Album Reviews
| Believer | Date | |
| Simon McMurdo - Team Marco | 25.08.08 | |
This, their second album opens with the punchy ‘Know Me’. Abandoning any worries about their production, the song is one of the CD’s finest moments. The track allows the rock and blues vibe to be more prominent, especially within the passionate performance put in by Mandana, a really great opening.One of my least favourite songs follows however, with ‘Crusade’. Granted, the song isn’t to my personal tastes, however I’m very aware that the song has been beautifully written and will definitely be enjoyed by those who prefer SolidTubes midtempo tracks.‘Shadows Of The Night’ takes the band further into the midpaced realms, but this time I find a song that has such a beautiful hook and chorus, it attracts you to the song time and time again. Admittedly, the song is a slow burner, and may not be instantly catchy, but given time it becomes one of The Running Time’s highlights. A truly stunning piece of music.From an oriental vibed western piece, to this, the more ‘whole’ edit of ‘Welcome To Africa’. Believers should take pride in realising that their funds and the amazing talent of the band made this track become something special. What was once a great song has come a masterpiece, and now fits perfectly within SolidTubes discography. The song touches on the hunger and death in the third world, namely of course, in Africa- a very brave move, something which should certainly be commended. The lyrics in this song may be described time and time again, but hearing or reading them is the only way you can understand the way the band have so successfully grasped the theme they aimed for, a true success. Its back to the midpace for the albums standout track next, as ‘Home’ continues ‘The Running Time’. This time the song relies heavily on the voice of Mandana, as she guides the track through its beautiful verses, into the heartfelt pre-chorus, not to belittle of course, the overwhelming musical backdrop that makes the song so beautiful. The song has to be heard to truly convey its immense strength, but if I were to describe it with one word, it’d definitely be Stunning. The rock is well and truly back in town as we continue through to ‘What I Say’. Harking back to ‘Know Me’, the song is direct and punchy, powerfully leading into a great chorus full of pure rock hooks, whilst still retaining the bands unique sound. Mandana shows her wide range once again, from gutsy and broad, to soft and serene, she nails every note. The bands first true ballad is the acoustic lead ‘Farewell’. Featuring a standout chorus, sang with emotion and relatable lyrics, its easy to see why many fans note the track as their favourite. Without a doubt, the four minutes see the band at their emotional peak, and the atmosphere created leads beautifully into the next track, the third free download, ’Naked’.
Beginning as ‘Farewell’ left off, ‘Naked’ hints at a build up, with a hooky refrain of ‘Naked, Naked…’. As if by magic, the song does exactly that, in a minimalist manner, it grows steadily, with acoustic guitars becoming prominent, Mandana’s voice becoming broader and the electric guitars making a welcome entrance at the third verse mark. The song, akin to ‘Shadows Of The Night’ may take some time to digest, but you can be sure it’s worth dedicating the time to.
‘Sunny Day’ follows, and opens similarly to ‘Naked’. But don’t be fooled, this song takes a major turn from the aforementioned track. Although not entirely upbeat, it’s one of the greatest feel good anthems and a perfect summertime hit. The verses are soothing and perfectly produced by Pete Strobl to make each instrument, particularly the gorgeous acoustics of Jakob Aumaier, entirely audible and the chorus lifts the spirits of the listener and even features a few investors and fans too, I believe, so not only is it a great track, but a true Sellaband classic as well! Sadly, however, the cd comes to an end, but its certainly not abrupt as the final element of ‘The Running Time’ finds its way into the speakers. ‘Some Things Never Change’ takes every element of SolidTube and delivers them all- the acoustic passages, a great build up, beautiful vocal lines and performance, a stunning instrumentation and relatable lyrics. Not only is this track a beautiful closer, it’s also a gorgeous track when it stands alone too. After opening in a truly inimitable style, SolidTube say goodbye in an even more breathtaking manner, or do they? Packed with karaoke gems, a remix and redit or two, and a brand-spanking new track- limited editions never looked this good, so be sure to pay that extra few dollars, and get all of these treats, and a great surprise when you check out the bonus track ‘Feels Good’. I won’t reveal all, but you won’t be so CONFUSED when you check It out, and the 5 extra dollars are worth just that. ;-) |
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| Alex S | 28.07.08 | |
..incredible well produced CD - lucky me to be able to join Solidtube live many times - many thx - all my best wishes - Alex |
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| Martin(Team Tiff)Nicholas | 19.06.08 | |
A fantastic album !!!! great music great value, whats stopping you ? buy it today !!! |
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| Christian | 19.06.08 | |
GREAT SONGS, GREAT ALBUM and 8 Bonus tracks on the Limited edition ! |
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| Angie | 19.06.08 | |
Thank so much for the brilliant cd !!!!!
