CD REVIEW: '30 Seconds To Mars' bucks movie star trend
By: James Taylor - U-WIRE
September 17th 2002 7:17pm
(U-WIRE) AUSTIN, Texas -- Of the various attempts by movie stars to live out their rock 'n' roll fantasies, few have been successful (let alone worth listening to). One actor-cum-musician hoping to buck this trend is "Requiem For A Dream" star Jared Leto. His new musical side project, 30 Seconds To Mars, seamlessly blends '80s synth-pop with the current heavy rock trends. The most impressive element of 30 Seconds To Mars' self-titled debut release owes much to Leto's involvement. Every instrument on this album, from vocals to guitars and the ubiquitous synthesizer, is the work of Leto himself, with some help from brother Shannon Leto on drums. For touring purposes, the band will expand to a rocking four-piece, with Leto providing vocals and guitar. From the radio friendly opener "Capricorn" to the eerie drone of "End of The Beginning" this album is full of solid melody and surprising creativity. The synthesizer driven new wave of "Oblivion" is one high point on the album. This track starts with an upbeat new wave feel before rapidly swelling into a powerful, flowing melody carried forward by Leto's talented vocals. "Echelon" presents a sound not heard for years, reminiscent of the dark melodies made by early Depeche Mode or The Cure. Jared Leto's musical talent, as 30 Seconds To Mars shows, surpasses that of most radio mainstays these days. His ability to write songs that melt '80s synth-driven rock with today's predictable styles is better than any previous attempts at this retro sound. 30 Seconds To Mars is an impressive album from a talented actor -- and musician.
 (C) 2002 Daily Texan via U-WIRE
| 
