The RFW's Review of the Amalgamut

[RichFactWebmistress]

This is my review of the Amalgamut. It is what I discovered as I went through the review process. Discuss but don't flame.


An Amalgamutation of Humanity and Diversity
A Review of The Amalgamut by Filter

The Amalgamut and America’s landscape reflect diversity. Its sound-scape varies between hard and soft, yet one thing ties the album together: the need for change, growth and the appreciation for diversity. When one first listens to this diversity it can appear jumbled, thrown together without care and can seem to pull into too many directions. Yet, if one digs beyond the surface they have scratched, there lies the cohesiveness that holds it together, painting the picture that is America: a melting pot of different ideas, sounds, and concepts. The Amalgamut does not fit a concept album style or tell the story of a singer's personal life, but rather speaks of what it is to be an American; something that can be confusing. Not only does it address this confusion, it addresses the confusion that comes from being a human being. This is where the heart of The Amalgamut lays beating inside the music; humanity is its heart and if one takes the time to listen, they will hear it beat throughout the entire record. Alongside this is the diversity of humanity.

“You Walk Away” assaults the listener with sound, reminding them that the music is hard and honest. The title of the track suggests abandonment and anger, yet the line, “Yeah I just want a life of my own” express a need to move beyond these feelings. “I got greed, it's got me / I got freeze, it's on me / I can't breathe, I can't see / I just bleed, I just be” begins the song with confusion, fear, anger and acceptance; setting themes for the rest of the album in one simple stanza. Loud guitar and drums, filled with a burst of sound, surround the lyrics. Until the title of the track is sung, the lyrics are delivered rapidly. This rises above the background instruments, almost in a lament amongst such abrasiveness. This softer portion provides a breather before closing the song with singing the title and an explosion of drums and guitar.

The value of diversity and the individual provides the central theme in “American Cliché.” Rather than being “clichéd” or following everyone else, it stresses that we should be more individualistic and original. Diversity is essential and necessary and that means to avoid becoming an “American Cliché.” “American Cliché” uses an analogy of a school bus setting, which can have arguments and hierarchies, correlating to a class/caste system. “Last seat on the bus / Don't make such a fuss” allows the listener to envision a scuffle upon the bus setting between the privileged and underprivileged, portraying what is often a cliché in American school busing and schoolyards. Although it is clichéd, more often than not, it does truly happen and often does metaphorically in the adult world as well.

By stating, “Every time you make yourself the reason / Is every time you make yourself beaten” or “Every time you make your friend the reason / Is every time you make your friend beaten” cause us to think of the power positions each person on the bus holds. “You want a way to be the same” speaks of our needs to socially conform, rather than be proud of our diversity and individuality we all possess. We, without noticing, start to become clichés ourselves to “fit in.” “American Cliché” brings up several clichéd statements, giving us that mirror to hold up to ourselves.

Its rough edges and steady drumming hold the song together, taking the listener on a “bus ride” by its musical bumpiness in the background. The opening rapid strumming of the high note throughout the song sets the mood as rushing. It creates tension, taking the listener on to the next bump in the roller coaster that is The Amalgamut.

Confusion marks “Where Do We Go From Here” from its title to its chorus, asking the listener to take a step back and think about where not only they are going, but where all of America and humanity is headed. Written about the mood after September 11th, confusion is quite natural and “Where Do We Go From Here” explores this. The opening lyric, “These half-truths you are telling me / Won't bring me to my knees” demonstrates that even though it was a blow that was taken, it was not strong enough to topple. It speaks to everyone, as we all have asked ourselves this question after September 11th and other crises in our lives. “Where Do We Go From Here / you know I'm not the only one” conveys that message clearly and concisely.

Along with confusion and anxiety about where we are going as a nation and species is the question of self-control. “The combination of lost control / The loss of soul, I wheeze,” allows us to see that not only confusion as an issue, but self-control and the loss of it. Rather than demanding revenge, the voice of peace is included in the lyrics of the song. “Stop dreaming about that shiny gun” makes us take a step back and realize that violence is not the solution to the problem: violence is the problem. The vocals display maturity and strength, meshing easily with the guitar and drum work. The higher notes of the chorus float over the top of the guitars, providing a clash of sounds fitting snuggly together.


contd. . .

