TODAY'S REPORT

This is Swedish band A.C.T.'s debut released in 1999. I must say this band has never really clicked with me for some reason.They're fairly commercial sounding and i'm not a fan of the vocals at all. Sure they're fun, energetic and make positive music, i'm just not into their style at all.

"Abandoned World" opens with pounding drums then the synths lead the way as the tempo picks up. Catchy stuff. Vocals arrive before a minute. Not a fan of the backing vocals later on.The heaviness before 3 minutes is good though. "The Wandering" reminds me of RUSH briefly when it opens then it changes as synths, drums and guitar lead. Great sound here regardless. Vocals before a minute as it settles. Contrasts continue. "Grandpa Phone Home" has an almost reggae rhythm to it with the focus on the lyrics, backing vocals too. Not a fan at all. "Waltz With Mother Nature" opens with crazy synths then settles quickly as vocals arrive. The tempo changes often on this one. "Why Bother" opens with drums, guitar and synths. Vocals arrive quickly as it settles. Again contrasts between uptempo and mid tempo continue. I like the guitar 3 1/2 minutes in. "Today's Report" opens quietly for a change as sounds build. Sampled spoken words join in talking about HIV. It kicks in then settles as these news clips continue to come and go talking about different subjects. It's kind of cool actually. "Welcome" hits the ground running. It settles before a minute and vocals follow. Not a fan of the sound here. "Cat Eyes" opens with deep bass lines as vocals and snapping fingers join in. A silly song really that sounds like QUEEN. "The Chase" doesn't do anthing for me although instrumentally it has it's moments. "Personalities (The Long One)" is divided into 7 sections. "Foreplay" is a short silly vocal piece. "Piece Of Meat" is better. An uptempo tune with vocals. "Tinnitus" is the best track on this album for me. I really like the instrumental work here and there's no vocals to be found. "Lord Of Lies" has some heavy outbursts as synths play over top. It lightens a lot when the vocals arrive though. "Emelie (Ms Amnesia)" is a light hearted tune. "Insomniac" reminds me of QUEEN again. "Concluding Speech" is a short piece with vocals, piano and synths.

Worth 3 stars but I have trouble appreciating it.