Following the release of full-length debut
Whisper War and the success of single "Bounce," Las Vegas-based alt-popsters
the Cab were poised to reach new heights, but lineup changes and label disputes posed challenges along the way.
The Cab rallied in the face of these issues, using the obstacles as an opportunity to self-finance and release their sophomore effort on their own terms, culminating in
Symphony Soldier. Produced by John Feldmann (
Panic! at the Disco,
Good Charlotte) and featuring
Bruno Mars,
Adam Levine (
Maroon 5), and Martin Johnson (
Boys Like Girls),
Symphony Soldier finds the band -- core members singer Alex DeLeon, pianist/guitarist Alex Marshall, and bassist Joey Thunder -- revisiting the emo and R&B-tinged sound that fans have come to expect but amping up the pop.
Mars' influence is evident in the piano melodies of songs like leadoff single "Bad," and he lends his hooky songcraft to the endearing "Endlessly." "Intoxicated" and "La La" bring the R&B influence to center stage, bolstered by DeLeon’s plaintive, earnest vocals, while the theatrical "Lovesick Fool" slows things down but keeps fresh thanks to Marshall's haunting keyboard playing.
Symphony Soldier is the sound of a band taking control of its destiny and breaking free from the industry standards, and fans as well as new listeners will take pleasure in being along for the ride. ~ Chrysta Cherrie