Unglued Reviews

The Actual’s second album is co-produced by Scott Weiland and released on his own label Soft Drive Records, but their sound bears little resemblance to Stone Temple Pilots or Velvet Revolver (despite having opened for the latter band): The Actual’s stock in trade is more a case of pop punk meets melodic rock – ranging from the fast-paced Lindsay Never Gets Lonely to the arena rock of Sending You A Signal – and it’s all pretty straightforward stuff.

The chorus of If You See Her is so instantly familiar that I’d swear it was a cover song if the credits didn’t insist otherwise, and chances are that you’ll find yourself singing along to first single This Is The Worst Day Of My Life (Do You Want To Come Over) halfway through the first time you hear it. But that’s not necessarily a compliment in this context.

For the most part the album is a case of heard it all before – the obvious comparisons being bands such as American Hi-Fi, Sugarcult, and +44. But even if those names get your heart racing (and they probably shouldn’t), The Actual don’t quite cut the mustard – mainly thanks to the dullness of the production which keeps the songs from shining as brightly as they possibly could.

While there’s a few sparks here and there, there’s not enough for _In_Stitches_ to start a fire. But suture self.

Owen Heitmann