The Cab – Whisper War

In most cases, a record label can tell you everything about a band. Bands on Bridge 9 are real hardcore and those signed to Fat Wreck Chords are punk rock. As for Decaydance/ Fueled by Ramen‘s nu-emo/pop-punk aural aesthetic, it’s no surprise that The Cab fits so well on this label. By gaining momentum on Myspace, these former high school seniors began to catch the ears of Pete Wentz who signed them immediately. On their debut album, Whisper War, The Cab is hit or miss.

Originally written by Patrick Stump of Fallout Boy, “One of Those Nights” opens the album complete with the sound of a new generation boy band. Not to be confused with the non-existent talent or substance of The Jonas Brothers, The Cab has a more mature and fulfilling sound. Utilizing funky Maroon 5 influences and New Kids on the Block vocal harmonies, The Cab is comparable to their mentorsPanic! At the Disco and Fallout Boy (it probably doesn’t help that Brendon Urie and previously mentioned Stump also contributed to this track). The first part of Whisper War is surprisingly engaging. While I was expecting to not enjoy anything from this debut, there are a few tracks like “High Hopes in Velvet Ropes” and “Bounce” that I couldn’t help but tap my toe to. The best song on this album is “That 70s Song.” Poppy but not saccharine, this young band knows when enough is enough. They don’t over emphasize their R&B pop melodies in an attempt to gain more listeners; they use them enough to keep you interested.

Despite how great the first half of the album is, the last half flops. The pivotal point where the album spirals downward is “Take My Hand.” Relying on a generic song structure, lyrics and chord progressions, there’s no reason to listen to this song when the prior songs were so interesting. “Zzzzz” is a fitting title for a song that sounds like every other Myspace or Purevolume new generation emo song. Resorting to tried and true dance beats and Backstreet Boys harmonies, The Cab just crapped out midway and strung songs together. Other than that, there are no obvious flaws with Whisper War (except maybe the overuse of a synth, but that’s also a personal taste). The musicianship is good and simple and the lyrics aren’t surprisingly bad or cheesy.

For what they are, The Cab is a decent guilty pleasure. Although it’s not entirely necessary to know who The Cab is, Alternative Press jumped the gun in naming them one of the bands you need to know in 2008. It’s hard to rate this album above a 3 because The Cab still has a way to go before they create an absolutely solid album. Personally, this isn’t an album I would buy, but I’d gladly dance to most of these tracks they came on at a club. If you’re someone who likes Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen bands, then this is the record for you, but if you’re someone who prefers something more, then go ahead and take another cab.