Cadet's self-titled debut record hit shelves in 2001, showcasing their surfer pop/punk sound fronted by Ryan Smith's youthful vocals. They also contributed to BEC's Any Given Day worship series with Earth To Heaven, recording an entire album of worship songs. So by the time they release their sophomore record in late Summer 2002, Cadet has already had two projects under their belt.
In the past year, Cadet claims their musical interests have affected their new sound. "The album is definitely more rock than the last one was," says Smith in a recent band bio. "We've been listening to bands like Coldplay, Travis, U2, and a lot of Brit Rock which have all influenced our sound." It's evident from the opening track, "Nobody," that the band has grown in leaps and bounds. The driving guitar and edge of "Nobody" is a pleasure for the ears of a rock fan to behold. Smith stretches his vocal capacity and sings with more authority than before. "Blame" is more reminiscent of the band's earlier work featuring a catchy pop/rock chorus. "Change My Name" has a beautifully moody feel and a tasty guitar riff while the upbeat and honest "Call Me" has a Green Day presence. "Today" is a rock ballad that ponders that thought that, to God, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day, and that each day is so important.
"Stuck in a Song" has a Weezer vibe while "Come Alive" is a pretty, thoughtful ballad reminiscent of Eager with more excellence. "Wishing Well" slows things down even more, driven by a piano, before picking up a bit with a tinge of jazz to easily serve as an album highlight. Tucked away past the end of "Well," a techno/dance rendition of "High Tide" resides, a humorous way to close out a well-rounded recording.
Cadet has made impressive progress in the past year, with The Observatory marking a smart step in the right direction in the evolution of this young band.
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Solid Effort From This Band| Posted September 27, 2007
While their self titled debut introduced the world to Ryan Smith and Cadet's brand of surf-influenced pop rock, The Observatory displays a surprising amount of growth in both songwriting and lyrics. The album on a whole is an above average bow to the pop/rock sound made popular by bands like Coldplay, Supertones and Nickleback, but the first track, "Nobody," was by far one of the best songs of the year. The drive and emotion displayed both vocally and musically has not been matched for a long time, especially in the Christian music world. Unfortuatly, it leaves something to be desired from the other 11 tracks. True, most of the chorus are catchy, they move away from the more agressive sound of "Nobody" to a calmer, melodic rock tone on songs like "Change My Name," "Call Me" and "Cry To you." Lyrically, the album speaks to standing up for friendships, holding eachother accountable and standing firm in our faith.
Love this!| Posted July 16, 2007
I saw this group in concert several years ago. When I heard them play I'm a Believer I was sold. This is a great freshman album.
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