AWOLNATION "Megalithic Symphony"

This Megalithic Symphony welcomes you to the world of AWOLNATION. The second track is “Some Sort of Creature” that you might hear about or see on The X Files; full of mystery, and in need of an explanation. Most of us are drafted into “Soul Wars” that are often never seen, and most people will never know how close some of us come to the knife, or the edge (metaphorical or literal cliff) caused by this constant struggle with the conscience; you know the difference, but there is this persistence in this vindictive voice that aims for the demise of its victim’s soul. The sound of this song is a mix of electronic punk-step with a mosh/head-bang worthy rhythm in the chorus, and enough audio adrenaline to get you ready for battle. This next track is an anthem for the “People” made by the people “who are running around just like you.” Whether they were born to rage, lost their pride, or just in the mood to make some good ol’ love to this dream-pop made for the dancers, fighters, and romancers. When I hear the next song I think of the sun-drenched reggae sounds of Michael Franti, but mixed with some muted screams, and a vocal delivery that reminds me that of Ronnie Winter, or if I’m wrong then maybe you can “Jump on my Shoulders” and tell me who it sounds like. How about James Young? If Little Richard recorded a song produced by the members of this band, it would be in best interest to avoid the urge to “Burn it Down.” The song and its sound is uplifting even though it suggests to “Kill Your Heroes” on one side, but "one thing, before I graduate.../never let your fear decide your fate." “My Nightmare’s Dream” is short and sweet, but not in what it wishes to do to me. The next song has a slow rhythm that any boat can “Sail” on; its passengers include hand claps, hi-hat, backing vocal harmonies, gravelly vocals, and a sound that recalls an eighties song that I cannot remember. Maybe someday we will “Wake Up” after we hear this insanely catchy chorus, but right “before we start to lose our minds/We're leavin' all the haters behind/Before the sun decides to hide.” It’s “Not Your Fault” that I annoy you, it’s mine, as well as the fact that you believe I am hypercritical and don't enjoy any of the music; that's probably yours.We take some gospel harmonies, and put them through an electronic filter, add some organic to the digital, and that’s “All I Need.” “It's early in the morning/I'm laughing at the sun/My mirror disappoints me/Am I the only one?” with lyrics like this I don’t need anymore, I’m done. While the sprawling final track features the artist who not only aims to break down barriers and rip off the Curtain$, it seems that the length is not more than just a novelty. Maybe nobody is listening because they know the song could say just as much in half the time, but then maybe it would lose its 2:30 pm cubicle daydream aesthetic; for that reason I am conflicted. There is silence for nearly two minutes until you hear a minute long hidden track (ad-lib?) Standouts:  Soul Wars, Burn it Down, Sail, Wake Up, Guilty Filthy Soul, All I Need, and Knights of Shame(?).