Tantric
The End Begins

THE REVIEW

Part of the myriad bands of the so-called "post-grunge" wave, Tantric enjoy significant success in the United States (especially with their first self-titled album from 2001 which sold over a million copies) but are virtually unknown around here. And that’s a pity, because their offering is not bad at all and in this album more than ever it is homogeneous and appealing. "The End Begins" was released in 2007, it is the band’s least sold album but in my opinion also the best. Everything in this platter is in the right place, the technical skills marry perfectly with the warm voice of Hugo Ferreira, but what makes the difference is the presence of an electric violin which gives the work great originality.

The opening is entrusted to "Regret", a fine track with a meticulously crafted rhythm section enriched by a good solo in the finale; "Down And Out" is opened by a violin riff that alternates with the guitar riff creating a truly captivating groove; a few notes of piano then introduce "The One" which features the participation of Kevin Martin from Candlebox, a sunny song but never as much as the following "Love Song" which carries one of those choruses that get stuck in your head and never leave. Next come "Wishling" and "Something Better", two well-crafted modern ballads accompanied by the indispensable violin. After the too much "nickelbackian" "Lucky One", introduced by a nice bass line, the title track arrives that thanks to excellent violin lines creates a vaguely melancholic atmosphere; the three concluding pieces, "Monopoly", "Why Don’t You", and "Lay", neither overshadow nor exalt what has already been well heard, maintaining the band’s work to good standards.

If you are looking for something catchy but at the same time unique and modern, get this "The End Begins", an album that manages to stand out in the crowded American mainstream.