Review: Candlebox Into the Sun

Candlebox was kind of bunch of grunge imposters in the early '90s. They didn't move to Seattle until well after grunge was becoming "the thing" and they were really more of a hair metal band at heart. That said, their first album sure was good.

I didn't even know they were still together, but I recently ran into their new album. I wrote up this little review for this week's issue of IN.

Candlebox
Into the Sun

You know what's been missing from 2008? Nineties rock. Luckily Candlebox, ever the opportunists, have reunited to fill the void. Eight years after their disbandment, the second-wave grungers are back with their forth studio album.

"Into the Sun" begins with the same reverb-y riffs that made the band popular in 1993. Unfortunately, the hooky choruses that helped the band stand out are noticeably absent. Singer Kevin Martin's arena-sized voice works best on the album's closing three tracks. The bluesy ballad "Breathe Me In" builds slowly before kicking into high gear and allowing Martin's vocals to soar, "Lover – Come Back to Me" is enjoyable despite its cheesy lyrics, and "Consider Us" is a heartfelt ending to the record.

Though this is no return to form, it should be enough to tide you over until you dig out your old Soundgarden CDs.

For fans of: Bush, Fuel
Rating: 2.5 of 4