RFW

[RichFactWebmistress]

“Columind” raises the issues of the Columbine incident. Combining the shooter’s perspective and an observer’s perspective together gives new insight into the tragedy. Distortion musically and vocally sets the tone of the song, creating an atmosphere of confusion and anger as if in the minds of Klebold and Harris themselves, although less distortion could have allowed the lyrics a forefront. The chorus reflects what observers thought afterwards: Shame. The verse “Oh Christ, look at them bleed / Oh, what makes this sick disease? / Oh God, they're on their hands and knees / Oh, look at me I'm about to be free” gives insight into the shooter's mind and what it may have looked like to see those they were shooting. Followed by the chorus, it takes us back to the shock and shame observers felt. “Shame, you got everything / you want everything / Shame you need everything / you kill everything” communicates what many in the tragedy itself felt and those outside. By using an overbearing guitar and distorted voice, the song conveys all of those emotions that many may have felt shortly after the Columbine incident.

“The Missing,” written on the day of September 11th, 2001, can be applied to more than just that particular tragedy. It encompasses all of humanity's self-destructive nature. The song tells the story of an absence of faith in God and how humanity can be “cruel” without a reason that can be understood. Not being preachy towards the listener, it simply nudges stating how one terrible act by humans can affect everyone. Such lyrics as “Everybody feels the hit” remind the listener that actions such as those on September 11th and other such tragedies don't just affect a small part of the world but the entire world. The song begins with biblical references such as “He says turn the other cheek / but I think that's kinda weak / I just wanna beat up, beat up the meek” illustrating an absence of faith in God, and, on another level: humanity. Fitting in with the themes of the album, it analyzes Americans and more to the point the world population and what we do to each other in day-to-day life. The first two opening lines speak of the confusion most felt in America after September 11th, but can also be applied to any disaster. “Hey God told us we made a very big sin / you don’t know where to begin” provides us with a feeling of fear and confusion that all of humanity have felt at one time or another. This gives us an insight into not only ourselves but also humanity. The chorus reminds us that we are capable of being cruel. By stating, “You love to be cruel,” not only is this accusation towards those who made the September 11th attacks, but also it is against every one of us when we have been cruel to another human being.

“The Only Way Is the Wrong Way” expresses the belief that perhaps one should go their own way, do their own thing regardless of what society thinks, thus creating more diversity. It speaks of becoming stronger despite all the things against someone railing against society and its expectations. Although, some fans may not take to it immediately due to its pop-like qualities, the song has the chance to make a statement unlike any other track. Almost a softer message of “American Cliché,” it reiterates the need for change, diversity and people to be their own persons rather than simply going with the flow. “Every time they try to make me change / they just wear me down with more chains” speaks of the difficulties one will encounter when going against the grain. Yet, in the end, no matter how difficult, drive to continue exists and it is to keep individualism alive. “Did you think that I would last this long?” asks society if it ever believed anything that could be strong enough to go against its belief system or values. Obviously, if the question is asked, the answer is inside of the question: Yes. This is part of the individuality and diversity that one can find amongst not only America but also humanity. By ending the song with “You always push me down” makes it clear that although they have come this far, the path is still difficult. There may still be more obstacles in the way, yet it defies the fact that there will be any. It is a challenge to society to see if it can perhaps push hard enough to destroy opposition. In any case, perhaps the song's title is right. “The Only Way Is the Wrong Way.”<br>
“This is call is from an inmate at Cook County Jail. Be aware of any unlawful solicitations. This call is from a correctional facility” opens “My Long Walk to Jail.” Following is an assault by guitar. A song about the fear of being jailed, it reflects the themes of humanity. With that fear of being jailed, there is also a fear of never being released. “So, what makes you think I'm coming back” expresses this, abrasively challenging the system the song speaks about. “There's a little fear I'm showing / I'm not so tough anymore / I feel this sickness and it's growing / I'm not so proud anymore” follows right after the pride and strength of “The Only Way is the Wrong Way.” It leads into “So I Quit,” setting the stage for anger in its most primal form. Stating, “Yeah, I'm going to hell” it becomes obvious that fear and anger are beginning to mix.

“So I Quit,” a song about primal rage, is sometimes viewed as weak for the line “Try to take something / from me, motherfucker? / You're going to fucking die / you piece of shit!” Yet, it may be the song's greatest strength. It expresses anger in primal and human ways. By reacting in a way with rage and anger, it may appear childish on the surface, but really is the root of anger in its pure form. Musically sound, especially in the rhythm section, the bass and rhythm guitars add to the adrenaline rush of anger that it provokes. The lyrics flow along with the rushing current of the music, causing the listener to feel their own heart rate rise. More about humanity than diversity, it ties into the album snuggly, although a bit more abrasively than some may like.

