Artist: The Hold Steady
Album: Stay Positive
Genre: Indie Rock
Rating: 2.5 of 5
The Hold Steady are another one of those bands that have been around for awhile but that I just can't get into. This album did not change anything for me.
I find that Craig Finn's vocal range isn't that great. No matter what is happening with the music it just doesn't feel like the song is moving around because of an almost monotone voice. I great example would be the title track; in this song I find that the band do a great job of building and even though the vocals sound more strained than normal, it doesn't inspire the kind of energy the band is promising to deliver. I did find that his voice reminded me of the Counting Crows.
Besides that, I must say that the songs are quite decent. There were a few songs that they brought in some different instruments to change things up a bit like the harpsichord in "One for the Cutters" and the mandolin (or banjo maybe) in "Both Crosses". "Both Crosses" was also one of those dark tunes that I enjoy so much but again the vocals don't sound any different from one of the more formula-based rock tunes that are all over the album.
In all, I would say that some of the songs have great potential but I would just love it if the vocals would follow the mood.
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