The Tell Alls – Feeding Frenzy / 2006 Journeyman / 11 Tracks / http://www.thetellalls.com / http://www.journeymanrecords.com / Reviewed 27 January 2007

The Tell Alls have seriously came to the current period through a wormhole. I’m definite of this, as the first track of their “Feeding Frenzy”, “Start A Comotion” sounds as if the Spin Doctors and Polaris got together to create a LP. This vintage sound continues through “Ashley’s Song (Live For Today)”, which is a track that relies much more on strung-out guitar tracks and a kind ear towards the sixties. Each of the tracks are very radio friendly, and it would not be surprising to hear a very college radio stations pick up on The Tell Alls. The band does not really click with any bit of a current sound, but this is not an important problem for the band.

What is a more important thing for the band to consider is the energy of tracks like “Through A Veil”, which do not press on listeners. While the band does speed things up slightly, this is not enough to keep individuals listening. This is even more problematic as the track has a spot on the disc that is right in the middle; if the band does not come through in a strong enough fashion, the chance is good that individuals will just switch off the CD. The band does come correctly with a very catchy guitar line at the end of “Through A Veil”, but one has to wonder if individuals can stick with the band for the entirety of the four minutes that it takes to get to that point on the disc. Perhaps the most interesting track that individuals will encounter on “Feeding Frenzy” has to be “The Big Time”, which is a track that has a lot of Prince influence to it, but maintains the same dreamy demeanor that the rest of the tracks on the disc had. “The Big Time” moves, drifts to a different style that is a blend of Jane’s Addiction and other nineties alternative acts, but regardless is a stronger track than “Through A Veil” was.

The band keeps up their momentum with “Riches Of The World”, a track that has a Dylan meets Young type of vocals as hints of synthesizer as well as other instruments make for a fitting backdrop. Either listen to music from the era or move on to another act; while The Tell Alls are proficient with their instruments, there are few tracks on “Feeding Frenzy” that are absolutely a “must listen”.

Top Tracks: Riches of the World, Can’t Forget

Rating: 4.2/10

[JMcQ]