Artist: Buddahead
Album: The Invisible Line
Label: Sanctuary Records
Rating:
Reviewer: Chad Malone

What do Linkin Park and Good Charlotte have in common? They have the same producer of new comer Buddahead's debut album. Buddahead has a sound that has been compared to many, but when it comes to comparing one band to another... most reporters (no offense) suck at it. Not every new band coming out sounds like Coldplay. Buddahead is a slight mix of the sound of Third Eye Blind and UK's Pop Rock band Muse, with plenty of strings to go around. For being a debut artist, Raman Kia sure has scored a lucky break in the people that have helped on this album. As I mentioned, it is produced by Don Gilmore who worked with Linkin Park and Good Charlotte, but it also has an appearance by John Popper on a studio version of Invisible playing his classic harmonics.

There are many pros and cons to this album. All of the instruments and vocals are masterfully played throughout, especially the string arrangements, however there aren't many songs that resonate with you. There aren't any songs that you can really point to and say "That's the hit single," and I'm not sure if that's good or bad. The lyrics of this album are very genuine, however tend to get rather redundant throughout. As does the feeling of the album. It's rather mono toned. In some parts I would've liked it to pick up the pace and be bouncy to give the slower sappy songs more balance. But most of the songs include the strings which, in my opinion, strings on a rock album should be used selectively to evoke the feeling intended.

I think what we could be looking at here is the first glance at a singer/song writer of the future. With great musical strides from this album, I think Buddahead has the talent in every aspect to create some incredible albums. And while this one is beautiful, and filled with great songs, the noodle just isn't sticking to the wall.

I have great respect for these gentlemen, and I definitely think this is a band to keep your eyes on in the coming years. For having such an incredible past, Raman Kia must have a lot to bring to the table. With a bit more refining Buddahead might be able to create such a classic album as the great singer song writers from the past have.