Send "The Cab " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Sputnikmusic |
 Of the multitude of bands plying their trade in the safe, inoffensive and often derided genre of pop-rock (or power-pop if you are so inclined), only a handful truly make a successful profession out of it. In most cases, it will eventuate from an outfit who trip over an insanely catchy tune and are able to elongate their career as a one-hit wonder. However, there are the rare exceptions, with the likes of Coldplay, Maroon 5 and even The Script and OneRepublic being able to consistently churn out inventively catchy tracks that attract more than just the casual radio listener. What these bands have in common is a penchant to think big in order to distinguish themselves from the pack... On their second LP 'Symphony Soldier', Las Vegas outfit The Cab attempt to do the same and elevate themselves into the higher bracket of pop-rock acts. While the then quintet had previously shown some potential - whether it be their pop-punk leaning debut EP or the difficult to dislodge LP 'Whisper War' - nothing firmly suggested a steep ascension for The Cab. Furthermore, their most recent release, 'The Lady Luck EP', indicated a step in the wrong direction in order to win over the masses. Thankfully, it seems that was nothing but an experiment with 'Symphony Soldier' coming out all guns and strings a blazing (see the striking album cover). Holding absolutely nothing back, opener 'Angel With a Shotgun' immediately throws enchanting strings, haunting synth and even a choir into the mix, while the following 'Temporary Bliss' adds an infectious chorus that makes it a puzzling non-choice as the album's lead single. That honor went to third track 'Bad', a Bruno Mars sound-alike party song that moves from piano ballad to group sing-along in a rather nifty, if gimmicky, manner. Despite losing some band members along the way, The Cab have retained their greatest asset; accomplished lead vocalist Alex DeLeon. While he may not have the strongest voice, it is silky smooth and has a nice range that avoids the whiney nature which characterizes many similar acts. Even when 'Symphony Soldier' gets a little trite in its mid-section, DeLeon's vocals hold up the likes of the playfully catchy 'Animal' and the Maroon 5'ish 'La La'. Unfortunately, some shonky lyrics do not help, with 'La La' giving us "You know that you could be my favorite one-night stand", while 'Her Love Is My Religion' proclaims "I see the stars in the freckles on her face"! The theme of love is far too narrow here and continues the band's lyrical trend downwards since their deceptively mature 'Glitz and Glamour' EP. Thankfully, the adjustment of the lyrical perspective on rocker 'Another Me', sincere break-up ballad 'Lovesick Fool' and uplifting closer 'Living Louder' does mean that the latter half of 'Symphony Soldier' continues to retain interest....full text |
| Thecabrock |
| From the first line of the first song - “Get out your guns, battle’s begun” - to the last line of the last song - “We’re all soldiers tonight” - this album is pure genius. There is something for everyone, whether you prefer the upbeat tunes with rocking guitar solos (courtesy of the talented Ian Crawford), or the slowed-down, piano-infused ballads that showcase Alex Marshall’s skills. Singer Alex DeLeon’s vocals shine on every track, but it’s his soft falsetto throughout the album that really impresses. Songs to check out: “Angel With A Shotgun” - The perfect song to kick off the record with. It’s a feel-good, sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs song, one that you can’t help but dance to. It’s the amazing lyrics, however, that are the highlight of this track. “Endlessly” - Co-written by Bruno Mars, his influence is very evident in the song. The lyrics are fun and flawless, but DeLeon’s incredible range is the standout on this one. “Animal” - A dirty, flirty tune that’s one of the highlights of the record. DeLeon’s sexy crooning, paired with the Maroon 5 influence brought to the song by co-writer Adam Levine, make this one of the best tracks on the album. The fantastic guitar solo is a nice touch, too. “Lovesick Fool” - With DeLeon’s Justin Timberlake-esque vocals, Marshall’s beautiful piano melody, and heart-wrenching lyrics, this song is easily one of the best on the album. You’ll be humming the verses for hours....full text |
| Hearhearmusic |
| When The Cab released its first album, Whisper War, in 2007 and earned moderate success with the bumping hit “Bounce.” There was enough exposure and talent in that debut to assume that the band would jump to some form of stardom. Before that jump ever happened, members of the band left to pursue other ventures, pushing lead singer Alex DeLeon to ask for a new guitarist on Twitter. Adding to the hardships, earlier this year the group left Fueled by Ramen, the label who produces similar bands such as Paramore, Panic! at the Disco and Cobra Starship. So without a couple founding members and a label, The Cab funded Symphony Soldier all on its own. And what they created is nothing short of amazing. For those who don’t know, The Cab is a pop-rock band with an emo edge playing Warped Tour though they can easily fit into top-40 radio (Bruno Mars and Maroon 5′s Adam Levine contributed to the album). It’s like listening to a Jonas Brothers/ Fall Out Boy hybrid without any of the guilt. But even that’s not a fair comparison because they have defined themselves as a unique entity and its only a matter of time until the masses get a hold of them. The vocals need no enhancing and it’s a shame DeLeon’s voice hasn’t been more recognized. And in what is now the trademark of this band, the upbeat melodies are a simple yet complex delight to hear. Noted by the album title and the first track, “Angel With a Shotgun”, The Cab fought all of its struggles in recent years with music while keeping their identity as a refreshingly innocent bunch with an occasional act of lust or cold-heartedness. There are so many good things going on this album yet it all meshes well together. From the adorable “Endlessly” to the raunchy “Animal”, the one consistency is the absolute catchy and feel-good tone no matter what the content of the song is....full text |
The Cab lyrics
|
| |||||||
