CD Review: All The Right Moves 'Monster' Not Scary

Nov 10, 2011
Melissa Kucirek

All The Right Moves 'The Monster I've Become' - Photo Courtesy of All The Right Moves

All The Right Moves has a bit of punk, and lots of power pop in the six-track CD 'The Monster I've Become.'

The first time this writer saw the band Blue October, the idea of having a violinist jamming next to a rock band seemed bizarre and unreal. That band, of course, managed to use its relentless touring to its advantage.

All The Right Moves is yet another band that weaves in a violin to an arrangement of crunching riffs, speedy percussion beats and thoughtful lyrics. The main difference, of course, between Blue October and All The Right Moves is All The Right Moves has much more pop power in its music arsenal.

Quirky Song

Immediately into the opening track, "Point of View," All The Right Moves sets the stage for a fun, upbeat sound that would appeal to Simple Plan fans. It's a quirky song in that it sticks in the listeners head for a catchy refrain. Fans of Blink 182 will like the vibe - but note that All The Right Moves develops a stronger song foundation. Great song - and a nice start to the CD.

The band kicks it up a notch and gets a dirtier, but not grittier sound in track two, "You Always Bring Me Down." It is like Owl City started writing mean notes to their girlfriends. This song is another track that resonates, and try as one might, it will not leave one's head. Ever.

Stunning Piano Bed

Track three is the title track and it starts out with this roaring, crunchy guitar riff. This song has some interesting lyric choices, and the story the band is telling is worthy - but the song just seems to want to be more than it is. As a listener, the first two tracks are easier to embrace.

As the tracks move along, track four ("Hurricane") has this stunning piano bed that swallows the lyrics, leaving a heavy heart. Fans of Owl City will want to weep alongside this song. Track five ("Hollywood") has another cool guitar riff, arrangement. What this listener couldn't get past is the sound seemingly crafted for another MTV or teen angst reality show. This is quite a catchy song, nonetheless.

The final track, "Learn to Love Again," is another heavy-heart track. The words are moving and the band perfectly places the violin in this track. This is probably the stand out track of the bunch - followed closely by "You Always Bring Me Down."

Overall CD Review is B

Overall, The Monster I've Become garners a B review. They have some excellent songs and the lyrics are moving. At times the riffs sound a bit of the same 'ole same 'ole. Fans of Owl City, Simple Plan, One Republic and Blink 182 will want to give All The Right Moves a listen or two. The Monster I've Become has nothing scary about it.