“God Damn Me,” a lamenting ballad, tells of great personal change while everything seems to stand still around the singer. While the singer feels free and has grown lines such as “There isn't enough sky to fly in / There isn't enough fog to see through, not through to me” speak of limits, as everything remains the same while he, the singer, changes. By declaring “God Damn Me,” it appears as if he believes these changes in him are wrong and is asking for some type of answer to why it is so.

“Nothing changes / Nothing rearranged / Nothing changes / Nothing but me” articulates how static society and the world has become around him, while he has grown beyond, into a dynamic area of his life. He feels there is nothing to gain from what he has grown into, simply because if the rest of the world and society is unwilling to grow along, there will not be enough gain for all of the suffering he has had to endure. So, rather than accepting that society frowns on such drastic change, the response of “God Damn Me” begs for understanding as to why the rest of society chooses to remain static. It could be paired with “You Walk Away” in the sense that as soon as someone does change from a previous manner acceptable to society, abandonment occurs.

contd. . . .

RFW

[RichFactWebmistress]

Religious, or rather, anti-religious overtones pepper the song, with phrases such as “There isn't enough salt lake to lie in” as well as the obvious title and chorus, may turn people away from the song, although it is more about being a lone voice in the forest than a lament against God. In many ways, it is the opposite of “The Only Way is the Wrong Way,” as the singer laments the limits placed upon him and others, while wishing that he were not so different. It is not mocking or taunting, but rather remorseful that society must remain stoic and keep change from happening.

“It Can Never Be the Same,” reflects similar confusion that “Where Do We Go From Here” first purposed. Reflecting similar themes found through out the album, we see things have changed and in its wake comes confusion. Questions are asked within the chorus: “It can never be the same / I don't know why.” Truth can be what throws someone into disarray: The truth can break, bruise and / lose in you. A revealing truth can create confusion, but if allowed, it can also be the thing lost us amongst our new fears. “This flu is the thing that makes and / breaks what's you” demonstrates that rather than accepting fear and change, a lie will take its place, therefore making things never the same.

Musically, the rushing guitar and fast drumbeats bring out the themes cleanly. The lyrics, delivered in a much slower manner, exhibit a contradictory statement to the instruments surrounding. This makes the track appealing and intriguing in ways that other tracks on the album may not. It requires more thought and effort to understand, yet is simplistic in meaning all at once. Different from the other full band contribution song, “So I Quit,” it is a more intellectual piece, expressing similar themes of anger and confusion without being blatant. Fade out, as the title repeats leads directly into the themes of peace and acceptance of “World Today.”<br>
“World Today” and “The 4th” go hand in hand together. Although many fans and critics may disagree with their appearance, it demonstrates growth, innovation and creativity to put such different songs and music onto the album. “World Today” has simple lyrics such as “I like the world today / but sometimes it can be as mean as it can be.” Many think due to a bit of repetitiveness that “World Today” is unnecessary and what is termed as filler; however, if one truly listens to the message of the song, it is about being a realist while being able to enjoy life or the “world.”

Meanwhile, “The 4th” takes the listener on a sound scape journey, not only demonstrating growth and experimentation on Filter's part, but also that acceptance is necessary. “The 4th” may fool several listeners at first by the strange mutterings in the background, but it is really only “World Today” played backwards, with the sound scape surrounding the backward lyrics. Labeled indulgent by many, the strange uniqueness adds a new flavor to Filter's repertoire of music. It brings emotions out with beautiful sounds and atmosphere painting them across listeners’ ears. Although it takes the listener aback at first, one must remove oneself and rather approach it as if they were the musicians. It is rather about growth of a person and accepting that change as well as to experiment with music. By removing oneself as the listener, they can learn to appreciate what the musician is trying to accomplish.

As the final notes of The Amalgamut fade into silence, it leaves one to ponder what it means to them and their own lives; yet, the themes of human emotion, diversity and humanity are at the core. It is a roller coaster of emotions and ideas, strewn together by the belief that diversity and humanity is essential for our species to continue forward. As the landscape of our world and America has changed, so have the listener’s thoughts, if they choose to be changed. One can walk away from it with a newer understanding of what it is to live in today's world, as well as to enjoy the songs for what they are. Musically well done, it is easy to listen to and understand on the surface and reveals itself in ways unexpectedly when one digs deeper. In the end, no one could ask for more from a record.

