Strata
Presents The End Of The World
3.3/5

Who It's For: The emo child who has grown up and realized they are not like everybody else.
Sounds Like: A mix of prog rock, emo, and experimental sounds.

Coming off the heels of their 2004 major label debut, Strata Presents The End of the World is a move away from the heavier, limited sound they've taken to in the past. Through 11 tracks of atmospheric darkness, a pleasant light seems to shine through with singer Eric Victorino's lyrics and melodies to make this album, dark on the onset, but an enjoyable listen.

While the dance influence runs throughout with songs like the single “Cocaine (We're All Going To Hell),” the rest of the album reflects a deeper, darker vibe. “Poughkeepsie, NY” plays with atmospheric guitar mixed with interestingly layered vocals, and “The Dotted Line's” slow and creeping tempo paired with its bursting chorus reminds me slightly of The Mars Volta's structural and experimental techniques. Victorino impresses with well thought out lyrics and a voice that screams and whines but doesn't annoy. Songs like “The New National Anthem” and “Love Is Life” – yes, a love song – solidifies this effort as a concept album about the “end of the world” the way Strata sees it- depressing, scared and alone, yet worth living for.

All in all, Presents The End Of The World is an interesting experiment by a young band fronted by a likeable young vocalist. In moving away from a sound that is already showing signs of burn-out in the industry, Strata shows us their identity in their difference and proves that, aurally, self-awareness is very attractive.

Track Listing:

1. Night Falls - The Weight of It
2. Hot/Cold (Darling, Don't)
3. The Dotted Line...
4. Cocaine (We're All Going to Hell)
5. Coma Therapy
6. Poughkeepsie, NY
7. Stay Young
8. The Brothers
9. Love is Life
10. The New National Anthem
11. Natoma Alley
12. Daylight in the City

- Alicia Conda  Posted Aug. 25/07