EIU rockers try too hard

By: David Thill/ Staff Writer

Posted: 10/31/03

Distorted and loud. That is the only way I can think to describe Fadproof. Well, distorted, loud and angry. Fadproof seems to be a bit overly bitter for living in Central Illinois. Their blend of emo/metal/post-grunge music seems like a palpable mix for music listeners, but in actuality they come off sounding forced.

The band's sophomore album, "Music For The Well-Adjusted," comes off sounding, for a lack of a better word, derivative. It sounds like a collaboration between Godsmack and Dashboard Confessional, a mix that proves more annoying than entertaining.

Jim Markunas, guitarist, volcalist and the driving creative force behind the group, sounds like he is reaching a tad out of his range.

Needless screaming and yelling hurts songs like "Learn To Forget," that would have benefited hugely from just singing the lyrics, not shouting them. The main problem I find with the screaming is that Markunas just can't reach the notes. His voice is too high-pitched for the low-toned screams he is trying to accomplish.

The bass provides a good, solid, driving rhythm through most of the songs. However, it is way too distorted and heavy for most of the songs. It just begins to get old. We have already heard that heavy bass, and we are not impressed.

I love the drumming performance turned in by Ryan Connelly, though. Most drummers in today's metal-littered music industry would be perfectly happy to use the bass, snare and a bunch of cymbals. Don't misunderstand me, Connelly does use his fair share of cymbals, bass and snare, but he also utilizes all of the tools at his disposal and sounds like a musician that really knows his instrument.

The lyrics sound forced and generally whiny. I find trouble trying to figure out what these guys could be so pissed off about. Songs like "Damaged," "Jail" and "Failure" are just annoying at times. But, being a native of Charleston, I did thoroughly enjoy the song "Mattoon."

Fadproof sounds like they have potential, but before they will be able to tap in on it, they are going to have to ease up on the distortion, tighten up the vocals and back off the bass. Having been voted the second best band in Coles County, Fadproof did not successfully produce a really solid album. Better luck next time.