THE EXIES
Head for the Door
Virgin Records 2004
www.theexies.com

Sample it here

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What’s the 4-1-1?
Follow-up to the L.A. rockers’ 2003 release Inertia.

Genre
Hard rock

The Good
“Slow Drain” starts things off with a fuzzy up and down riff and baseline. Stevens delivers a catchy and melodic chorus, while Walsh lays down a great wah-wah solo. The riff on “Splinter” is just as piercing and the songs theme of how someone can get under your skin. Stevens emotes a lot of anger vocally, but at the same time seems pleased with the pain he sings about. The albums first single “Ugly” has both clean guitar strums and driving distorted riffs clamoring for your attention. “Hey You” gives Dennis Wolfe his moment to shine on the drum heavy introduction. The subtle guitar work in the verse section eventually builds to thick riffing and powerful vocal release.

The lyrics of “Baptize Me” are full of those thought-provoking philosophical things that artist like to throw out there every once in a while. If you’re not into deciphering the meaning of your music, it’s a catchy rocker just the same. “F.S.O.S.” (Fake Sense of Security) is loaded with meaty riffs and biting guitar licks. The only ballad on the album is the ironic “Tired of You”. You may think it’s about breaking-up, but you’ll soon find it’s the opposite.

The Bad
Whose idea was it to print the lyrics in a wave pattern on the CD sleeve?

The Verdict
You won’t be heading for the door when you hear The Exies latest, you’ll want to soak it all in. The group help breathe new life into the rock genre with unforgettable songs and addictive rock melodies.

Did You Know?
The Exies appeared on the WB’s The Mountain television program.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne