Sunny Day Real Estate

The Rising Tide (Time Bomb)

Heralded by many in the early '90s as the underground heroes of the punk-melodic metal scene, Sunny Day Real Estate has endured a long and torturous history, complete with a bitter break-up in 1995, the subsequent departure of two band members for the Foo Fighters and the conversion of current frontman, Jeremy Enigk to Christianity. The band's 1998 reunion saw the return of William Goldsmith, whose bombastic drum playing rounds out Enigk's rugged vocals and Dan Hoerner's pulsating guitar work.

Sunny Day Real Estate's newest release, The Rising Tide, is more mainstream than previous works, but avoids the feel of a sellout album. The instrumental work is impressive, especially the wailing guitars of "Killed by an Angel" and "One," but it is Enigk's pleasantly haunting voice that sets The Rising Tide apart from other alternative releases. At times screeching and whiny and at others plaintive and hollow, Enigk's mesmerizing sound captures an impressive range of emotions. "Rain Song" stands out as a work of simple beauty that will appeal even to those not enamored with the band's power-trio sound, while "Faces in Disguise" demonstrates the band's ability to tone things down without losing the intensity and power that characterize their sound.

Rising Tide showcases the band's skill at melding hypnotic rhythms with off-kilter guitar riffs and tender, searching melodies. The magic of the album is in some sense hidden upon first exposure, but like Enigk's unique voice, the album becomes more appealing with each listen, giving it the satisfying feel of an acquired taste. B+