what drew me the most into this album was it's sheer amount of genres and
influences it covers. A little bit of the Beatles and their acid rock, a
little bit of Pink Floyd and their meticulate harmony, a toss in of 90's
alternative grunge, and even industrial rock.


Harmony definitely plays a key role here; Dean and Robert DeLeo, without
a doubt, are the most underrated instrumentalists in rock. Their ability
to come up with hammering riffs and hooks time after time, combined with
their sheer skills, gives this album a brilliant shine. The record is
chockful of catchy riffs and great rhythm. It's brilliant.

Moving on to vocals, Richard Patrick proves again why he's a refreshing
change to the stale vocals in rock today. His vocals range from hard and
low growls, all the way up to very high croons that would make Freddie
Mercury proud. His vocals are evenly spread out throughout the album. All
though most have a hard hitting growl to them (Goodbye), Patrick manages
to pull out the big guns on sleeper hits such as Stop, Look, and Listen.
Brilliant yet again.

Now what kind of album would it be without a drummer? AOA managed to pull
in one of the best session drummers in the business; Ray Luzier. His
presence adds a whole new lair to the band's sound, which is definitely a
good thing. Overall a fantastic addition to an already fantastic band.

I admit, I had some doubts about the album at first. As time went on, I
discovered this album to be a true gem that represents some of the best
music to grace rock in nearly 5 years. There's a lot of STP and Filter
influence here; you won't have to look very hard. If you are fan of either
bands, pick it up. Fan of both? Pick it up. Like rock but not sure? Pick
it up! You can't go wrong!

Nov 27, 2006 14:31:46

Review 3 of 9

Horizon writes:

5of 5 Stars

After living off of the three tracks that were made available on the band's Myspace page for so long, I was starved for the full album. After a nerve-wracking wait, I can honestly say that I'm not the least bit dissappointed. AoA's self-titled album is one hell of a ride from start to finish, thanks mostly to the DeLeo brothers. Over the years, Dean has displayed great diversity in his playing, from 60's psychedelia to heavy-handed crunchy guitar solo's to classically structured rock-pop tabs, while Robert has consistently provided R&B and funk laced rockin' bass riffs. With these two writing practically all of the music for the band, it should be no surprise that this album has an ever-present post "Tiny Music" STP tinge to a lot of the tracks, but that definitely isn't a bad thing. Add the intense and piercing vocals of Richard Patrick, along with his phenomenal lyrics (the best I've ever heard from him), and one of the most kick ass drummers of our time, Ray Luzier, and you've got an album that might prove to be one of modern rock's latest and greatest saviors.

Lyrically, the tracks are of a strong social-political nature, but its done in such a tasteful, almost subtle way that even if you're someone who's happy with the state of current affairs (all 5% of you), you'll still have nothing but respect for these verses. Its just an ear and eye opening experience, or for those that already had their ears/eyes open, it's refreshing to the point of being invigorating.

If you're looking for a great rock band that actually has something worthwhile to say and can still move you to jump around on your couch with your trusty air guitar or bass, look no further. Now go buy the damn thing!

Nov 14, 2006 11:52:20

Review 4 of 9

subterraneancinema writes:

5of 5 Stars

This is quite simply one of the greatest rock albums of the last twenty years. Filter's last effort, The Amalgamut, was a fantastic album that unfortunately didnt get the attention it deserved due to tour cancellation (and the fact that a good majority of today's youth cant pull their heads out of Rapland long enough to appreciate rock). And STP's "Purple" was one of the best albums of the 90s. So I had high expectations from this "supergroup", and not only was I not disappointed, it has gone far beyond what I had hoped for. This is a carefully constructed "album" in the 60s sense, not just a collection of a few songs thrown together with forgettable filler.

What this decade has been sorely lacking that we had 40 years ago is edgy, angry, relentless rock to match the feelings of the majority in this country (which were just expressed at the polls, hopefully putting the brakes on the reckless madness of the Bush administration). What David Fricke failed to address in this too-brief review are the lyrics which address the fucked up world situation. How many other bands are doing that right now? AOA have the spirit and the talent of the best bands of the 60s, and in this day and age, we need that more than ever.

STP and Filter have always been underrated by Rolling Stone magazine. I could never understand how something as great as The Amalgamut could get 3 yawning stars from them, but then they fall all over themselves to praise U2's churchy, boring last two albums with 5 undeserved stars each. You can do penance, Rolling Stone, by having Army of Anyone on an upcoming cover, along with a very extensive interview that these brilliant musicians are all long overdue for.

That is, if you can manage to resist the urge to give the cover to Britney and "KFed", or the lattest rapper or political satirist. This is REAL rock and roll, Jann Wenner. Pay attention. Its the reason you started this magazine in the first place, wasnt it?

Nov 14, 2006 07:30:40

Review 5 of 9

Visaudiokin writes:

5of 5 Stars

Most super-groups are super-disappointments. Fans hope that a new super-group will be greater than the sum of their parts, but normally have to settle for something good... but not quite as good as any of the members' previous bands. Well, Army of Anyone is one super-group that does not disappoint.

Army of Anyone is not Filter, and it is not Stone Temple Pilots, although the songs on this album pull elements from both bands. Army of Anyone is a band in its own right, no small accomplishment for a super-group whose members come from such distinctive bands. This is not, as some may rightly fear given the history of super-groups, Richard Patrick singing Filter melodies over the DeLeo brothers' STP riffs. This band is even more cohesive on their debut album than Audioslave was on theirs.

This is an album full of memorable melodies and solid hooks. The music is rich and intelligently written. The ballads will sweep you off your feet, and even the heaviest of the rockers show surprising depth. This is the kind of album that won't leave your CD player for quite some time.

Nov 11, 2006 15:05:23

Review 6 of 9

jacobseal writes:

Not Rated

I've heard 2 tracks off of this CD so far and they are FANTASTIC. Can't wait for the full length to be available.

Love,
Jables

Nov 10, 2006 10:50:11

Review 7 of 9

Junbao writes:

Not Rated

I think it is rather unfair of the review to expect AOA to sound a certain way, I get the feeling it was prejudged against the supergroup ideal that has cropped up over recent years. I have always been a STP and Filter fan, and so this is a dream pairing for myself and from the songs i have listened to I think the melding has gone somewhat better than the direct comparison made to Audioslave in this review. Personally I was underwhelmed by Audioslave's releases (even though I was also a big Rage and soundgarden fan) and can't wait to get my hands on the full AOA album.
I shall reserve judgement until its in my CD player but just wanted to say the review seemed a tad biased.

Nov 10, 2006 06:28:54

Review 8 of 9

kld241 writes:

Not Rated

Sorry but maybe you should improve your grammar by reading more GREAT reviews by RS and not ruin this cds chance. If you're an avid Audioslave lover then I can see why you wouldn't enjoy this album but for those of us who've been around long enough to remember STP a few years ago when people like you said stuff like this to make them stay out of the main stream then fine--I like my bands that don't get "over" air-played. This Album is an interesting mix of extremely talented people (musicians and producers alike).

Nov 3, 2006 11:30:33