A.C.T - SILENCE - 2006

Mine's saying 'see the best in every situation!' In that case, it could be a good attitude to approach this album...because it's not as toppy as I wish. I wouldn't say ACT missed the point, because the core of ACT is intact (phew!).

What went different on this album is that the songs are much more mellow than the other albums. ACT is drawing away of what we call 'muscle prog' without being a sissy band per se. What was cool with ACT was the amount of butt kicking melted with the symphonic and the popish sides of music. Now, the pop is taking over the muscle and the Acting orchestra is taking a lot more space. Some will be happy with the results, saying that the album is less irritating and more easy to get into. True. Some people with not a real taste for complicated material will find this album fun and a good initiation to the 'concept album' shennanigans we are used to.

Honestly, I'm a TAD disapointed because after Imaginary friends and Last Epic, the world is still opening to ACT but I was expecting a bit more muscle and a much bombastic sound. But hey, just having the record is nice because 2006 sucked bad.

Don't get me wrong, in my opinion, what is an 'okay job' for ACT is still a 'huge effort' for most of today's bands. The humor in the lyrics, the vocals, the guitars and the keyboards (ouh la la) are still on top on many people's list, so don't be afraid to give a listen but don't make it your introduction to ACT first!

Hey, this record is such a good meddle between indie and commercial music that it reached number 4 on the charts in Sweden! Now that's great marketing results!!!
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