Underwhelmed

Plain and simple you guys kick ass! Killer sound and I can't wait to hear the whole album!
- C.C.

Underwhelmed is an extraordinary, cutting edge group, that knows how to rock…the songs are packed with infectious hooks for mainstream appeal, and with a power and drive that keeps them from sounding like imitators. The band is definitely a force to be reckoned with. - Barbara Thompson

Who the fuck are Underwhelmed and where can I get some more? These guys fucking kill! Get off your dead asses and grab their new record Reveal – it’s a must have. - Tune Prospector

Underwhelmed offers a beefy brand of melodic and commercially accessible modern-rock. Think Nickelback meets 3 Doors Down - big sound, big hooks and songs ready for radio. This band is ready to roll. - Alan K. Stout

Never have I been more curious of a name than I have been of New York based rockers Underwhelmed, whose music is anything but what the name suggests. Listening to their full-length debut Reveal is an absolute treat that rarely leaves the listener wanting more. - Kyle

Trust me this is not the last time you will hear from this band. - Tom Spinelli

Overview: From Brooklyn, New York comes Underwhelmed, a rock band built almost a decade ago. In that time, the group has worked diligently in amassing a reputable repertoire. Thom Hazeart, founder of Corporate Punishment Records, caught wind of Underwhelmed and was enlisted to produce some of the band’s new material. Mixed by Ben Schigel (Breaking Point, Allele), the resulting sessions captivated Hazeart so much that he and Underwhelmed began flirting with the idea of their joining the Corporate Punishment ranks to formally release an LP. With their label situation currently undecided, Underwhelmed decided to release the Hazeart sessions as an EP in 2007, entitled ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘.

The Good: Despite its title, ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ is no schizophrenic danger zone. Instead, Underwhelmed mow through seven songs of FM-ready rock with jaw-dropping professionalism. The band establish their motive with the sporty number “Leave It All Behind”, pulsating to thick grooves that deeply engage you from square one. Thanks to a sparkling chorus, an effervescent demeanor, and an incessant cavalcade of sweeping hooks, “Leave It All Behind” puts the EP in a fun and charismatic mood. Loser anthem lovers everywhere will melt for the bouncy quirks of “Freak (Like Me)”. By refusing to play the stereotypical “woe is me” card, “Freak (Like Me)” breaks the mold of your by the numbers wallflower waltz, a vibrant breath of fresh air. “Reveal” is as broad and roomy as a summer’s day; the combination of acoustic and electric guitars give the track a great deal of character, continuously charming you with each passing second. A boiling rock radio volcano on the brink of eruption, “Angel” envelops you with intoxicating hooks and blissful overtones, perching you on cloud 9. “Never Again” is an exploratory, detail-attentive spread whose tearful verses are suave by framing the already voluminous choruses and making their sound richer and more robust. The only track that rivals the cling of “Angel” is “Reachin”. Booming and full of life, “Reachin” boasts a chorus nearly as dangerous as the one from “Angel”, while rocking a guitar solo to provide added height and a rebellious streak. ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ concludes with its most organic and sincere cut “Throw It All Away”. This tastefully cathartic hard-ballad packs a raw, 90’s alt-rock vibe the previous six songs didn’t quite capture, serving as a testament to its versatility.

The Bad: Like most modern rock albums in the same vein, the colors of ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ run together, hurting each song’s individuality. Vocally, Chris Amplo is capable, yet he never challenges himself or his range. The aforementioned is the Achilles’ heel of Underwhelmed as a whole on this EP. Sure, they might have concocted some powerfully catchy tunes,. But without anything to really set the band apart from the pack, ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ might unjustly be looked past in favor of something more intrepid or with more bravado.

Bottomline: Underwhelmed have a real knack for churning out spirited and palpable rock with flavorful hooks which you can sink your teeth into. The band makes enough right moves on ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ to buoy themselves amidst a quicksand of thousands of convoluted, formula-driven modern rock. But if the band were only just a little braver and a little more eclectic, then this EP has serious potential to go from Mercedes to Maybach.

Rating: 8 out of 10 - Tunelabmusic.com by Nick

Sometimes you just want rock and roll and Underwhelmed fits that bill. Straight-ahead rock in by a band that knows its craft. I'll definitely play them on my station. - Take Flight

With thundering guitars and crashing chords and their commitment to excellence in rock and roll, it is little wonder that Underwhelmed and their latest release, Reveal, has topped such charts as Garageband.com and IndiesTop10.com. While being compared to Nickelback and 3 Doors Down, I find them more reminiscent of that great rock band of the 80s, Creed. The first 4 songs on Reveal are full of big hooks and powerful choruses guaranteed to grab the attention of the most discriminating listener.

