Artist: The Airborne Toxic Event

Album: All At Once (second full-length album)

Release Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Genre: Alternative, rock

The Airborne Toxic Event finally released a second album after years of anticipation from fans such as myself (their first album, self-titled, was released in 2008). As an avid supporter (see: lover, admirer, devotee, enthusiast, disciple, zealot—so many good synonyms thanks to my trusty thesaurus!) of ATE, it pains me to report that this album falls short for me. Despite a solid 3 year gap between releases, the album somehow seems a little rushed. On a good note, the band sticks to their original sound—alt-rock made lovely by various string instruments coupled with front man Mikel Jollett’s voice always adding a gritty drop of honey—with the only detectable change being a subtle and enjoyable use synthetic sounds in a few of the tracks.

Keep in mind, the first album was pretty unbelievable. Tracks such as “Sometime Around Midnight”, “Something New”, and “Innocence” made for a fast-paced uniquely orchestral experience dripping with sorrow and raw honesty (“Something New” has 87 plays on my iTunes…yeah…). All At Once lacks this believability and, if anything, seems like a tired continuation of the first.

There are still some standout tracks: the single “Changing” has a great hook, “Welcome to Your Wedding Day” is a fun and exciting electronic take on ATE’s signature sound, and “The Graveyard Near the House” is a sweet and affectionate little closing. It’s still a very listenable album, just not particularly as heart-wrenching as their debut (they set the bar pretty high with that one). Put it this way—the album is good, just not memorable. I’m sure as I keep listening to it I will love it more with each dissected nuance, but for now, it doesn’t strike me as amazing.

My advice? For first time Airborne Toxic Event listeners, skip this album and get the first one. Fall in love with that, and then come to this when you need a further ATE fix (believe me, it happens). As for experienced listeners, pick this one up for sure, just don’t have high expectations for getting your heart torn open and your world rocked.

Regardless, I am super excited to see them at the Music Box this Thursday; I’ve seen them once before, and Jollett has an electric but earnestly approachable presence, while violist Anna Bullbrook oozes cool. For more info on this show, check out my concert pick of the week. And if you can’t make this one, check out their tour schedule here, or catch their next show (after their LA shows) in Frisco, TX on April 30th at Pizza Hut Park. Get tickets here.