CD Review: Framing Hanley, “The Moment”

This review might end up with the opinion of every review you’ve read before – probably because this album is bound to sound like every rock album you’ve heard before. Don’t get it wrong – Framing Hanley‘s re-release of their 2007 debut album “The Moment” has all the potential to be launched into emo rockstardom. However, there will be constant “sounds like…”s or “feels like…”s  when compared to other contemporary bands, which could prove a bit of a disadvantage to the boys unless they decisively up it a notch.

It will be easy for listeners to be won over by the band’s cover of Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” - a seriously seamless and clever rendition that  interestingly enough has the band rocking solid with panache. However, throughout the rest of the album, what was determined as flair and verve tends to be the characteristics of another musical act covering their work -  think Our Lady Peace, Hinder, Nickelback, and My Chemical Romance - which is a bit of a disappointment, because  the potential towards distinctiveness is apparent in the debut’s overall execution.

Just so you know, “The Moment” isn’t lost altogether. Despite ornate musical phrases specific to the genre, Framing Hanley’s talent lies in steering clear from being too theatrical. Also, by interjecting choice lyrics that cut clear through typical melodramatic flourish, they are able to deliver a few memorable works – an advantage over all other fly-by-nights. In the hopes that they can take a bit of constructive criticism, Framing Hanley will be the band to watch in 2009.

Recommended tracks: “Built for Sin”, “That’s Not What They Said”, and “Count Me In”.

Photo via Myspace