Lerch's New Albums

Chevelle- Vena Sera

This is the best new album I’ve heard in a while. Vena Sera is the bands fourth release, and picks up right where This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) left off. Loeffler’s vocals are amazing as usual, and there is no shortage of the bands well known full bodied sound in this album. It beautifully combines soft harmonies with heavy riffs, creating that classic Chevelle sound. Although the songs on Vena Sera do resemble much of their older work, the songs are still fresh. Far from sounding like a repeat of their earlier albums, Chevelle has created an album that stays true to their classic sound, but also doesn’t sound regurgitated. This is a must have for any Chevelle fan.

8.5/ 10 ~ FREAKIN SWEET

Linkin Park – Minutes to Midnight

I’ve always been entertained by Linkin Park. I like their heavy, yet catchy sound, and I appreciate that they have, in many respects, brought a fresh style to an already tired genre of music. Unfortunately, I found Minutes to Midnight to be mildly disappointing. Although the album does have several classic Linkin Park sounding tunes, the band has branched into new areas that don’t sound nearly as impressive. Several songs on Midnight, such as Leave Out All the Rest, and Shadow of the Day are a new sound for the band. They are much softer and less intricate compared to many of the classic Linkin Park songs. Now I’m not one to suggest that harder sounding bands shouldn’t write quite songs, but this album is riddled with them. Consequently, I only like about 2/3 of this album, Midnight just has too much quite and not enough classic Linkin Park.

6.5/ 10 ~ MEAH

Shane Doan or Don't?

Firstly, I just want to say how disappointed I am about how big of a political controversy this Shane Doan incident has become. This is a pathetic squabble, which really has no place in politics. Surely there are more important things for our noble politicians to be discussing? Regardless, it should not be a controversy at any level, let alone wasting tax dollars on a hearing. First of all, no one even knows exactly what Doan said, so that alone should discredit this whole debate. Secondly, I highly doubt any Canadian is guilt free on the issue themselves, can anyone honestly say they have never said anything derogatory toward French Canadians or vice versa? I doubt it. Its part of what makes us Canadian. We can deny it all we want, but French vs. English is part of who we are and its part of our identity. That’s not to say it’s appropriate, but I think there is a lot of hypocracy going on here. Its not like Doan publicly attacked French Canada, and really it all comes down to who to believe. In my opinion it doesn’t matter. So what if he said anything? So has everyone else.