Seether

Cred-cramping comparisons to opportunistic pop remix albums aside (what, no fans of J to tha L-O!: The Remixes in the house?), fans can't be happy with this stopgap sequel to Disclaimer, Seether's hit 2002 debut. The awkwardly named Disclaimer II remasters the original's track listing, adds four tracks, and pads the lot with odds and sods from various soundtracks. Of note in the latter category is the Punisher soundtrack recording of "Broken," which features Evanescence chanteuse (and girlfriend of Seether brain Shaun Morgan) Amy Lee. It's a more hopeful take, and benefits (read: it doesn't sound as much like Staind) from a fuller arrangement and the warmth of Lee's powerful vocals. However, the song's inclusion marks the rest of Disclaimer II as potential filler around what's actually being sold. Again. Now, upon its release, Morgan did endorse II as the more clearly realized version of his band's debut, and promise an actual follow-up for 2005. Which is quite noble. But that doesn't absolve Wind-Up Records from putting the squeeze on the Seether faithful with this phoned-in jumble. Nor does it forgive Seether's more rote appropriations of the Nirvana pain shovel ("Gasoline"), which still dig dully into post-grunge even with the subtle remix topsoil. As for the addendums, "Sold Me" is another Punisher track, and "Love Her" and "Take Me Away" are more queasily blatant summons at the sarcophagus of Kurt. Morgan's writhing emotions certainly sound genuine. But can Nevermind's delivery system really continue to be rewritten ten-plus years after its rise? Here's hoping Disclaimer's eventual, actual follow-up reveals more about Seether than what records they listened to in the '90s. [Disclaimer II also included a DVD with live and behind-the-scenes goodies, and appeared additionally in an edited-for-content format.] ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide