Shallow Life: Limited Edition [Limited Edition]

Dont want to bore everyone with a track by track disection of this album, suffice to say it has plenty for everyone, and hopefully will set the band on course for more worldwide recognition, which is always nice if your into a band. I would echo the other favourable reviews of the individual tracks, so you'll probably have read those already! I'm a 52 year old fan of all the usual classic rock stuff, and have been concerned and saddened by the gradual passing of some of my all time heroes, Ronnie Dio, for example.

Ronnie would be delighted to know that there actualy are new(ish) bands out there ready to assume the mantle. I saw Lacuna at Exeter on Tuesday last, and will definatly be booking for the next tour!

Lets not make life too complicated, Shallow life is great rock, aimed at the more mainstream rock fans. There really is nothing not to like. Having heard this, I then discoverd Karma code which is an all time classic by anyones interpretation of the word. Buy both, and book your gig tickets! How come I got into Lacuna?? ...via Megadeth and Dave Mustaine/Christinas duet on "Tout la monde". Anyway, anything Lacuna is ok by me from now on, just glad there will be bands like them around for the next ten years or so, for dinosaurs like me to go and see, until I die of too much rock!
...LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL!

I was hugely looking forward to the release of this album and now have mixed feelings on it.

It is definately a step towards the mainsteam, but thats not always a bad step. I loved the start of Survive, with many of the tracks giving a more rockish sound compaired to the earlier albums, though some of the tracks, mainly unchained, do not do any justice to Cristina's awesome voice. Andrea's vocals seem to have improved a bit, he's better live than he is recorded imo.

Hopefully i will get another chance to see tham live again soon, last time was a few years ago and they were awesome.

I've been a fan of LC since Karmacode, which remains one of my favourite albums. I'm not afraid (pun not intended) to say this has been the album I was most looking forward to this year. Was I pleased? Yes and no.

My main problem with this album is the vocals. Ferro seems to be a lot more present here, and I'm not saying he is bad vocalist at all, he should stick to backing Scabbia up and making both of them sound terrific. Cristina is my all-time favourite vocalist and I was dissapointed to hear that the she seemed... restrained. Like she was desperately trying to do her best but was unable to... or not allowed. The main two reasons I love LC: the gorgeous harmony of male-female vocals and fabulously exhilliarting riffs and tunes. Neither seems to be really present here.

That's not to say it is a failure. What people seem to be forgetting is that this a concept album about... shallow life unsuprisingly. I, personally, think the tunes and lyrics are deliberatly simple to highlight this concept. It actually adds depth in an odd way. There are some joys to be had here, if we forget this is LC and focus on the album itself.

1. Survive. A fantastic opening and a riff that will instantly implant in your head. As I mentioned, Ferro seems to be here a lot, and I'll admit it, it does dampen the song a bit. Like The Wolf said, his long vowels seem a little silly. But, all in all, especially if you tune out the weak vocals, a fantastic song. 8/10

2. I Won't Tell You. A vocal strong point in my opinion. Scabbia's backing gives depth to Ferro's lead. If only the vocalists would work together more this album would be better. Overall, a pretty average song. Listenable. 6/10

3. Not Enough. Scabbia vocals shine in this song. Ferro resumes rightful place as backing/her equal. Again, average but more likeable than the previous song. 6.5/10

4. I'm Not Afraid. A high point of the album. A nice tune and a lyrical strong point. Great. 8/10

5. I Like It. When I first saw the track list to 'SL', I was suprised to see such a title. 'I Like It'? What has happened to my LC? Yes, this is incredibly poppy and will hopefully do well as a single (It won the poll). But the incredibly uplifting and hopeful lyrics caught my attention and I had to hum along by the end. Once again, you must concentrate on the song itself, and try to forget this is LC. 7/10

6. Underdog. The end of the 'I've had enough of your crap' trio as they've become known in my head. I dare you not sing 'back down!' with Ferro. Another vocal strong point for the two, and a good song. 7/10

7. The Pain. I'm still not big on this one. It's okay for an album track but is a little lacklustre on it's own. Rather weak and dull. 4/10

8. Spellbound. The first song I heard of this album had me shocked. It's incredibly pop and obviously written as a single (which I have no problem with). Even so, I'm not impressed with this one. 5/10

9. Wide Awake. A breath-taking intro that shows that Scabbia has not lost it, she really is just restrained. Gorgeous and uplifting, a highlight. 9/10

10. The Maze. Ferro's best vocals are located here, and there is a perfect balance between the two. Impressive, but lacking something I just can't put my finger own. A grower, don't pass this one over after just one listen. 7/10

11. Unchained. I have to admit, Scabbia's 'uuuuuuunchained' started to grate after a few times. Similar vein to the previous track. Say the name of the track, and then a line, repeat. Rather annoying after a good previous track. 5/10

12. Shallow Life. I still can't like this one, no matter how much I want to. Perhaps it'll grow but it reminded me too much of 'The Pain'. I hope they avoid these types of song in the future. 5/10

Overall, there are some cracking tracks worth the price. LC have made an interesting concept here and there is nothing wrong with experimenting at all. However, I have hopes for the future, and after this foray in to new ideas, I think they'll move back to tried-and-tested.

My advice is to listen to the previews, and if you like it, like it, (I'm sorry, couldn't resist) buy it, as I will.

If you are a new listener, do not judge Lacuna Coil on this album alone. My favourites are 'In A Reverie' and 'Karmacode'.