Serj Tankian "Imperfect Harmonies"

  This was an album that I was excited for, because I have always like System of a Down, and was disappointed to hear that they had disbanded. Upon first listen, I was more inclined to think that the album was not as great as Serj’s debut; the main reason was that it was not as aggressive as his debut. I liked it a lot, but it sounded more like a collection of SOAD B-sides that was missing something; this album sounds more like a Serj Tankian album. What is a Serj Tankian album like? Anything he wants it to be. As promised, the album is more reliant on an orchestra, which he was planning for his debut as well. I wouldn’t agree that the album is full of Imperfect Harmonies, but it’s full of near perfect songs. The family tree mentioned in “Disowned Inc.” is a great attribute, but it still doesn’t deter from the fact that it sounds like the Eurthymics helped orchestrate the opening number. "Borders Are…" so limiting to the psyche, the ego, and the morale, but aren’t they really the same thing? They are also counterproductive of progress, but the chorus is best at what I am attempting to say. The accompaniment is made for Broadway, or even an opera; full of those strings that are well-informed in how to toy with your emotions and strengthen the proficiency of the message.                                                                                                                                                           Some people find their significant other, and others never realize they have found theirs or just never do. Some people are so insecure where they ask am I “Deserving?” This is one of the latter situations, to where an inferiority complex of one causes that person to destroy the relationship to save themselves from this constant self-loathing, but that is just my opinion. This is where the world-music tag arrives, when you “Beatus.” The fifth song sounds like it needed some “Reconstructive Demonstrations” before it would be ready to be placed on this album; the sky isn’t over yet. The best part of “Electron” would be the percussion and its rhythm, which cooperates with the energy, instead of competing with protons.                                        We know Tankian as a social activist, and one of the many against genocide. Like the holocaust, or those people who were assassinated in the Sikh Temple? “Yes, It’s Genocide.” For environmental activists, may “Peace be Revenged.” The lyrics refer to the apathy of the majority of people when it comes to keeping and protecting the environment; why worry when the adverse effects may not even occur until after you die? Sounds kinda selfish, don’t it? "The Wings of Summer" has horns that sound like they arrived out of a spaghetti western. The whole song is tragic; it is a good song, but you cannot help but feel empathy. This song may be “Left of Center,” but it was a good bridge to introduce the new direction, while not veering too far from the original course. My favorites include: Disowned Inc., Borders Are…, Beatus, Electron, Yes, It’s Genocide, Peace Be Revenged, Wings of Summer, and Left of Center.