Posted: September 28th, 2008
Contributed By: Nick

	Purchase @ Amazon.com Release Date: April 23, 2007
	Underwhelmed is: Chris Amplo (Vocals) Mike Armstrong (Guitar) Paul Boyle (Guitar) Mike Russo (Bass) Chris Russo (Drums)

Overview: From Brooklyn, New York comes Underwhelmed, a rock band built almost a decade ago. In that time, the group has worked diligently in amassing a reputable repertoire. Thom Hazeart, founder of Corporate Punishment Records, caught wind of Underwhelmed and was enlisted to produce some of the band’s new material. Mixed by Ben Schigel (Breaking Point, Allele), the resulting sessions captivated Hazeart so much that he and Underwhelmed began flirting with the idea of their joining the Corporate Punishment ranks to formally release an LP. With their label situation currently undecided, Underwhelmed decided to release the Hazeart sessions as an EP in 2007, entitled ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘.

The Good: Despite its title, ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ is no schizophrenic danger zone. Instead, Underwhelmed mow through seven songs of FM-ready rock with jaw-dropping professionalism. The band establish their motive with the sporty number “Leave It All Behind”, pulsating to thick grooves that deeply engage you from square one. Thanks to a sparkling chorus, an effervescent demeanor, and an incessant cavalcade of sweeping hooks, “Leave It All Behind” puts the EP in a fun and charismatic mood. Loser anthem lovers everywhere will melt for the bouncy quirks of “Freak (Like Me)”. By refusing to play the stereotypical “woe is me” card, “Freak (Like Me)” breaks the mold of your by the numbers wallflower waltz, a vibrant breath of fresh air. “Reveal” is as broad and roomy as a summer’s day; the combination of acoustic and electric guitars give the track a great deal of character, continuously charming you with each passing second. A boiling rock radio volcano on the brink of eruption, “Angel” envelops you with intoxicating hooks and blissful overtones, perching you on cloud 9. “Never Again” is an exploratory, detail-attentive spread whose tearful verses are suave by framing the already voluminous choruses and making their sound richer and more robust. The only track that rivals the cling of “Angel” is “Reachin”. Booming and full of life, “Reachin” boasts a chorus nearly as dangerous as the one from “Angel”, while rocking a guitar solo to provide added height and a rebellious streak. ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ concludes with its most organic and sincere cut “Throw It All Away”. This tastefully cathartic hard-ballad packs a raw, 90’s alt-rock vibe the previous six songs didn’t quite capture, serving as a testament to its versatility.

The Bad: Like most modern rock albums in the same vein, the colors of ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ run together, hurting each song’s individuality. Vocally, Chris Amplo is capable, yet he never challenges himself or his range. The aforementioned is the Achilles’ heel of Underwhelmed as a whole on this EP. Sure, they might have concocted some powerfully catchy tunes,. But without anything to really set the band apart from the pack, ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ might unjustly be looked past in favor of something more intrepid or with more bravado.

Bottomline: Underwhelmed have a real knack for churning out spirited and palpable rock with flavorful hooks which you can sink your teeth into. The band makes enough right moves on ‘The War Between Myself and Me‘ to buoy themselves amidst a quicksand of thousands of convoluted, formula-driven modern rock. But if the band were only just a little braver and a little more eclectic, then this EP has serious potential to go from Mercedes to Maybach.

Rating: 8 out of 10