Too much twang

The Almost started as a solo project for Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, but now has morphed into a full-time band on its second album, which comes with a lot to live up to.

Gillespie gives his metal roots a rest and lets his take on pop-punk and southern rock shine on “Monster, Monster.”

On The Almost’s first record, “Southern Weather,” Gillespie didn’t do anything dynamic, but he did make a solid record worth multiple plays. “Monster” doesn’t quite measure up.

The album is full of Gillespie’s lyrics about life, and struggle and hope which are OK at best, and the music is enjoyable when the band doesn’t try its hand at a southern, country twang, that ruins a couple of tracks.

Tracks “Lonely Wheel” and “Get Through” shine through as gems to play loud and proud, but most other tracks go on unnoticed.