CD Review: ASHES dIVIDE's "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright"

ASHES dIVIDE's debut album

By: Dale Johnson

Posted: 3/3/08

The saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, don't judge a band by its name. ASHES dIVIDE's name may lead you to believe it's the millionth screamo band you have heard this month, but it's actually something far more unique than that.

The brainchild of A Perfect Circle founder Billy Howerdel, ASHES dIVIDE is much more alternative rock than it is Hawthorne Heights. On its debut album, "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright," the band combines alt rock with a bit of the electronic elements and melodic moments of 30 Seconds To Mars to create a clear and concise sound.

Unlike A Perfect Circle, Howerdel is the primary song writer for ASHES dIVIDE and lead vocalist. He also played virtually every other instrument on the album.

ASHES dIVIDE expands on the sound that was created by Howerdel's unorthodox guitar playing in A Perfect Circle, and new depth is given to the music with the addition of electronic sounds and keyboard.

Howerdel's vocal style is soothing and strong, yet can be aggressive at times, fitting perfectly by the dark and moody songs on the band's debut.

Songs like "Forever Can Be" and "Ritual" build on a slow foundation of intricate guitar lines and powerful lyrics, reminiscent of the soaring sound of fellow alt rockers the Smashing Pumpkins.

The album's first single "The Stone," as well as the opening track "Stripped Away," have a similar sound to the songs Howerdel made with A Perfect Circle with the introduction of piano lines accompanying his powerful melodies.

With Howerdel taking center stage, he is able to step out of the shadow that was created by James Maynard Keenan, who fronted A Perfect Circle, and flex his creative muscles in a powerful alt rock band that is unique enough to set them aside from the rest.