Smile Empty Soul (Edited)

It's pretty obvious that the band's name, Smile Empty Soul, is an edgy statement of scorn directed at modern society. Thus, one can quickly deduce that SES is another angry, anti-social, anti-establishment band. But anyone who heard the Santa Clarita-based trio's lead single, "Bottom of a Bottle," could see that Smile Empty Soul is not a generic, angst-filled band. Moreover, Smile Empty Soul is a surprisingly fresh-sounding release, offering a post-grunge album that is as inspired as it is exciting.

Smile Empty Soul -- lead vocalist/guitarist Sean Danielsen, bassist Ryan Martin and drummer Derek Gledhill -- is like a cross between Lifehouse and Staind, showing off the former's ability to create catchy sounds and pen powerful lyrics alongside the latter's gift for soulful, alt-metal. The opening track, "Bottom of a Bottle," is the feature single from Smile Empty Soul. A steady hit video on MTV2, it has become a nationwide anthem for frustrated youth. "Therapy" is another strong anthem from the album.

"Silhouettes" showcases Danielsen's lyrics, one of many several in which he speaks about his troubled family life: "I don't want to live like my mother / I don't want to let fear rule my life / I don't want to live like my father / I don't want to give up before I die." "With This Knife" shows off the band's diversity, standing out as a purely acoustic jam.

SES is not afraid to discuss heavy topics. "Every Sunday" features Danielson's view on religion, reflecting some of his personal history of living in an isolated convent as a pre-teen. "The Other Side" gives a touching narration of "greener grass," where a boy wants to switch lives with his neighbor, only to discover that his neighbor's life is no better than his own.

Smile Empty Soul may be new to the music business, but its album demonstrates virtually no flaws that typically hinder most groups on their debut efforts. Smile Empty Soul is largely energized, but it is also emotional and minimalist, or acoustic and sincere, precisely when it needs to be. Smile Empty Soul may be the band's name, but this album is full of soul and it will certainly make you smile.

By Aaron Ellis