Reviews

Modern bands that haven’t struck it big yet have to go to great and difficult lengths to maintain their credibility with seasoned veterans of the music “scene”. In order to be well rounded and equally liked by these people, a band must create music that has a deep, nearly prophetic message that causes them to question their religion, and then be bitter at their parents and the government for no apparent reason at the same time. The music must be the anti-“scene”, but still be respectful to those in it. Oh, and it needs to have a love story behind it.  Many people will write off music that does not contain one or more of these characteristics, and this may be the issue people take up with New Jersey’s own pop-punk/emo rockers, Tokyo Rose.
 
Tokyo Roses CD “New American Saint” is one which takes several good listens to begin to grow on you. The album seems at times like a massive mainstream music extravaganza, complete with powerful backup guitar chords and catchy lead guitar riffs that bear another listen before firmly stuck in the forefront of your mind. The vocals on the album are nothing profoundly out of the ordinary and somewhat typical, upbeat and at times overly emotional; and the lyrics themselves are simple reflections on problems faced in everyday life.
 
The only real issues I take with “New American Saint” are those listed above; it is nothing profoundly out of the ordinary for popular bands today. But in its defense, it still isn’t anything simple enough to piss you off. There isn’t anything wrong with enjoying music because it’s good music, no matter what message it spreads or what the band stands for. “New American Saint” doesn’t set a new standard for modern music, nor does it battle stereotypes of the usual “pop/emo” rundown, but it does provide decent, listenable music that you can sit back and enjoy. Their lyrics tackle every day problems and dilemmas of average people while instrumental parts keep your attention. If you find yourself to be an above average person, don’t listen to this CD, and maybe knock it down a few pegs because you’re probably an average person like the rest of us. Tokyo Rose may not make you question your religion, but enjoying this CD in front of your friends is nothing to be ashamed of.