51 Peg - A\Version

While I’m enjoying what 51 Peg puts out on their album “AVersion”, there’s something just slightly holding it back from prominence. That being production more than anything; mixing and mastering. Do I feel as if the production found on “AVersion” is terrible? Absolutely not. I think it’s decent at best, but needs improvement. Take a look at the second song ‘Cursory Rhymes’ for example. They have some beautiful elements in this industrial rock ballad such as the screaming guitar that blazes in around the three-minute mark. But for that one good section, I feel as if a lot of the underlying elements are a bit muddy and underwhelming; underbaked. 

I also feel as if the choice in altering the vocals isn’t the best in the world; I understand that a lot of alternative rock artists utilize some kind of filter or effect on their voice to amplify the emotion that’s being put out in the album. This both works for and against 51 Peg. While it can work on a majority of their songs, I also feel as if they needed to have a few clean segments in each of their tracks. Give us raw vocals; let us hear your passion. This comes to light on the track ‘In Return’ more than any. Still some effects on the voice, but not as bad as on other tracks such as ‘Roots Into Sand’. And in this moment I feel more connected with 51 Peg than I had in any of the other tracks. 

However, that doesn’t mean that all is lost and gone on “AVersion”; while I do bitch and moan there’s a ton to love about 51 Peg. Take into account what they do on ‘In Return’, for example. This is a pleasant track that shows pure instrumental grace and harmonious song making. Somewhat cinematic in the beginning, a slow trickle of events before breaking out into a crescendo of synths and guitars. ‘Eyes Without a Face’ is another grand showing for the band, showcasing a lot of their strengths. Slamming percussion and grand guitar riffs abound; lots of variation keeping the song fresh from start to finish. And it’s what I see on these two songs that I want to see more out of 51 Peg.