by: Sean Boy
“I never wanna say my best days are behind me,” sings Jonah Matranga who, if his lyrics are held to autobiographic scrutiny, is going out on a limb considering his old band Far. But he’s worked hard at developing his latest vehicle, New End Original, and the cast of characters are a brilliant group of post-emo rockers able of coming up with radio-rockin’ tracks and heart-worn-on-sleeve slow tunes. Overall the album comes off as heavy on the latter. As with Matranga’s in-between project, One Line Drawing, soft introspection prevails. The album begins with “Lukewarm” and “14-14” a couple hooky, upbeat numbers about impending middle age, or at least growing older yet keeping your eye on the future. This intro set up a promise of some real rocking. However, the pace soon slows to a crawl and the band disappears completely on the last couple tracks leaving nothing behind the vocals but guitar. The highlight of the album, “Weary Progress,” rides the middle ground and is both loud and soft. Unfortunate there’s not more here like this. Not to say that New End Original isn’t up to par with Far, just don’t go into Thriller expecting a full out assault.
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