Waltham – Waltham

Here They Go Again (On Their Own)

Waltham’s self-titled debut is pure pop-rock and it’s definitely adequate. But pop makes it tough to create a singular sound, and while Waltham displays the band’s clearly hard sought musical talents, it falls short of being a standout album. At the very least it’s refreshing to hear a singer who has made it past puberty.Waltham draws more influence from hair metal than the pop of crap-bands like Good Charlotte. True to form, one third of their song titles are girls’ names. If Waltham is any barometer, hair metal will reign once again – so be prepared. Unfortunately these boys forgot that the best hair metal bands always include a rock ballad. Instead, every track on Waltham aims for that Holy Grail – the stadium anthem.

The most carefree of these is “Maria Simeone,” a balls-out declaration of infatuation and honorable intentions. Though in typical male fashion there’s still a lyric revealing other considerations, “And I don’t care about a small town/giving me hard time/cause they’ll be hearing me in stereo/and they’ll see why I’m the one.” Why men can’t even get past themselves for one love song remains a mystery.

All these attempted anthems create a monotony of pounding drums and soaring guitar riffs. Listening all the way through will be rough for listeners not already infatuated with the Massachusetts band. Take it a few songs at a time.

Waltham has promise, the kind fulfilled when a band kills onstage. It’s enough to give them a second listen, especially if you’re not quite ready to let go of the pop-punk phase of your junior college years. Just remember to take it easy at first.