Artist: Name Taken
Album:Hold On
Label: Fiddler Records
Rating:
Reviewer: Jordan Hoefar

For ages the youth of America has been associated with music. We’re just those “kids with their rock music”. But now we don’t just listen to it, we create it. So, as the 90’s unraveled and brought about these past years of the new century, several new, young bands began popping up everywhere. Name Taken is a marvelous example of this occurrence. Formed when they were only 14 and 15 years old in 1999, Name Taken quickly made headway in the music world. By 2002, they were able to have their song, “Safety of Routine,” released to the world on Volume 1 of the Atticus: Dragging the Lake compilation.

With that tid-bit of background information we’ll discuss their debut full-length release. When I heard “Safety of Routine” back in 2002 I was hooked. I went and found whatever I could by Name Taken. Therefore, I’ve been given the pleasure to sit back and watch their music grow and mature. When I heard their debut full-length, Hold On, I thought, “Man, these guys have a great blend going on.” Creative drum lines pound along as the crunching guitar riffs help to fill the holes while still holding their own. So just as your music-listening-motor gets going the bass comes in and brings the groove. Now, you may think that this could provide for some not so attractive sounding music. Well my friend, you’re dead wrong. The powerful yet melodic vocals and beautifully executed song arrangements makes for an enticing and unique sound known as Name Taken.

Being that they’re from California their earlier music held evident to Punk influences. However, with musical maturity they have taken their influences and transcended them into their own style. While this style is most closely a brethren of Rock it is still composed of flavors and spices of other genres. Although, at some points it falls into the monotonous sound that seems to often accompany Rock music. This still does not put much of a damper on the album. And the reason I feel this way is because even if the music is similar at some points the lyrics are still great to listen to and sing along with.

Overall, Name Taken have proven themselves to be worthy of attention in the music industry. Unlike some of these new bands, they will most likely climb their way up the ladder and earn acknowledgement in a respectful and memorable manner. But don’t think you have to wait around until they’re on the radio to give them a listen. Because if you do then I consider you a fool.