Cadet (no, not the dry cleaners, the band) has recently released their sophomore release titled The Observatory. While it is a little different soundwise from their previous endeavor, it is still a really enjoyable album overall.
The group has left their punk-like sound and has now brought a rockier adventure for us to enjoy. This is noticeable as soon as you pop it in and start listening to "Nobody." However, it only lasts for two tracks and then gets toned down to an acoustic/light-rock sound for a number of ballads in a row. But then it starts picking up again once "Stuck In a Song" hits, but this rocky sound sticks around for only a couple of tracks and then the acoustic is back. The acoustic tracks are by no means bad, they are still very enjoyable. Just don't go into the album thinking it'll be rock all of the way through.
A nice feature on the album is the bonus song, which starts at 9:18 into the twelfth (and final) track. It's a techno song which is so good they should have just made a track or two like it on the actual album instead of hiding it as a bonus one.
In short, The Observatory is a great album. If you are fans of the first Cadet album some of you may be disappointed, but I think the majority of you will like the change in flavor. But if you haven't heard Cadet's debut album, and enjoy rock/light-rock music, definitely check the album out if you can. It's a good one.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #98Reviewed by John J. ThompsonOn their second at-bat for BEC Recordings Cadet has definitely kicked things up a notch. First they added a fourth-wheel in the form of keyboardist and guitarist Matt Lenhart. Then they worked up a batch of 11 killer pop songs (or 12 if you count the hidden dance-club disco remix of "High Tide") Frontman and vocalist Ryan Smith brings his impeccable pipes and a sack full of thoughtful and hooky…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Jessica HeikoopCadet has been known for their entertaining music style and lyrics, thanks to their first album (Cadet) and hit single "God Man (Jesus Is My Superhero)." The band continued that reputation with their 2nd release Any Given Day which contained some fabulous covers of worship songs as well. And now Ryan Smith, Chad Basom, Jason Kennedy, and new member (since 2002) Matt Lenhart have come back to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Bert GanglThe 2001 self-titled debut from Eugene, Oregon's Cadet seemed almost like the work of two groups. On the one hand, songs such as "Precious One" and "Land of the Living" highlighted an outfit well-versed in the subtle intricacies of the achingly sweet, three-and-a-half-minute classic pop odes of artists like the Beach Boys and the Raspberries. Tracks like "Talent Show" and the equally…Similar sounding releases
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