Disclaimer, the first U.S release from this South African angst-ridden trio epitomizes the definition of “seethe” — “to become violently agitated” (Webster). Seether, recently landing a spot on the 2002 Ozzfest tour, is joining the bandwagon of trendy and frustrated teen-oriented music exemplified by such bands as Papa Roach and Limp Bizkit.
In short, the lyrics are poor and blunt. As evident on much of the album and especially in songs such as “Disclaimer” and “69 Tea,” Shaun Morgan, the lead singer and lyricist, appears desperate in his attempt to rhyme angry words and phrases giving the impression that he hastily scribbled down his emotions without any refinement. The redundant guitars and bass that accompany Morgan’s dull rusty voice, reminiscent of that of Staind’s Aaron Lewis, restrict the music from progressing and evolving into any real sophisticated melody. A real turn off from this LP is listening to Morgan scream. Only a few artists, such as Maynard James Keenan (Tool) and Serj Tankian (System of a Down), can get away with shouting. When Shaun Morgan screams, as in the songs “Needles,” “You Bore,” “Pig,” and “Fuck It,” it makes the music and the lyrics sound even more unintelligent than they do to begin with. Judging from the stronger songs on the LP — “Pride,” “Sympathetic,” and “Broken” — Seether has potential to write some decent songs if they just took the time to better arrange and coordinate their lyrics and melodies; perhaps they will mature in time for future releases.
Archived article by Paul Albini