The Exies: Accelerates

by Ryan Miller, Guest Contributor

Inertia is by definition the tendency of a body to resist acceleration; the tendency of a body in straight-line motion to stay in motion in a straight line unless acted on by an outside force. A perfect title for the major label debut album from The Exies, out of Los Angeles, astonishing 11 track LP. “Inertia” is a feast of audacious rhythm guitars supporting smart, insinuating hooks, and ear satisfying lyrics that can also smack you sideways.

The first track and first single, “My Goddess” is a great jump start to the variety of musical mix formulated in this album. “My Goddess” stands out with its raw intensity set against irresistible lyrics in which lead vocalist Scott Stevens manages to vocalize like Scott Weiland of STP yet produce a sound similar to The Vines.

Where Inertia really shines is on brilliantly constructed tracks such as “Creeper Kamikaze” and the album-closing “Genius.” “Creeper Kamikaze” simply stated – it’s a sure hit. The vocals are dripping with emotion and the acoustic arrangements give the song an incredible depth as the verses build up to the climax. “Genius” which is just that, and whose gentle acoustic guitar beginnings build into lushly orchestrated pop epics that are engaging.

The only real disappointment with this album is the run time, a mere 37 minutes. After the album was finished I was thirsty for more, but that only makes for more anticipation from The Exies.

This album’s variety of similar sounds from bands such as Nirvana, Everclear, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, the Vines, Red Hot Chili Peppers and even a touch of Linkin Park has something to offer every rock enthusiast.

This is only February and I already have a contender for best album of the year. Rolling Stone and MTV have been touting the quartet as the next big thing and typically I would be weary of that backing but this is one of those rare cases where the forecast was accurate. Intertia has all of the makings of a great album.