Link: lostprophets’ Home Page and lostprophets’ MySpace Page.
The Inside Pulse: Hailing from Wales, lostprophets burst onto the American musical consciousness with the 2004 single, “Last Train Home”, off their second album, Start Something. Already controversial in their native UK for the perception that they were pandering to the commercial side of music, Start Something was their response to their critics. Now, with their newest release, Liberation Transmission, they’ve teamed up with mega-producer Bob Rock, best known for his work with Metallica, in hopes of crafting an album that will finally put them over the top. Is it a new Black Album, or more fodder for the sellout believers?
Positives: lostprophets certainly have an infectious energy pulsing through all their songs. And Bob Rock has certainly put the polish on the songs, as almost every track on the album sounds radio and MTV-ready.
Negatives: You can tell that lostprophets was swinging for the fences with this album, trying to make an epic rock album, and for that they should be commended. But it misses the mark. The album’s full of big hooks and choruses, but not much else. The songs never really connect with the listener. The production value’s excellent, but it’s just not enough. That ephemeral something is just lacking. Plus, can these bands stop with the pretentious, 10-word song titles?
Cross-breed: Hoobastank crossed with Taking Back Sunday.
Reason to buy: If you’re a fan of the band or of the genre in general, you’ll enjoy the album. But there’s nothing here to entice new listeners.
