From GodsofMusic.com
ARTIST: THERMOCLINE
SONG: VACANT LOT
GENRE: ROCK / RADIO PLAY!
SIMILAR: THIRD-EYE-BLIND, TRAIN, LIT
Reviewing THERMOclinE’s “Vacant Lot”, 2.13.02
First Impressions: Are these guys signed??
THERMOclinE hails from Ottawa Canada and their current line-up consists of Steve Gardiner on Lead Vocals, Aaron Kronis on Lead Guitar and Vocals, Jay Ruston on bass, and Andrew Lamarche on Drums.
This is what today’s radio play pop-rock is all about! These gentlemen liken themselves to Stabbing Westward, Econoline Crush, STP, and Filter, but do not let this influence your decision to listen to them. I am a fan of most of the aforementioned groups, but I do not hear them in this tune. What I do hear is an original song, which if played every day at 5:PM on the radio, would generate platinum status album sales! If you are into today’s hits from such artists as Nickelback, SUM41, Train, Lit, and Third-Eye Blind, then I guarantee that you will like THERMOclinE!
“Vacant Lot” is a 3:29 A&R dream. This song has everything it needs to satisfy both the musician AND the average audience. It is short. It is to the point. It has absolutely no wasted space. The chorus sticks in your head, and it is FUN to sing a long with! The musicianship is tight, slightly difficult and very well produced. The dynamics rise and fall appropriately from verse to chorus. I can find very little that I would have done differently in this song. Even the guitar solo falls directly into the category of “Today.”
Since the fall of the guitar solo (most commonly noted as being destroyed by Nirvana and Nevermind) guitar solos have become much shorter, less flashy, and more hooky. Aaron’s solo in “Vacant Lot” adds a hook to the music without distracting you from the song itself. It belongs here, and it would be missed if it were removed. I absolutely love the mode contrasts from the verses to the choruses as well. Especially in the middle when the crunchy guitars emphasize the eighth notes!
I will be singing along with this chorus for quite some time!
“I want to forget now
I want to forget now
It’s the way you looked at me
If I don’t remember you
Then you will remember me”
I am adding this song to my station on Mp3.com because it is THAT good!
John E. Tate IV