New End Original is an all-star indie rock band of sorts. After all take a look at the cast; Jonah Matranga (ex-Far, Jonah's Onelinedrawing), Norman Arenas (ex-Texas is the Reason), Scott Winegard (ex-Texas is the Reason) and Charlie Walker (Chamberlain). Thriller is the band's first full-length release and is brought to us by the kind folks at Jade Tree Records.
The album opens up with the power pop tune "Lukewarm" which is quite reminiscent of what you might expect from Texas is the Reason. Up next is "14 to 41" a song that originally appeared on Jonah's first solo EP as Onelinedrawing. Changed up a bit this version is quite impressive and a good choice to include on this album. Another tune those of you familiar with Onelinedrawing may recognize is "The Name". With the band's dual guitar attack, Jonah's heartfelt lyrics and the impressive drumming of Charlie Walker the combination is a success.
Of course with an all-star line-up like this you're bound to have preconceived ideas of what the album is going to sound like. For me expectations lined up for the most part. I was maybe just expecting it to sound a little bit like Jonah's original band Far. But New End Original ends up coming across a little more poppy than the guitar heavy rock of Far. None the less this is still Jonah and the same heartfelt lyrical content that he is known for is present, as well as his great sense of melody mixed with strong dynamics.
Overall I was impressed with this release. Maybe a bit too many "ballad" type songs than I had expected, but still a solid release. Give these guys some time to grow more as a band and I think we may just have a band that everyone's talking about. If they stay together long enough to gain the chemistry their previous bands had we are all in for a treat.
B+
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