Track Listing:

1. Regret
2. Down & Out
3. The One
4. Love Song
5. Wishing
6. Something Better
7. Lucky One
8. The End Begins
9. Monopoly
10. Why Don't You
11. Lay

Album Review:

I read the following question the other day; "remember Tantric?" I suppose it's understandable to think that way when considering the four year span between their last album and The End Begins. A lot's happened during that time, including issues with their label and band members leaving to pursue other interests. But now, Hugo Ferreira, Tantric's only remaining original member, has assembled a new group of players to record what may be deemed the band's strongest release to date.

The music is not same as the Tantric of old. The sound is heavier than previous efforts and the addition of violinist Marcus Ratzenboeck gives the band's hard-rock sound an affecting twist. Ferreira's familiar tone provides the common thread between all of Tantric's recordings

Ferreira's occasional deadpan style of singing and some spotty guitar production on this album can be somewhat deterring. Ratzenboeck outstanding playing also gets buried in the mix occasionally. Despite these minor shortcomings, this is a solid, and overall a very well-produced album.

Admittedly after several spins The End Begins has started to grow on me. I found this to be a stronger and more focused album than their previous efforts. A lot of that is probably due to Hugo Ferreira's growth as a singer and song writer, and the experience of the band he has picked to support him.  

Type 3 Rating:

 
| 04.07.2008 | Review by J. Pierson |