Switched – Ghosts In The Machine

Switched – Ghosts In The Machine / 2006 Corporate Punishment / http://www.switched.tv / http://www.corporatepunishment.com / Reviewed 24 March 2006

The style of music that Switched played is more of the nu-rock that was big in the early years of the oughts; what then is the allure for this band, and why would they think that a 2-disc collection would sell? This disc is a collection of demos and B-sides, plus a little live music thrown in. “Save Myself” is the first track on the first disc and the song is something that will bounce around rock radio for the next decade at least. This same style continues throughout all of the first disc, with only a few weak spots to speak of. For a disc created in this era of singles, to have such a serviceable album is to say a lot about the talent of Switched.

Each of the songs that Switched put onto this double-disc set have a hook that listeners can latch onto and shout to their hearts content. The safe style of rock that Switched play (safe in regards to the fact that the band works within the constraints of a certain music genre) means that a large segment of the population will find things that they like in this set. In regards to comparable albums, the level of quality with which this album was created links Switched to both 10 Years and Evans Blue. The nu metal style is far from dying, and the fact that Switched can go back to the well eleven times on one album and succeed practically each time speaks volumes. The price of these discs hover right around the price of most normal CDs, so a purchase might be in order if one has any love for this musical genre. “Empty Promises” goes beyond simply providing material for individuals to rock out to, but also includes a smoothness and emotional intensity that shows that Switched is sincere.

“Shattered” is perhaps the king of kings of all the tracks on the disc; the back and forth of the band perhaps show the most innovative and experimental side of Switched. This album should be an indicator not only for the fans that the band has not ran out of gas, but to the band as well to prod them into making another album of this same quality. Give this set a try and revel in nu metal done in a hard but ultimately approachable fashion; Switched are on the top of their game with this one.

Top Tracks: Save Myself, Shattered

Rating: 6.5/10

[JMcQ]