As the 21st Century draws ever closer, we have become obsessed with putting art into compartments; as music is channelled through the different media outlets, it becomes more difficult to avoid the niche. So, it becomes problematic when a band like The Altered comes along and the best word to describe them is "rock." Not "hard rock," not "roots rock," not "punk rock" or even "pop rock." Just "rock." And while there are moments here and there that intersect with different shadings, throughout their debut, the members of The Altered flail away at your basic rock 'n' roll, with heart and distortion and the sort of wide-eyed lyrics that can get away with "if you find it's open/and you're really open/better find the open door." The track "Low" brings the lofty philosophies of Ecclesiastes (literally) down to street level. "Ooh, Where Are You" (with great harmonies at the chorus) laments a friend who took a different path in life. "You Are All I Want" is a praise song for modern church campers. The album closes with a sweet acoustic remake of "Yours Truly," complete with string accompaniment. Although it almost betrays their hand--it shows they have more in common with Journey than they would care to admit--it doesn't detract from the whole package. This is The Altered. And they're a rock band.
