A genuinely honest album, Tonight Alive’s The Other Side, will speak to the masses. What the band have successfully written as adults may not have been so handsomely achieved had they not been caught in the crossfire of adolescence as teenagers. Touching on subjects of betrayal, love, personal demons and triumphs, the album is unabashedly mature, heartfelt and revealing. Delving in to the psyche of raw human emotion, Tonight Alive have produced an album that not only challenges the listener but reassures and comforts; taking them on an emotional journey, undoubtedly experienced by all at some point. It is raw and it is true.
Arguably one of Australia’s finest exports of the last few years, Tonight Alive have been doing the rounds and captivating audiences across the world. With the acclaimed success of their debut album, What Are You So Scared Of?, it is with no hesitation or doubt when I personally say, this will be the album to fast-track these guys to the head of their game – it is an exciting prospect and one the young band are more than ready for.
Ultimately, what separates this album from What Are You So Scared Of? and even earlier releases such as All Shapes And Disguises, is time and the growth that comes with it. Whilst The Other Side possesses the characteristic Tonight Alive sound so many of us have become accustomed to and expect, what this album also possesses is a refreshing new dimension of artistry, lyricism and maturity. Exploring themes very much associated with the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, Tonight Alive have, through their experiences, musicianship and wisdom, translated their pent up frustrations, insecurities, challenges and optimisms, into an album that will appeal to a very wide audience. Tracks such as ‘The Other Side’, ‘Don’t Wish’ and ‘You Don’t Owe Me Anything’, appear to reflect the emotional impacts of fractured relationships and the consequential heartache that follows, whilst tracks such as ‘Hell and Back’ and ‘Complexes’ touch upon the themes of acceptance and validation.
The lyrical maturity and vulnerability of this album throughout, is to be praised. ‘The Ocean’ and ‘Bathwater’ are perhaps the strongest lyrics to be composed by the band. Unembellished and emotionally driven, these tracks narrate Jenna McDougall’s personal struggles and hardships, with both beautiful and frightening honesty. Breaking down the wall between artist and listener and intimately threading the two together, these tracks create an even deeper spiritual connection which makes the album all the more special. ‘The Ocean’’s translation in to the live arena is powerful, showcasing an impressive display of phenomenal vocal capabilities, musicality and stage presence. Whereas ‘Bathwater’, solemn and raw in delivery, is certainly one of the album’s standouts and could very well become the ‘Amelia’ of The Other Side.
Musically, the album has taken a darker route and is the heaviest Tonight Alive have ventured, which complements the overall tone of the album. The obvious angst and darkness in the lyrics is counterbalanced with the punchy technicalities of the accompanying instruments. Tracks such as ‘The Fire’ and ‘No Different’ in particular, demonstrate the new direction for the band – embracing a hard rock sound, rather than the pop/punk label they were automatically given (and which they have definitely diverged from by their own means).
Guitarist, Whakaio Taahi has upped the ante on lead, incorporating a skilled concoction of various arrangements to accompany the edgy rhythm guitar of Jake Hardy. Along side them, Cameron Adler yet again showcases his skills on bass – Tonight Alive definitely tend to bring their bass to the forefront of their tracks, allowing it to blossom, rather than fall behind, unregistered by the listener. As always, Matt Best carries the music with some of the most impressive arrangements of drumming ability in the game, with a healthy mix of sensitivity and aggression. With every stroke throughout the album, it is almost as if the music is being given a heartbeat and coming to life. Finally, the vocal maturity of McDougall is to be highly commended and truly makes for an incredible auditory experience. Exploring a range much wider than in previous recordings, it is my heartfelt opinion when I say this is the strongest the young frontwoman has ever been. She is a vocal powerhouse, there is no question about it and this album certainly showcases her abilities in full.
You can tell this is an accomplishment for the band. The way their faces light up at the topic of discussion truly displays they are genuinely proud of this achievement and by all means, they should be. This is a phenomenal sophomore album. In my honest opinion and as a fairly hardcore fan, I’d say this is their best work to date. Grab yourself a copy, listen for yourself and support quality Australian music…if you don’t, I’ll breakdance fight you.
9.5/10
Reviewer: Ashlee Kellehear
Well done Ash.