Eat cow guts. That is what twin brothers Nathan and Matthew Leone had to do in order to make their dreams come true. They somehow managed to digest the rancid food only to be left dangling from a helicopter.
As contestants on the popular game show “Fear Factor” they beat out other twins and won the grand prize of $50,000. It was all the money they needed to produce their demo.
Each song takes a piece from bands this band admires such as the band Muse in “House of Cards.”
Their band, Madina Lake, was quickly picked up by Roadrunner Records that has released the band’s debut album last month. From Them, Through Us, to You explores the trials and tribulations of relationships and the lingering guilt felt by love lost due to betrayal.
Their single, “House of Cards,” has been put on rotation on MTV and will most likely be a success with teenagers obsessed with pop punk. However, the record as a whole lacks originality.
The songs are appealing, but it is very difficult to listen to the chorus “I’m afraid to be alone, I’m afraid that one day you’ll find out.” The rest of the record follows this formula.
While each track contains a catchy hook, it is easy to identify the band with others. From A.F.I. to Taking Back Sunday, Madina Lake incorporates their sounds to create a hybrid song.
Stand out tracks include “Adalia,” which starts off with a fast tempo, but the chorus sharply slows down in order for lead singer Nathan Leone to sing the softer melody.
“Pandora” explores the personal turmoil involved with unfaithfulness. With lyrics such as, “The girl I love sits at home and I know that she’s lonely. But I’m watching you take off your clothes you’re the star of this moment,” Madina Lake gets into the mind of a cheater whose conscience could not stop him from cheating.
“One Last Kiss” is the follow-up to “Pandora,” which describes the end to the relationship and the process of moving on. The tracks catchy riffs and Leone’s vocals make the song radio friendly.
Tracks that should be avoided are “River People” and “Morning Sadness.”
“River People” is a much slower track and with lyrics like, “When you die you want the world to remember you for who you really are” and “Don’t fear the unknown, cause you’ll let them take control so let yourself go don’t you let ’em take you a hold,” are too cheesy.
“Morning Sadness” seemed to lack the catchiness that makes the record.
From Them, Through Us, to You is definitely likeable but is not flawless. This is a new band that is just developing and finding its sound.
As the band gains more experience a signature sound will hopefully emerge. Until then, enjoy Madina Lake’s first effort and some of the melodies will certainly get stuck in your head.
