The Exies Album: “Head For the Door [Edited]”

The Good

"Slow Drain" starts things off with a fuzzy up and down riff and baseline. Stevens delivers a catchy and melodic chorus, while Walsh lays down a great wah-wah solo. The riff on "Splinter" is just as piercing and the songs theme of how someone can get under your skin. Stevens emotes a lot of anger vocally, but at the same time seems pleased with the pain he sings about. The albums first single "Ugly" has both clean guitar strums and driving distorted riffs clamoring for your attention. "Hey You" gives Dennis Wolfe his moment to shine on the drum heavy introduction. The subtle guitar work in the verse section eventually builds to thick riffing and powerful vocal release.

The lyrics of "Baptize Me" are full of those thought-provoking philosophical things that artist like to throw out there every once in a while. If you're not into deciphering the meaning of your music, it's a catchy rocker just the same. "F.S.O.S." (Fake Sense of Security) is loaded with meaty riffs and biting guitar licks. The only ballad on the album is the ironic "Tired of You". You may think it's about breaking-up, but you'll soon find it's the opposite.

The Bad

Whose idea was it to print the lyrics in a wave pattern on the CD sleeve?

The Verdict

You won't be heading for the door when you hear The Exies latest, you'll want to soak it all in. The group help breathe new life into the rock genre with unforgettable songs and addictive rock melodies.

The Exies are awesome!! this cd is sick. if you watch the show The Mountain, you know they appeared on one episode and performed the song Ugly, which is my favorite song on this cd, its just frickin awesome. I had never heard of the Exies until i saw them on The Mountain and i bought the cd today cause it just came out now and i love it. The band has a lot of energy and they seem really amped and stoked all the time, which is a good thing. if you havent heard of them download Ugly and if you have heard even just one song you like from this album...go buy it now...it rocks!! ~hilarie*

I saw the Exies open for the Crue in Toronto in August. Although I dont think the album does them justice, they rock live, the album still kicks my a**. Well worth a listen. If your here because you heard ugly, beleive me the rest of the album is just as good or better.

When I first bought the record "head for the door" I thought it was okay; but when you sat down and actually listned to the songs and the lyrics they rock like nobodys buisness. I went to their concert at Charlotte during the month of Febuary 2005 and before they played on stage I had them sign my album because they were just chillin off stage signing and selling stuff. It was sweet. This album rocks till your ears pop. I recomend this album "for those about to rock."

I actually saw these guys live, in a small club venue before I ever knew who they were. I must say that their live show is most impressive...energetic, loud, charismatic, much better than the glossier performance of the album.

But still couldn't help buying a cd at the show...and I love it. There are definite and obvious influences from Nirvana, and the presence of Foo Fighters and Velvet Revolver producer Nick Raskulinecz is palpable...no mistaking it.

Not every song is up to par but for the most part it's worth the purchase...an easy to listen to Rock album.

Side note: The members of The Exies are exceptionally nice and friendly in person, mingling and drinking with fans, signing everything placed in front of them, and even manning their own merch booth after the show. I found this impressive and endearing, no inflated sense of celebrity here.