Finger Eleven - Finger Eleven (Limited Edition) (Bonus Dvd) (CD)

All Music Guide

It's always somewhat confusing when bands go eponymous on anything but their first album. More often than not, such a decision designates a midlife crisis of sorts, where said artists are simultaneously trying to reaffirm their identity while reinventing themselves for the future. Canada's Finger Eleven obviously arrived at these crossroads with their third set of foreboding, angstridden altmetal, yet, ironically, the album easily qualifies as their most confident and sincere statement. Where its very solid, but concessionprone predecessor Greyest of Blue Skies had smacked of prefab radiobound numetal sleekness, Finger Eleven represents a far more honest and confident reflection of the band's natural instincts. Clearly the sound of a band embracing their personal creativity wholeheartedly no matter what commercial fate it may bring them first half winners like "Complicated Questions," "Stay in Shadow," and the strangely Devoesque "Good Times" undoubtedly stand out as the most distinc...tive work of the band's career. Unfortunately, similarly revealing second half offerings like "Conversations" and "Panic Attack" don't quite measure up in terms of quality songwriting inspiration; and the band's sporadic forays into acoustic numbers, though wellintentioned, exude greater technical competence than outright inspiration. A mixed blessing to be sure, it's a fair assumption that Finger Eleven signifies a personal victory for this Canadian quintet, but only time will confirm its prophecy of a new dawn for this wellintentioned group. [Finger Eleven comes packed with a bonus DVD featuring live performances and behind the scenes studio footage.] - Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide Read more Less