Intercept – Magnolia Road / 2008 Self / http://www.interceptheband.com /
“Two Broken Astronauts” is the perfect introduction to Intercept. During “Two Broken Astronauts”, there are hints of a number of distinct genres of music, rock, pop-punk, alternative rock, and even a little bit of emo sneaks in at points. “Two Broken Astronauts” is a very emotional track, whether it be the memorable vocals, the chunky bass line, or the guitars that are presented here. The strongest part of Intercept during this track has to be the band’s high energy, along with the related ability to rein in that energy. Intercept is thus able to make very intricate arrangements, pushing at the limits of what has previously been done.
“Two Broken Astronauts” is a solid song on the album, but each of the cuts on “Magnolia Road” could easily bring success to Intercept. “Stand Back” is a slower track, allowing Intercept to wow listeners with the interplay that the band creates between the guitars, drums, and vocals. The harmonies achieved by the vocals during “Stand Back” build up into something inspiring, the musical equivalent to a dreamy day. When Intercept gets to the chorus, the swirling guitars and splashing drums further highlight the stellar vocals, until the band moves back to the earlier style. “Berlin” is a track that blends two distinct sounds – an acoustic guitar, strumming along, with the sweeping lines of a “Gravity”, and links the different facets and approaches taken by Intercept into one cohesive, album-reaching, style.
“Gravity” is similar to “Berlin” in terms of its cohesive qualities; Intercept links together the work of Incubus, Papa Roach, and Three Days Grace into a smooth, soulful track that has a hard edge hiding just underneath the surface. To ensure that a wider array of fans can appreciate the track, the driving instrumental section that links together the two distinct parts of the track will appease fans of Foo Fighters and Desert City Soundtrack alike. Southern California has another solid band on their hands, one that can take in all the different iterations and approaches to rock music and put forth a unique style based off that amalgamation. Pick up “Magnolia Road” at your local independent record shop, through the iTunes Media Store (ITMS), or from the band when they tour. If you are in San Diego, Burbank, Hollywood, or Malibu in the next two months, make it a point see Intercept live.
Top Tracks: Beautiful One, Berlin
Rating: 7.8/10