Time In Malta – Alone with the Alone

Time In Malta are back with their second release from Equal Vision Records entitled Alone With The Alone. Showing off a combination of punk influence and rock motivation, this album stands as a solid monument to what the band has always set out to do; entertain the masses with energy and rock.

When I put the album on I was interested right away with the calm introduction track Forty Seven. I had never heard this band before but from what I had heard from other people I wasn’t expected anything too soothing. But after 48 seconds I heard what I had thought I would hear: heavy guitars, pounding drums and in your face vocals. I must say, the first song Bare Witness didn’t do much for me, I really wasn’t impressed. The vocals got on my nerves and I wasn’t sure if I could handle it through the whole song, not to mention a whole album. But I was pleasently surprised as the rest of the album showcases lead singerTodd Gullion in a variety of different tones and levels. Although I didn’t quite enjoy his voice to start, half way through the album it grew on me and really, it’s not that bad.

One thing that struck me as odd is how fast this album runs. It’s not like the songs are extremely short, averaging out to about 3:40 each, but before I noticed I was already on the fifth track and could only remember hearing two songs. There isn’t a distinct difference in each track, though some do stand out. Ghosts was the first song on the album that sounded different from the rest to me. It’s slightly slower and less angry as the first four, and it’s lyrics dig into past memories of childhood and dreams.

Overall I’d say this isn’t an album I’ll be listening to very often, but it is something I can enjoy on occasion. The music itself I like but the vocals really don’t please me enough to be able to listen to it all the time. I could definately see myself enjoying them live though, the energy is there and it comes out in compact-disc form. If the cost were low i’d probably buy it, but I can guarantee it won’t be making my top discs of the year list.