antiMusic.com: American Amnesia

American Amnesia - Yet Here We Are

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Patrick Nemaizer's vocal on the opening song to Yet Here We Are is a little schizophrenic. The first few lines sound strongly influenced by Axl Rose. That is, though, until Nemaizer goes into a Suicidal Tendencies-like crazy rap section on the very same tune. It's a bit all over the map, but it works.

This is followed by "The One," which is more straightforward. It rides with a punkish attitude, although it's also more of a standard hard rock workout. American Amnesia is not just a vocal-driven band, however. The muscular hard rock groove powering "Richest Poor Man" features a hearty bass line. This track, too, has a little Guns N' Roses blood running through its veins. Nevertheless, there's something to be said for saying -- when you borrow, borrow from the best.

The band's name, American Amnesia, is an obvious critique of United States culture. Its music, though, is unforgettable. "Stars of Orion" draws from another positive Guns N' Roses trait: An ability to beautifully blur the line between punkish enthusiasm and heavy metal. Yet Here We Are finds American Amnesia in exactly the right place.

American Amnesia - Yet Here We Are
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