Slaves To Fashion, formerly known as P:O:B (Pedestrians of Blue) released their debut album, Artistic Differences, in 2011. The band had sent me a promo and after months of listening to it, I finally got my notes together to do a review. The line-up remains the same as on their self titled EP from 2009.
Opening up the album is a powerful combo of “Love You Back” (3:51) and “Mrs. Hero” (3:02). These two songs work so well together, so much that they’re connected seamlessly. They’re also the best choices to open the album with. “Made To Meet My Eyes” (4:41) is the next logical song to follow. It’s also one of my favorites on the album.
Next song, “Superstar (I Want Out)” (4:42), has a very catchy indie art rock vibe to it. The band slows things down a bit with “Empty Chairs” (4:19) a melodic rock ballad which half way through the band takes back up a notch or two on the energy level.
Next we have, “Hands” (4:02) which has a modern hard art rock vibe to it. The next is, “Left Out In The Cold” (3:36) which has a very catchy chorus as well as memorable instrumentation.
Another melodic song on the album is “Out Of Here” (3:08). I think it’s placement is perfect. Next up is a very cool hard rock/ punky song called “Libido Ride” (2:50) .
Ending off the album is “Facts On The Ground” (10:05), which is the longest song in the band’s catalog. This is prog-metal done right, with some originality to it while not going too far off the path!
I tried to narrow down my favorites but the entire album is one of the more perfectly balance albums of 2011. I have a feeling this is the jumping off point of a great progressive rock/metal band‘s career. I can hardly wait for what’s next album.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on August 25th, 2011
