Hinder - All American Nightmare Review

drops its third album, "All American Nightmare," with a chip on its shoulder and a palpable sense of something to prove, given the sophomore sales slump the Oklahoma quintet suffered with 2008's "Take It to the Limit" (469,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan) in comparison with its 2005 triple-platinum debut, "Extreme Behavior." So the group comes out firing hard on "2 Sides of Me" and the title track, channeling four years of heavy touring into tales of wine (or, rather, good beer), women and song. Hinder spends the rest of the set delivering solidly written, meat-and-potatoes tunes made to slide comfortably, if a bit anonymously, into any rock radio playlist. "Put That Record On" slips some country-flavored lope into its verses, while "The Life," "What Ya Gonna Do" and the lush "Everybody's Wrong" provide some ballady respite to the slamming fury of "Waking Up the Devil" and "Strip Tease." Frontman Austin Winkler does have the temerity to ponder what happens "when the whiskey ain't workin' any more." But what Hinder learned on the road, at least according to "All American Nightmare," is how undependable girlfriends are and how badass this hard-partying band can be. That can be a dream or a "Nightmare," depending on the ear of the beholder....full text Sound: Hinder is continuing to keep excess and the rock
and roll lifestyle alive and kicking with its latest material. While there are plenty who might perceive singing about the usual booze/love/sex themes as a cop out in 2010, Hinder certainly doesn’t share that viewpoint. Much like the Oklahoma band’s first two albums, the latest release All American Nightmare plays upon all of your traditional rock subjects – whether it be in the lyrical content or the overall straightforward musical format. There’s nothing you haven’t heard before style-wise on All American Nightmare, so don’t expect to be wowed by any groundbreaking songwriting.

That being said, Hinder’s already-established fans know that experimental compositions aren’t what lured them to the band in the first place. All American Nightmare borders on being generic, but it also is likeable enough thanks to vocalist Austin Winkler’s charismatic delivery and the all-important big choruses. And yes, there are plenty who will eat up those themes that rule the rock world (i.e., booze and sex). There’s a decent balance between energetic, grooving compositions and contemplative ballads, but the memorable, sing-along chorus is usually the common denominator.

If you can get over the blatant nature prevalent in much of the material, then a song like “Two Sides of Me” (a gritty rocker that provides a good dose of sleaze) and “Waking Up The Devil” (which features an almost circus-like lead guitar riff) are fairly satisfying in terms of being likeable, raunchy fare. The title track is actually somewhat of a disappointment in comparison with the aforementioned songs, if only because it doesn’t really offer too many original musical ideas except for some solid acoustic work.

The slower material conveys – for better or worse – a “Kid Rock-ish” attitude. The country genre ever so slightly creeps into verses fit for the everyman. “Whatcha Gonna Do” is the primary example, and you could easily hear Kid Rock grabbing his acoustic to tackle this type of track. Hinder will undoubtedly connect with a massive audience because of this down-to-earth approach, but again, it’s nothing we haven’t heard before. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: You’re either going to love or hate Hinder’s lyrics. You could blame the rise of grunge for making songs about excess/booze/sex unpopular, but regardless of the reason it does seem a bit trite to hear bands regurgitate sounds about the topics. Hinder will strike chords with rock enthusiasts with lines like “You told me you hated my GN’R shirt; I should have known then this was never going to work” (“Hey Ho”) or the clever “Put The Record On,” which assimilates various classic rock album titles (everything from “Crazy Train” to “Back In Black”) into the lyrics. In terms of extolling the virtues/sins of rock past and present, the members of Hinder are masters at it. // 7...full text Hinder released his third studio album All American Nightmare produced by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch and many more). There ‘s no denying that the band really deserves to hit the top of the charts. These guys worked hard and the result is a must-have very recommended (the deluxe edition, of course). It is Pure great Rock and roll music. It is exactly an awesome blend of heavy sounds,southern/classic rock and powerful ballads. This is extremely catchy throughout the album. Music and vocals work great together. It is cohesive from beginning to the end. All songs stand out. I appreciate. I cannot choose one favorite song because all tracks are pure happiness. The lyrics are well written. The lead single All American Nightmare (my first favorite ) that was an excellent choice for radio, announced a change in the band’s musical style. The tune is now heavier. Hinder grew up. The guitar riffs changed and gonna hook you.

The opener track 2 Sides of Me is strong and gives the atmosphere for the rest of the album. You love authentic rock. This is for you. As you know, the band likes rock ballads and always has the abilities to create the best of them. It is what we call talent, be able to play various forms of sounds (without never to repeat themselves) that keep your interest throughout the album. You have this feeling in All American Nightmare Album.

What Ya Gonna Do contains some incredible solo guitars of Joe Garvey (as in the rest of the songs). The intro in The Life is sublime. It begins slowly with violin and acoustic guitar. It is only wonderful.With the track 9 , everybody’s wrong, the band also showcases as always his talent for this type of the music. Hey Ho brilliantly blends acoustic and electric guitars. The melody blows your mind all the time. The Track Waking Up the Devil starts off with an original intro. I like the way to mix acoustic and electric guitars. It is a good idea. Spectacular dual guitar work. Wow !! Too cool. This song has also an oriental beat in guitar solos. Red Tail Lights is a rock ballad that will not leave you indifferent. Superb guitar intro. Damned good piece that I recommend. The drum fits well as the rest of the album with guitars. My Big favorite is the track Striptease. Austin ‘s singing is unique and is very charismatic along the songs. Sure, it is worth seeing live. His deep rough voice is catchy. Your ears will want more music. You love southern rock music. I recommend Put That Record On. I continue to dig this dual guitar. Joe and Mark. Guys, great job ! If you want to wake up in a good mood, Good Life is for you. Rock and Roll !! Bad Mutha Fucka ends wonderfully the album. Atmosphere bar. Imagine Hinder singing this song. It is fun. Drink , great music. Isn’t it the dream ? If you ask me, I love the track. It has sublime bass lines (Mike) and an incredible acoustic guitar work. The deluxe edition also contains three excellent quality demos of Put That Record On, What Ya Gonna Do and 2 Sides of Me. New bands. The demos must be like these ones. First Lesson. If you love music video for All American Nightmare, it is in the deluxe edition!!! Yes.. It is amazing because the video is really well done. It features the fashion/tattoo model Jesse Lee Denning as a tattooed hellion within her own nightmare struggles. She is also on the All American Nightmare album cover. Excellent graphic. You also have 3 live songs “Lips Of An Angel”, “Use Me”, “Without You” that I recommend. Hinder Live = Hinder Studio -> the same sound, the same quality....full text