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Full Review: The Cab - Whisper War
Posted on April 28th, 2008 by Tyler, under Full Reviews.
Despite being a fairly new band, The Cab has been able to generate a lot of buzz and anticipation for their debut ‘Whisper War’. The question (cliche-ly asked) is not whether the band will make a big splash with this release, the question is how big?
If we can just get to the point right away, the album is boring. Obviously there are some interesting things about the record but for the most part ‘Whisper War’ tries too hard and just fails to impress.
“One of THOSE Nights” opens the album in a high energy fashion and within a minute into the song two things become apparent. The first thing is that there is a lot of production and attention paid to making this record sound (radio) huge. The second thing is how much The Cab actually sounds like Fall Out Boy. Patrick Stump of Fall Of Boy makes an appearance on the song towards the end and is by far the highlight of the song.
“Bounce” is basically an upbeat Nsync b-side song that should not have been included on the record. I can still remember the moment, because it was only about 15 seconds into the song, that the thought, “what is this…” came into my mind. At the end of the first chorus when the music stops and it’s just singing for a few seconds is when everything fell apart. I am still a little shocked the band used the line, “If you use your lips, they better be on me” in the song.
Despite track two being a mess, “I’ll Run” along with “Risky Business” are some of the stand out songs. “I’ll Run” has an intriguing piano presence that plays a big part in the song as well does a killer chorus melody. “Risky Business” is undeniably a bright spot, and potential huge hit for the band. The song demonstrates the correct way to make use of musical hooks, as opposed to “Bounce”. Lyrically the breakdown during the bridge includes the line, “I’m talking about, channnge…” adding a bit of texture and fun to the song.
“Vegas Skies” and the closing track “This City Is Contagious” are almost good but never make it quite past the mediocre mark. There is no soul to the songs, they feel like hollow shells that definitely look good but just lack substance, which is the way most of ‘Whisper War’ comes across.
The Cab have a lot of talent but the album is too polished and doesn’t have the depth it needs to hold the attention. I still have faith that this band’s next record will be worlds beyond this one.
Track Listing
1. One of THOSE nights
2. Bounce
3. I’ll Run
4. High Hopes In Velvet Ropes
5. That 70’s Song
6. Take My Hand
7. Risky Business
8. I’m A Wonder
9. Zzzz
10. Vegas Nights
11. Can You Keep A Secret?
12. This City Is Contagious
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8 Comments
Tyler on April 30th, 2008
thanks for the correction
Ashley on May 1st, 2008
Wow, I couldn’t disagree more. I love the entire album, and I’ve been a fan of the band since the Glitz and Glamour EP.
I respect your opinions but I have to say that I don’t agree at all with this.
Lycia on May 1st, 2008
I agree with this review!
I thought about the Nsync pop sound too when i was listening some of the tracks…haha… not in a bad way of courrse!!!!
Those little guys are really talented for sure! some songs sounded better live then in the studio recording!!
And i ‘m sure their second album will be better….
kelsey on May 5th, 2008
the band is amazing. everyone needs to hear this cd. one of those nights, i’ll run, and bounce are actually my favorite songs on the record. these boys are new and young and i can’t wait to see what they do in the future. it’s pop rock, soulful, r&b-ish, and dancey style of music that deserves way more than a fall out boy or n-sync comparison, though i mean i guess it’s not that much of an insult when you realize those bands were so successful. every one of my friends who has listened to the album has become obsessed. and i have a lot of friends that i’ve made listen to it.
sally on May 16th, 2008
couldn’t disagree more. these boys are so unique and talented. anyone who says the CD is boring obviously didnt even listen to it. these boys will be huge.
Marquita on June 20th, 2008
I have to disagree as well! I know we’ve been made to think “radio” friendly is bad, but is it really? Don’t judge content by the medium please. I think it’s admirable to do something kinda risky like take influences from a genre with which most rock lovers are unfamiliar and bring it to that audience’s attention. There’s a long and beautiful history behind that r&b sound N*Sync bit and The Cab uses. It’s popularity has nothing to do with the quality, and if that makes the album “glossy,” then so be it. Gloss it up! But, of course, I understand and respect your (kinda sorta predictable) perspective.
Tyler on June 20th, 2008
It’s true that stuff that is made for radio is not bad, but I was just not a fan of “bounce” or those other glossy tracks.
Keek on April 30th, 2008
“Opposed”, not “apposed. I find it hard to take a review seriously when the one writing the review cannot spell.