RFW

[unwillingsong]

That is the MOST thorough review I have ever read. Some great thoughts and insights. If I have the energy later, I'll be more specific. RFW ROCKS!!!!!!!

[Imbue]

...AMAZING!... I wrote a review for the official silverchair web page once on a gig I went to and that shits on it!... Congrats...

LJC

P.S For any Silverchair peeps who wanna read my bodgy review it's at www.chairpage.com/tour/roadreports/2003/april17.htm
...Enjoy!

[Lexie Chica]

Thanks for posting the full review, RFW!

I don't think I'd seen it all together before. Now I'll take some time to digest it --

Lexie

[SANdoZ]

ive gone straight to the world today and the 4th to have a listen after reading that. 2 tracks i probably never listened to close enough
thanks heaps!

now i'll go read it all agin

[RichFactWebmistress]

Thanks guys. I wasn't sure about posting this thing. I should really start on my review of Short Bus.

RFW

[SANdoZ]

do you have a similar one on title of record already ?

i didnt know the fact about the 4th, so just ripped the audio and played it reverse in soundforge. im sure the hardcore among you already know, but for theose who dont its rich saying
"what hell of a price ,hell of a price, what a hell of a price" over and over

thanks RFW!!!!!

[RichFactWebmistress]

Nope. Not yet. I reviewed a couple of NIN albums, though. Short Bus will be my second Filter album review.

RFW

[DissMe]

Your review is the best I have read by far. You knew your subject matter. The time you took and your reserch really is apparent in your writing. But the way you expressed you thoughts shows a true gift. I look forward to your next review!

[touchedbyamangina]

wherre do we go from here was about 911?

are you sure about that?

[touchedbyamangina]

RIGHT!

I forgot to run my thoughts past the KGB before I posted. What the hell was I thinking!

[RichFactWebmistress]

It is a review as defined by the academic settings in the academic world. A review by definition is NOT a simple half page of "this song sounds like this song and this song sounds like this song and it was all either bad or all good." It is a type of critical analysis that takes more effort and energy to write and produce with the product, be it music, art or literature than the usual print reviews found in magazines and newspapers.

As for "So I Quit", here is the paragraph again:

“So I Quit,” a song about primal rage, is sometimes viewed as weak for the line “Try to take something / from me, motherfucker? / You're going to fucking die / you piece of shit!” Yet, it may be the song's greatest strength. It expresses anger in primal and human ways. By reacting in a way with rage and anger, it may appear childish on the surface, but really is the root of anger in its pure form. Musically sound, especially in the rhythm section, the bass and rhythm guitars add to the adrenaline rush of anger that it provokes. The lyrics flow along with the rushing current of the music, causing the listener to feel their own heart rate rise. More about humanity than diversity, it ties into the album snuggly, although a bit more abrasively than some may like.

Tell me, where is 9/11 mentioned in THIS paragraph? The only songs I do mention it in are the ones that are tied to it, such as The Missing. I don't mean to sound "catty" as you called it, I'm just pointing out that the tie into the thesis has nothing to do with 9/11 for this paragraph.

And here is my thesis from which all songs must be tied to: The Amalgamut does not fit a concept album style or tell the story of a singer's personal life, but rather speaks of what it is to be an American; something that can be confusing. Not only does it address this confusion, it addresses the confusion that comes from being a human being.

While it is not the standard ONE statement sentence, it is the set up for the rest of the entire critical review/analysis that follows.

I hope that helps you with your interpretation for what has been written and posted here. It is not easy to write a review such as this because it is hard not to draw off of the other works and music in either the artists library or to draw on the music outside of the artist. It takes me about two solid weeks of listening to the album of review choice non stop while taking notes of what I know from press and from the music itself, taking my thesis and finding what fits and then writing. THEN I take the notes, write the rough draft, polish and edit about 10-15 times. This is what the press does not have the time for because they either cannot or will not.

RFW

[B13]

touchedbyamangel said:

Your review wasn't really a review, but one hell of an interp.

Please don't take that in a catty way. Im sure you will though.

Point #1. A review is precisely the reviewer's interpretation of the item being reviewed. The only person who knows exactly what the item in question refers to is the person who wrote it.

Point #2. I've known RFW a while now, and your last comment really made me see red. You may not have noticed, but here at the FDG we tend to support each other and - most importnatly - RESPECT each other's opinions. You hurling insults at RFW is so out of order!