The Rebellion - II

The Rebellion has returned with their sophomore effort, II. After releasing a solid and enjoyable debut, the stakes were high for The Rebellion to deliver on their second album. Fortunately for the fans, the band was up for the task. II is every bit as good as the band’s debut record (Time).

While their first album sounded all Muse, Coldplay, and The Fray, the new disc sounds more like The Rebellion. The band has solidified their sound. Piano driven modern rock is the style of Rebellion, and it is music done right. Josh Palmer’s voice still sounds fantastic and his bandmates follow suit, showing off their talent with ease.

II brings with it many surprises yet many familiarities as well. Josh Palmer’s voice sounds as grand as the previous record and his guitar work is still amazing. The songs are stronger than the previous disc and much more enjoyable. The hard work that The Rebellion put into this record shows in the sound that is released. It’s obvious the band did not want to repeat their debut and deliver a stale sound, so they went to work and worked hard. The end result was worth it, as II is one of the better records to be released this year.

The Rebellion pick up where the left off at the end of Time, bringing more great music to the fans. While “Missing Piece” is a solid opening track complete with plenty of piano and incredible vocal, it’s the second song on the disc, “Save Me” that gets the feet tapping and the backsides shaking. “Save Me” is a magnificent modern rock piece with intricate changes, a fantastic guitar solo, and a harder edge. It begins soft and sweet but finishes rough and tough. “Save Me” is a fantastic song and it finds The Rebellion hitting their stride.

“The Escape” has a Queen like feel to it, especially during the guitar solo. It reminded me so much of Brian May that I thought he had made a guest appearance on the record. Alas, it was an original solo by Josh Palmer. The complexity in the arrangements and changes shows just how much The Rebellion has matured as a band. “The Escape” is a sophisticated rock song. Without a doubt the hardest rocking and best sounding song on the record, The Escape is a great rock tune worthy of many listens and a lot of radio airplay.

II brings plenty of rock moments with it. The blend of brilliant guitar solo, Palmers magnificent voice and just the right amount of piano, drums, and bass solidify the music to perfection. II is one of the better albums to be released this year. If you are a huge fan of The Rebellion’s debut album, it may take a spin or two to enjoy II. Because it is advancement from their debut disc, II takes a little longer to appreciate, but it can be enjoyed immediately. If this is your first Rebellion experience, then it is a great album to get to know the band. You will be impressed and rejoice in this fantastic sounding record.

Ryo’s Rating: 8 (out of 10)

Track Listing
Missing Piece
Save Me
Interlude
The Escape
Without You
Ocean Breeze
Animal
Bend Or Break
Sympathetic Fool
Break Out
Reprise
All You Need

The Rebellion - Time

Bringing the rock from the great white north, Canada’s fine act, The Rebellion, have released Time. Blending the styles of Coldplay, U2, and The Fray, The Rebellion are a modern rock act worthy of recognition. Their debut album, Time, is a showcase of just how grand The Rebellion are.

Time opens with the incredible lead track, Dr. Don’t, which highlights lead singer/guitarist Josh Palmer’s vocal style. Palmer has an amazing voice that is full of youth and power. His pitch and tone are perfect and his singing ability is impressive. Palmer’s voice is the first thing you will notice on Time.

One Night Hero, the best song on the disc, is a powerful track, very reminiscent of Coldplay with a hint of Midtown thrown into the mix. A moderate tempo, piano driven, modern rock tune cemented with a voice from the heavens, One Night Hero will hook you on The Rebellion. This song should be peppered all over the radio airwaves and it’s a song that everyone should listen to. With beautiful production, excellent time changes, and solid piano work by Silviu Moldovan, One Night Hero is a number one hit waiting to happen.

The great music continues on Change. This song has more of a U2 start that jumps into a modern rock riff. Palmer sings of love and never wanting to change his muse. His love for the muse is unfaltering and he accepts her for whatever she is, however she is. Change is a pretty song that inspires love in us all. Don’t be afraid to proclaim your love for someone, regardless of any errors they may have made in life.

The Wait Is Over is another standout track on Time. The Wait Is Over is a chance for guitarist Silviu Moldovan (he serves double duty) to shine. The song opens with a ripping guitar riff that leads into crashing drums and is swallowed up by Palmer’s vocals. A solid rock song, The Wait Is Over has summertime cruise written all over it. Hard and catchy, The Wait Is Over would be a great second single from Time.

While the first 8 tracks on Time are new music worth listening to, the back end of the disc falls apart with slower melodies and songs that are not as strong. Perhaps it’s a signal of how grand the first eight tracks are, but the last four songs don’t quite capture the art of The Rebellion. Bogged down in slow melodies, violins, ukulele outros, and sappy gimmicks, the end of Time was a little disappointing. However, the first two-thirds of the album more than make up for it.

With a modern sound worthy of everyday radio, powerful vocals by Josh Palmer, and catchy hooks and riffs that you will be singing along to, Time is an album worth seeking out. The album is available on ITunes or by visiting the band’s website http://www.therebellion.ca/. If you’re seeking out a new sound that will have your foot tapping and if you want to be cooler than your friends, pick up a copy of Time.

Ryo’s Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)

Track Listing
Dr. Don’t
Start Us Over
One Night Hero
Change
After The Rain
The Wait Is Over
Fighter
Don’t Know How
Make Us Right
Angel of Death
Time
Today