This is album number two on Aaron's solo venture and his second attempt at being a frontman is much more accomplished than the first. The debut album was chatchy and fun but what somewhat lacking in the song quality front to be a real keeper. This time around, the songs are much better in composition and as such they have a greater lasting effect.
Part of this improvement is due to the recruitment of a full band line-up. This brings a fresh ear into the song writing process and enables refinement of Aaron's ideas, which was something that was lacking from the last attempt. Bringing in ex-Beloved and Dead Poetic guitarist Randy into the mix has given a sense of maturity and experience to the band's sound which was so badly needed.
'Monster Monster' is a solid pop rock album, with big choruses a plenty, various mood changes and a consistent sound to hang it all together. Aaron's excellent vocal delivery, which we are all fully appreciative of from the Underoath days, is present and correct and it's almost worth getting this album just to hear a full 35 minutes of that voice.
I'm intrugued about the future of this band now that Aaron has stepped down from Underoath to concentrate his full attention on it. Couple that with the acquisition of ex-Beloved drummer Joe, and it seems as though the future could be bright for The Almost.
If the improvement between albums stays on the same trajectory as this one, we may be in for a treat when album number three comes around.
