Powerful modern pop rock. Matchbox 20, Nickelback.

12 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, POP: Power Pop



Details:
"Based on a True Story" was a lengthy project that was carefully pieced
together at several different recording studios; SoundStage Studios
(Nashville), Ardent Studios (Memphis), Sonic Temple Studios (St. Louis), and the hometown studio of successful music producer and Southeast Missouri native Malcom Springer, New Madrid County Recording Center (Portageville) - a studio which only a chosen few are selected to record at. Malcom's long history in the business includes work with Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Faith Hill, Fear Factory, Full Devil Jacket recently, among others. So I pretty much knew before I even played the cd that it would be another heavily produced Malcom Springer gem, and that the quality of the disc would far surpass other local band's cd's. With that said, I'll say this - it IS another heavily produced Malcom Springer gem, and the quality DOES surpass other local band's cd's. (We'll go ahead and get that out of the way), and try to focus on the music itself.

"Based on a True Story" is indeed a true story. A story of the life of Mika Evans - past and present, reality and fantasy. I couldn't wait to hear the whole cd.

The twelve-song lp starts out with "Perfect Mess", the third-shortest song on the cd, and a "perfect" song to put at the beginning of the disc - a catchy tune with precisely crafted production representing the band's forte, which is strong vocals and acoustic guitars. Mika's vocals on this track are very distinctive and above the music. Another radio favorite from beginning to end, "Perfect Mess" speaks of mundane days, worthless efforts, laziness, and life's disasters - only to realize there's nothing you can really do about it, but to just lie there and hate it. Perhaps a reference to living in a state like Missouri, where the entertainment business is slim to none. Perhaps chasing that perfect girl, only messing it up in the end and retreating back to the comfort of solitude. Perhaps losing a loved one, and the only thing that drives you to keep going is the thoughts of happiness you remember from years ago. Perhaps.......just lyrics.

The second track, "What You Will" features a more laid back sound - a groove, if you will. Almost like a great driving/thinking song (if that makes sense). The track has a a moderate tempo and great flow to it, and is easy to sing along to.... "I wanted to run from you, but look where it led me to. A failure to let this be. Just do what you will with me." "What You Will" is a love song about forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. An emotional, deep song which I'd be willing to bet got it's inspiration from a true story, much like the next track, "Nevermind Me", which is possibly the strongest track on the entire cd. The song speaks of individuality, deceit, and hope - another song from the heart. It almost makes you think this isn't a rock band, but a country band - though the sound of electric guitars and driving drum beats are ever-present, I haven't heard many rock bands with such carefully thought-out lyrics. According to his website, Mika doesn't like to call himself a poet, so I'll say he's one of the best "songwriters" I've ever heard from this area - and with the help of Malcom Springer, "Nevermind Me" is another pop hit that should probably be dominating the airwaves right now.