Track 1, Freak, is a well written, blend of rock, pop and electronica. Track 4, With You, is a nice change of pace power ballad of sorts. These first four songs are Underwhelmed’s strongest and showcase their songwriting and musical talent at its’ best... - Gulf Coast Music Review

This hard-rocking quintet from Brooklyn is making waves with their powerful songs, and this sampler is incredible. “Headstrong” burns the barn down with growling guitars and lofty vocals.

“Reveal” comes on softly before transforming into a rock juggernaut, and “Silhouette” comes on like bedlam before transmuting into a full-out rocker with 100% of your recommended daily allowance of reverb.

Fans of Creed and Ministry will thoroughly enjoy Underwhelmed.
- Long Island Music Scene byTimothy Connolly

I feel sad for the little kiddie band I had to review before you. Not at all do they have your experience. I'm not saying your song is perfect but it's darn good and driving! The voice gets a little irritating at some point but that guy can sing! Oh yes! And now here is a word for the drummer : Mister you sure know your way around your drum kit! You play with so much assurance that I was delighted with lots of great passes you do! I think you got a great connection all of you! Stick together! It's happening right NOW!!!! Bravo!!
- Lady F - GarageBand.com reviewer - Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada

After catching their benefit show at Lamours, I quickly became turned onto this group. Tons of melodic appeal with a hard crunch yield a familiar yet refreshing sound. After buying the CD at the show, I can't wait to hear their next EP. Songs like DEVOTED and MASKING SHADOWS will definitely leave an impression on any listener. Before you know it, you'll be singing UNDERWHELMED's songs in the shower. Catchy stuff. Good Lyrics, too. - Maria Rossetti - CDBABY.com Review

Overview: From Brooklyn, New York comes Underwhelmed, a rock band built almost a decade ago. In that time, the group has worked diligently in amassing a reputable repertoire. Thom Hazeart, founder of Corporate Punishment Records, caught wind of Underwhelmed and was enlisted to produce some of the band’s new material. Mixed by Ben Schigel (Breaking Point, Allele), the resulting sessions captivated Hazeart so much that he and Underwhelmed began flirting with the idea of their joining the Corporate Punishment ranks to formally release an LP. With their label situation currently undecided, Underwhelmed decided to release the Hazeart sessions as an EP in 2007, entitled ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘.

The Good: Despite its title, ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ is no schizophrenic danger zone. Instead, Underwhelmed mow through seven songs of FM-ready rock with jaw-dropping professionalism. The band establish their motive with the sporty number “Leave It All Behind”, pulsating to thick grooves that deeply engage you from square one. Thanks to a sparkling chorus, an effervescent demeanor, and an incessant cavalcade of sweeping hooks, “Leave It All Behind” puts the EP in a fun and charismatic mood. Loser anthem lovers everywhere will melt for the bouncy quirks of “Freak (Like Me)”. By refusing to play the stereotypical “woe is me” card, “Freak (Like Me)” breaks the mold of your by the numbers wallflower waltz, a vibrant breath of fresh air. “Reveal” is as broad and roomy as a summer’s day; the combination of acoustic and electric guitars give the track a great deal of character, continuously charming you with each passing second. A boiling rock radio volcano on the brink of eruption, “Angel” envelops you with intoxicating hooks and blissful overtones, perching you on cloud 9. “Never Again” is an exploratory, detail-attentive spread whose tearful verses are suave by framing the already voluminous choruses and making their sound richer and more robust. The only track that rivals the cling of “Angel” is “Reachin”. Booming and full of life, “Reachin” boasts a chorus nearly as dangerous as the one from “Angel”, while rocking a guitar solo to provide added height and a rebellious streak. ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ concludes with its most organic and sincere cut “Throw It All Away”. This tastefully cathartic hard-ballad packs a raw, 90’s alt-rock vibe the previous six songs didn’t quite capture, serving as a testament to its versatility.

The Bad: Like most modern rock albums in the same vein, the colors of ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ run together, hurting each song’s individuality. Vocally, Chris Amplo is capable, yet he never challenges himself or his range. The aforementioned is the Achilles’ heel of Underwhelmed as a whole on this EP. Sure, they might have concocted some powerfully catchy tunes,. But without anything to really set the band apart from the pack, ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ might unjustly be looked past in favor of something more intrepid or with more bravado.

Bottomline: Underwhelmed have a real knack for churning out spirited and palpable rock with flavorful hooks which you can sink your teeth into. The band makes enough right moves on ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ to buoy themselves amidst a quicksand of thousands of convoluted, formula-driven modern rock. But if the band were only just a little braver and a little more eclectic, then this EP has serious potential to go from Mercedes to Maybach.

Rating: 8 out of 10 - Tunelab.com Contributed By: Nick