The Exies, a modern rock quartet from L.A., have all the elements of a successful, radio-friendly rock act. And that's just the problem. Their mix of garage rock layered with slightly industrial, technologically spawned melodies is derivative of the sounds of Linkin Park, Saliva and their ilk, and it's earned them some rotation on MTV2. The beginning of the Exies' sophomore Inertia pulsates with the powerful, straightforward rock of the lead single, "My Goddess" and the danceably depressing "Can't Relate." By the middle of the album, though, the Exies' muted percussion and protracted vocals are just downright boring.
Their lyrics touch on the oh-so-popular subjects of alienation and disillusionment. However, instead of being cathartic and identifiable, the Exies' lyrics are vague, bizarre and ultimately unmemorable. This is particularly true on the metal-sounding "Calm and Collapsed," in which the band seeks to demonstrate their haunting capabilities, but unfortunately, the title rings all too true. Nonetheless, despite the prevalence of the wholly uninspired hard rock throughout the album, the title track's delicately crafted melody and mellifluous vocals coupled with its clever use of the word "inertia" may make that song the most innovative aspect of the album. Why? Because the boys in the Exies just love irony.
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