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Gretchen is one of those bands I really want to like.  They play metal, but not the bland, overdone nu metal that thankfully is starting to die out.   They can actually sing, unlike almost every hardcore/death metal band.  They have a front woman, Mia Richards, whose vocals range from No Doubt to Evanescence/Lacuna Coil range back to 80;s power rockers like Pat Benetar.   But much like Evanescence, In the Mean Time, features one or two killer cuts surrounded by forgettable songs that should have been reserved for a future box set.

"Fading" is the leadoff, and sets a standard for the album it just doesn't live up to.  First time hearers of the song will immediately hear Nightwish, Benjamin Gate, or Evanescence in the forcefulness of the music.   "Daisy Chain," a song about not wishing to be a burden on others, is of a higher quality than most of its companions.

"Breathe" features a Veruca Salt/Breeders style opening, while "Let it Go" is more operatic, almost as if Olivia Newton John were trying out a metal tune.   "Don't Wanna Be" is No Doubt vocals merged with Faith No More instrumentation.  "Passion" is a throwback piece resembling Pat Benetar or Quarterflash. 

After hearing Gretchen's debut, Mouth Full of Nails, I thought this band had a ton of potential.  I still do.  But In the Mean Time, despite the presence of producer Travis Wyrick, breaks no new ground, and that is somewhat disappointing.  With the talent that peeks through every so often, I hope something or someone will push this band harder on its next release.

Brian A. Smith
23 October 2005