The Exies Albums (4)
'A Modern Way of Living with the Truth'
Release Date 1/1/2006
Tracks 14
Label Eleven Seven
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The Exies never were anything but a grunge band living in a post-grunge land, recycling Nirvana and Stone Temple Pilots to their heart's content. There's nothing unexpected on their fourth full-length, 2007's Modern Way of Living with the Truth, nothing that couldn't have fit on their other three albums -- and it's all something that would have felt at home on the radio in 1994. But just because this style of heavy grunge is out of fashion doesn't mean that the Exies do it badly, and there are times when they nail the sound, if not the intent, of Nirvana and Stone Temple Pilots, who remain the two biggest influences on the band. On "Lay Your Money Down" they create a dead ringer for the Seattle trio and on "A Fear of Being Alone" they capture the murky neo-psychedelic hooks of STP, and these are the best moments on the record because they're powered by big hooks, both in the guitars and in the vocals. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On their first release for Virgin, the Exies deliver a radio-friendly modern rock stance while fronting a post-grunge snarl on Inertia. It's a heavy record, layered guitar work sifting through glassy electronic beats, but it's also a hungry effort. Frontman/vocalist Scott Stephens blazes his way throughout Inertia; he's an energetic spitfire on "My Goddess," while the raw scratch of "Genius" grovels like Scott Weiland. "No Secrets" thrives on more of a blues-rock-inspired groove, but the Exies thirst for the power of a guitar. Overall, Inertia is a vibrant rock effort; however, it's a touch formulaic. "No Secrets" and the title track echo mid-'90s alternative rock à la Collective Soul, but who's to say it's not decent? The Exies are a young band. They have potential to shape a more original sound because of a nearly polished presentation; they've come a long way from their self-titled debut, but the work in progress continues. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
