Track Listing:

1. Lethal Killers
2. Rabble **
3. The Catalyst **
4. Tighter Noose **
5. Waiting to Panic **
6. Hunting (The Universe Breaks My Heart) **
7. Armed To The Teeth
8. Sooner Or Later **
9. Sailing Seas
10. Renegade
11. Maybe Then Someday
12. Goodbye Song **

**Clear Favorites

In any case, the music coming through my speakers from this album had a different-but-same feel as the first one. I’ve come to the conclusion that Tommy Walter has a personal beef with societies current bell-curve. I’m not here to say whether he is right or wrong but I will say that his music, and each song in themselves, contains strong emotion and focus on their message(s). In the end, the CD tends to have somewhat of a darker feel to it, and I’m sure it’s safe to say that none of the songs will really make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. In the end my favorite cut is “Goodbye Song” which is fantastic through its 6+ minutes of audible-deliciousnes, and makes finishes the album off on a strong, solid note.

The music comes through exceptionally layered, and gone are the 1950 public-service voices from the first album. A new (or at the very least more noticeable) usage if the cello is a welcome addition to the music, and used well. All the songs have powerful emotion that can be felt throughout the obvious care given to (almost) all of the songs, though some of them feel a little unfinished or at the very least unpolished. If I had to compare this album to its predecessor I would end up picking the former, though it’s a hard choice. There just seems to be more tracks on Humanistic that do it for me that Armed to the Teeth just doesn’t quite do.

It may be moody and it may be a little dark, but this is a solid album that you should listen to.

8/10

Track Listing:

1. The Great Escape **
2. Five Minutes to Midnight
3. Hero / Heroine **
4. On Top Of The World
5. Thunder **
6. Me, You And My Medication **
7. Up Against The Wall
8. Dance Hall Drug
9. Learning to Fall
10. Hells Over Head
11. Broken Man **
12. Holiday **

**Clear Favorites

The whole CD has a slightly surreal feel to it, but that’s probably because of the slight Emo (yes I’m aware that current Emo is not real Emo) feel and lyrics that are spread throughout the songs. I’m not saying that they’re depressing, but many of the tracks tend to put me into more of a reflective mood then say, a slap-happy moshing mood. What I noticed from the first song, and what permeates the entire track listing is a solid feel to it all. Every song seems very refined and well put together.

Another interesting tidbit I will point out is that each song seems to have a slightly different feel. I’m aware that I just stated how there is an overlaying Emo-esque to it all, but each song seems to go about it in a slightly different fashion. It’s refreshing because it allows for a very diverse album without jumping all over the board. The downside to it is that either you will like a lot of the songs, or get annoyed with them fairly quickly. I am the former, but I’m not going to make judgment calls for you.

I’m glad to have it a part of my library, and can honestly say that I’ll probably end up listening to this one for a long, long time. Overall, it’s totally worth owning.

8/10

1. The Remedy **
2. Mercy Kiss
3. Start Over **
4. Monster **
5. Blood
6. Suburban Muse
7. Sunny Day **
8. L.V.B.D.
9. Ruin Your Life **
10. Never **
11. Seed
12. Fluorescein **

**Clear Favorites

Just to clarify: Abandoned Pools is a project by Tommy Walter and though I am unaware of the bands history, I am sure there were at some point or another other band members. As of right now it is just him, making this effectively a one-man- fronted band.

Anyways back to the CD.

Humanistic is a rather dark-feeling album, despite the happy overtones some of the songs portray. Granted some just put it right out there such as Monster and Blood, whereas others are more subtle (Start Over and Never come to mind.) Many of the songs feature layers of instruments, giving it a grungy feel that could rake at peoples ears if they crank the volume too high, so be warned. I should also add that listening to this album tents to turn me into an overly reflective state, much like a “coming to terms with shit” sort of feel. It’s comforting in a way, which is probably what I love most about this album. It’s got a resolve to it that just strikes a chord or five in myself.

As I stated already, many of the tracks feature layers of instruments. This does mean there was probably a lot of post-production done to the album to get the sound where Tommy wanted it. Some people turn their noses at this practice, stating that they’ll be no good live. I can’t vouch for Abandoned Pools, having never seen them live (though I would if I could) but the sound of these songs is easily some of the best I’ve heard. They don’t seem over-done or really treated. It’s more like he put each layer on, one by one, and did each instrument over; hitting a symbol once during the whole song just to get that moment right. A lot of effort can be heard in these.

The only issue I have with the CD is the occasional use of the “announcer” voice. I don’t know its official name, but that voice that sounds like its from a 1960′s cold war video. I hate it in ANY song, not just the ones featured here. I will say that it takes away from what would otherwise be a truly solid album.

I’d suggest at least giving this album a listen, though I can say that it’s not going to be for everyone. It’s a little dark, and a little moody, but it’s a solid listen from start to finish. I’ve had this album at least 5 years and I’m still in love with it.

9/10