Spirit Creek: A Culture of Unaccountability

May 7, 2008 · Posted in Reviews

by Melissa Smith

A Culture of Unaccountability is the 5th release from this Milwaukee, Wisconsin quartet formed in 1996. Released early in 2008, the recording was produced, mixed and engineered by lead singer Doug Shea, who also acts as chief lyricist on the tracks.

Although 13 songs are listed, the opener is a minute in length and “Odium Rising”, the beautifully atmospheric instrumental that comprises track 7 is only 30 seconds long.

Spirit Creek site their influences as Radio Head, The Cure and Morrissey amongst others, but their powerful stadium rock sound on the remaining 11 tracks will likely appeal to fans of a more driven sensibility.

The harder rocking songs such as “The Black Co.”, “Within a Grin” and “In Hell” channel Metallica while the last two tracks of the album have a slight feel of Tool. Throughout the album, often unexpected but well executed harmonizing adds to the soundscape. Spirit Creek have previously played with Nickelback and the vocal stylings from their slower songs like “Mirror Track” and “I Am” are reminiscent of their neighbours to the north, with the ghost of Chad Krueger at his finest, hanging over several tracks on the album.

With its anthemic angsty sound, power ballad “I Am” is the standout track on the album. If the song receives airplay, it has the potential to catapult this band into stadium filling capacity. After 12 years of plugging away, they’ve earned it.