On the surface, Japan's Ellegarden seem like nothing more than a radio friendly alternative act looking for that big break that will bring them fame and fortune here in the US. Quite frankly, a quick listen to songs like "Red Hot" and "Monster" will have you wondering just when young America will jump on the bandwagon and proclaim these guys the next big thing. However, once you listen a little deeper, Ellegarden also have some pretty impressive metal chops-listen to the rampaging guitar riffs and pounding rhythms on "Snake Fighting", as they mix bombastic arrangements with emo-styled vocals for a truly heavy track. The jangly lead guitar work on "Missing" is pretty tasty, and "Rainbow" throws some heavy riffs and intelligent fills amidst some catchy melodies. For the most part though, there's too much syrupy sweet radio pap here, like the sleep-inducing attempt at airplay on "Marry Me", or the Green Day clone numbers "TV Maniacs" and "BBQ Riot Song". Ellegarden can write some catchy hooks, and they can play, but they need to try something that will set them apart from the millions of other bands here who are basically running through the same formula.
Track Listing
1. Red Hot
2. Monster
3. Snake Fighting
4. Marry Me
5. Missing
6. Bored Of Everything
7. TV Maniacs
8. Rainbow
9. I Hate It
10. BBQ Riot Song
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