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12/12/2012

Parabelle

‘Your Starry Eyes Will Never Make Us Even’ 

Independent 

Parabelle isn’t really what you’d call a Tool knock-off — that becomes more apparent the deeper you get into the album. But there are clear similarities in melody and vocalization that serve to make lead singer Kevin Matisyn a kind of Maynard-lite. It’s most noticeable in tracks like “Tear the Blue” and “Blisters and Bad Eyes,” but it’s a feeling that persists to one degree or another throughout the album. The real problem with that is that, for anyone who likes Tool enough to appreciate Maynard’s style, Matisyn is bound to pale in comparison. But, as I mentioned, Parabelle isn’t trying to be Tool, and as the album eases into tracks like “In the Shadows,” it more or less becomes a by-the-numbers, early 2000s vintage rock album. Guitarist Kyle Mathis has some nice moments here and there, and “Starry Eyes” will entertain current fans, but may struggle to bring in new ones. CV                 

Parabelle plays Krazee Kafe on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., $5, all-ages.

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Green Day

‘Tre!’ 

Reprise

Green Day is a study in contrast. On one hand, “Tre!” — the third of Green Day’s “let’s dump all these songs we’ve been sitting on at once” albums — shows a band that’s grown; matured from the “Dookie” days. On the other, the band cancelled the rest of its 2012 shows because Billy Joe Armstrong returned to rehab. The album’s sound is remarkably full, even for a band that’s long been known for its solid melodies. Particularly noteworthy are tracks “Amanda” and opener “Brutal Love.” Not only are they exemplary samples of what Green Day can do when firing on all cylinders, but they also illustrate the band’s range. There’s more going on lyrically here than in “Ono” — and less happening melodically than “Dos” — and that works in the album’s favor. The least daring of the trio of albums is possibly the best. CV

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