Artist:  Default
Title:  The Fallout
Label:  TVT Records(2001)
Web:  www.defaultonline.com
File Under:  Midtempo debut.
Grade:  7
As cool as staying "regular".

Default is a fledgling band out of Canada that I figure we will be hearing a lot of in the near future.  At first listen, one might discard this as just another mid-tempo melodic record from a band with nothing much new to say.  Early on I may have agreed with you.  However, upon futher digestion, I found this album quite enjoyable for that very reason. Vocalist Dallas Smith is clearly a young singer still trying to find his voice, but since this is a debut record for these guys, he fits the music like a glove.  I really enjoy the guitar styles of Jiremy Hames Hora.  His riffs hit the spot without sounding pretentious or overthought.  So far, these guys are sounding pretty normal, but at some point I'm going to just have to waive the flag on all these musicians trying to set themselves apart with stupid gimmics.  I'm not dissing creative music, but it seems that everyone is trying so hard to get ahead that they all end up blending into the same bin at the used records store.  I'm not saying this record won't find it's way there too, but there is something to be said for rock 'n roll music with no bullshit.  It's hard to find these days.  In my opinion, Default takes a good solid stab at this very ethos without sounding TOO serious.  Not an easy trick.  Much of the album is produced by Chad Kroeger of Nickleback, and it's clear that some of his rock values have been passed along to Default, although it's not so obvious that it overshadow's the music.  The music is earnest and sincere, but not contrived or gloomy.  As I said before, the music isn't flashy, but maybe that's why I find the whole album so damn interesting.  Sometimes the trick is nowing when not to play a solo, or when to not make the song too catchy. 

says:  Maybe I'm just copping out on doing a critical review.  If you want artsy-fartsy, go buy a Radiohead album.  If you want melodic rock with a solid hook in every song, give "The Fallout" a try.  If it itches, scratch it.