Review:

on 2008-05-15 psychoticbarber Said:

Hallucigenia is the sophomore release of Canadian Alternative Rock band the Lowest of the Low. Consisting of Ron Hawkins (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Stephen Stanley (Vocals, Guitar), David Alexander (Drums), Lawrence Nichols, (Keyboards, Harmonica, Vocals), and Dylan Parker (Bass), the band broke up in the same year Hallucigenia was released. They have since reunited, recorded another album, and disbanded amicably.

This album is much more hard-edged than the previous album, Shakespeare My Butt. It draws more heavily from punk and rock influences, with chugging, distorted guitars and solid drumming. The use of the harmonica is greatly diminished. Hawkins' lyrics, however, remain a great contributer to the success of their music. Lyrics like,

"You wander around on a crutch
Why don't you just lay it down and shut up
With thoughts as pure as the driven slush
And a cool insanity
From everything you take from me"

taken from the song City Full Of Cowards. The poetic lyrics continually amaze me, made even more potent when combined with the technical skill of the musicians working in tandem.

Unfortunately, harder does not mean better. This album suffers from the sophomore album syndrome, a distinct lack of polish that arises from having only a year or two to put together the second release. The music, though technically competent and supported by Hawkins' excellent lyrics, is in most cases unimaginative and uninspired. Don't let this prevent you from getting this album, however, the band is so strong compared to other musicians that even their failures hit the mark.

To me, this is album is not a better album than the first, but it is understandably so. Some of my favourite songs by this band are on this album, the majority of it is merely good, and does not compare to the excellent work on Shakespeare My Butt.
Rating: 8/10