Stabbing Westward

Stabbing Westward's second album finds them discarding the lo-fi aggro-synth assault of their first album for a more mainstream "guitar-driven sound." While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, you have to wonder why they would do such a thing. Some would argue that Stabbing Westward are copying Nine Inch Nails, but upon closer inspection you will probably find they owe more to the British synth poppers Depeche Mode than anyone. This is especially true on the "emotional" synth-bass of "What Do I Have to Do?" and the alien landscape sounds of "Sleep." But the question is, are they a good band? The answer is both yes and no. They are held back because they let themselves succumb to many musical clichés and formulas. Seriously though, its an OK album as long as you're not expecting too much from it. ~ Alan Esher, All Music Guide