Watashi Wa leave no traces of a punk influence on What's in the Way, as they attempt to embrace popular rock head on. The attempt fell a little short. Seth Roberts' notes seem too drawn out, and while a couple tracks, like 5 and 7, are a little stronger than others, there is no dynamic variety or risk-taking. The songs eventually begin to detach themselves from each other after numerous spins, but they do not stand independently for virgin ears.
The highlights of this album are Track 2 ("I'm Not You"), which has a good bridge that breaks the song from its lull, track 5 ("Here's to Tomorrow"), that has more intricate guitar riffs, and track 7 ("Andy"), with a catchy intro. If the band explored their creativity, and the individuality of each song more, this album could have been stronger.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis May 2002Reviewed by Matt ModrichWatashi Wa is a young band from California with a bright future ahead of them. "What's in the Way" is their second release on Bettie Rocket Records. Bettie Rocket has a reputation of putting out second-rate music, but this Watashi Wa release is anything but that. Having said that it is probably ten times better than their first release "Lost a Few Battles..." If you like the Get Up Kids, then…Similar sounding releases
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