The Tooth & Nail label has long been known for emo and nu-metal acts, but the 2009 release by
And Then There Were None,
Who Speaks for Planet Earth?, will probably come as a surprise to both fans of the band and those who follow the label's releases. While the lead vocals (courtesy of Matt Rhoades) and peculiar song titles still remain quite emo-esque, the music is -- get ready for this -- unabashedly dance-based. In place of guitar, electro beeps and swirls are at the forefront here, especially on such songs as "John Orr the Arsonist," "Reinventing Robert Cohn," and a barely recognizable cover of the sappy
Richard Marx hit from the 1980s, "Right Here Waiting." With rock music quite possibly the most predictable it's ever been in its entire history circa the early 21st century, it's good to hear a band taking chances and fooling around with its previous formula. And as evidenced by
Who Speaks for Planet Earth?,
And Then There Were None are certainly daredevils. Whether the world (and especially the group's fans) are ready for "emo dance" is another story. ~ Greg Prato