REVIEW: Before the Robots

Better Than Ezra
Before the Robots
© 2005 Artemis Records

Many people are familiar with Better Than Ezra (or BTE) only for their 1995 hit “Good.” This is a tragedy, really, because these people have been missing out on the career of a skilled, consistently entertaining band, a career that nearly ended in 2001. The band’s fourth major album Closer was released shortly before the bankruptcy of their label, Beyond Records. The album fell out of print (though is still available as a reasonably priced import; see the previous link) and the band was beset with legal difficulties. Extensive touring and the release of a live album helped maintain interest, ultimately resulting in signing with Artemis Records and the release of 2005’s Before the Robots. All this backstory, however, quickly slips away when listening to the album. For better and worse, with Before the Robots, BTE picked up right where they had left off with Closer.

Before the Robots shows a band that has matured over the years and those who haven’t heard a BTE song since “Good” may be surprised by what they hear. Gone is the grungy, 90s guitar sound; instead the band has developed a broad vocabulary, mixing funk, soul, and some light electronic/synthesizer elements into a much more robust, full-bodied sound.

The opening track, “Burned” is a good introduction to the Better Then Ezra sound. It has a little bit of everything: guitar-driven rock, background layers of violins and atmospherics, lyrics that tell a story, a catchy chorus that begs to be sung along with, and a fun, nostalgic pop edge.

“Burned” (No video, includes links to the rest of the album)


As well as energetic songs like “Burned,” BTE also takes it down a notch now and then for a nostalgic ballad. This includes a reworked version of “A Lifetime,” which was featured in a simpler, slower form on Closer. Initially this may be a little disappointing to fans, but fortunately, “A Lifetime” is one of their best ballads and this new version is even stronger than the last.

“A Lifetime”


BTE’s fun side is represented as well, particularly by “Juicy.” This is a peculiar little song, on it’s Funky surface bearing little in common with the rest of their repertoire. But the undercurrents of New Orleans rock and sheer fun of this song help forgive it’s oddity.

“Juicy” (Fan video)


Before The Robots is a smooth, enjoyable CD. But, unfortunately, it isn’t much of a step forward for the band. Their first three albums marked evolutions in the bands style, which came together neatly in Closer. Here, however, they have advanced little past that mark. It is disappointing that the band has chosen to tread familiar ground here as, in the past, their experimentation has tended to yield good results.

RECCOMENDED IF… you are feeling a little nostalgic for the heyday of alternative rock. While the band has evolved considerably since their earlier days, they have retained a core of pop-infused rock that should warm the heart of any child of the 90s. Word of warning: if you did not enjoy Closer, this album will not change your mind.

MP3: