Tantric's sophomore effort is unflinchingly faithful to the formula of their successful 2001 debut. Aided again by
Alice in Chains producer Toby Wright, the quartet banks mightily on that band's model, offering a mix of meaty hammer-down riffs, ringing acoustic guitars, and heaping helpings of the two-part harmony sound that's become
Alice in Chains' legacy. As Kentuckians,
Tantric's ex-
Days of the New contingent does fit a pinch of Southern rock between the cheek and gum. But behind the typical bellow of Hugo Ferreira -- who suggests everyone from Staley and
Vedder to
Aaron Lewis and the guy from
Seether --
After We Go becomes standard post-grunge fare. Highlights include the shredding lead riff of opener "Chasing After," as well as a satisfactory mid-album cover of
Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain." ~ Johnny Loftus