the limited edition is greatness this is on must have with the 8 bonus tracks !
many succsess for SolidTube !!!!!! |
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| creative | 16.06.08 | |
Review at german:
Dieses Album ist sehr empfehlenswert für all jene, die auf einen gelungenen mix aus Rock, Country und Blues stehen. Über die gesamte Albumlänge kommt keine Langeweile auf. Die Songauswahl ist meiner Meinung nach sehr gut gelungen. Ratsam für diejenigen, die keine Believer sind, ist nach der Limited Edition Ausschau zu halten. Neben den 10 Super Songs, kommen noch mal 8 hinzu. Davon sind 7 verschieden Mixarten, bzw. auch Originalversionen des Hauptalbums, und ein Extralied (Feels Good).
Achso: Die etwas hölzern ausschauende CD kommt im Digipack mit Booklet. In diesem sind die Songtexte abgedruckt.
Viel Spaß beim hören! |
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| netcrusher88 | 15.06.08 | |
Easily the best adult alternative/world fusion in years. |
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| Vegas Dragons | 15.06.08 | |
SolidTube will be one of the great success stories of Sellaband. The production quality (thanks to the great work of Pete Strobl) is outstanding. The vocals are superb and the arrangements are splendid.
With the assistance of smart Believers like MaWa, Walter B and Namor this Austrian band are headed for great things. Download the free songs and I am sure that you will be impressed enough to buy the rest.
Congratulations SolidTube!!! |
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| John Werkman (TALENTCAST) | 13.06.08 | |
He Solitube thank's for making such a beautiful cd..
I'm trilled about it.. Good job.
Greatings John |
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| Pacarina | 12.06.08 | |
'The Running Time' offers heartwarming music, leaving an affectious mark on your inner soul. The voice of Mandana welcomes you and leads you through every song in such a perfect way that you really don't want to leave. This cd is made with love and dedication and listening to it is a true pleasure from beginning to end. My advice? Run to your local Sellaband store, get yourself a treat, and take that journey with SolidTube! |
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| Cyrus the Virus | 08.06.08 | |
The song "Know me" is the "Song of the week" on talentcast.nl ;) |
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| . | 04.06.08 | |
The perfect band!!
If you dont believe me then download the 3 free tracks,then buy the CD. Once in a life time you come across a band like this.Their songs are from the soul 'Sunny Day',Farewell,Somethings never change, are my favs. There music speaks for itself!! THIS is the best of Sellaband! |
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| cuggie | 28.05.08 | |
This is one of the best and most fun "investments' I ever made. I know that my mind wanted to like this Album, but I truly love it and have been playing it over and over. I can not wait to share it will all my friends. This one will not get shuffled into the pile of forgotten CD's. Great Job to all who worked very hard to pull it together. A Clean Sound !
cuggie |
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| MaWa | 27.05.08 | |
Mission accomplished!
If you really want to know, what you 'can' do with 50k, you have to listen to this album. Well, having some killer songs like "Home", "Sunny Day", "Welcome to Africa", "Know Me", "What I Say", "Some Things Never Change" .... helps, too ;)
Probably worth to note, that the extra tracks on the LeCD are:
- 1 Extra track (Feels good)
- 1 Dance Mix (Welcome to Africa)
- 3 Acustic versions and
- 3 Karaoke mixes |
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| Simon McMurdo - Team Marco | 27.05.08 | |
Country, Pop, Indie, Rock, Blues? It's hard to describe 'The Running Time' but it's surely a definite 50K well spent.
Highlights include the rocking 'Know Me', soothing 'Home' and the beautiful closer 'Some Things Never Change'. |
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