Audrye Sessions - Audrye Sessions (2009)

The alt-rock horn of plenty has something for all types of listeners. Under this gigantic, inviting umbrella the music industry has tossed in everything that doesn’t quite fit the Top 40, but that with enough hype finds a way to crash the party every now and then. Modern arena rock, that most accessible and heavily produced style of alt-rock, has been pretty dominant lately, culminating in Coldplay’s sweep at the 2009 Grammys.

Well, we shouldn’t let our buddies from across the Atlantic have all the fun, so it’s time for California’s Audrye Sessions to jump in and see if listeners want to take a chance on some stateside arena rock.

The group’s self-titled debut LP has all you expect from the genre. In fact, it’s precisely what you expect. Audrye Sessions sound as if they read the U2 handbook — the abridged version with notes by Coldplay’s Chris Martin — and strictly followed every direction without deviation.

We’re greeted with midtempo arrangements, controlled guitars, the occasional piano riff and a vocalist who’s so inspired by Thom Yorke it’s sometimes difficult to remember we’re not listening to a Radiohead rarities and outtakes record. To clarify, Audrye Sessions’ offering doesn’t follow the out-there path of Kid A. The band’s Radiohead aspirations stop at the melodic, finely tuned guitar pop of OK Computer, and it’s impossible not to hear the influence.

Still, we can be thankful that Audrye Sessions is one arena-rock band that’s found a way to tame its inner Elton John. The piano is used here and there but isn’t allowed to control the process. Though the outcome is highly polished and orchestrated, at least for now the six-strings rule.

From track to track, Audrye Sessions’ grandiose pop does its best to find that perfect, sweeping chorus upon which it can hang its mildly rocking introspection. The band slows it down for the requisite acoustic number, then picks up the pace — just a bit — when the guitars threaten to let loose. Of course, they’re never really allowed to get too crazy. No, with Audrye Sessions the point is to search for a single that will sound great on FM radio and appeal just enough to listeners of all varieties.

They could do it, too. There’s nothing on this release that couldn’t sneak its way into your head with enough listens. Coldplay and Snow Patrol both had new LPs last year and it could be awhile before Radiohead decides to head back into the studio. There’s a hole right now that Audrye Sessions could slip into with just the right push. It just proves that anything Europe can do, America can do, too. Maybe not better, but surely with a similar chance for commercial success.
— steven m. garcia source