Sworn To A Great Divide... how apt.

It's very apt that the new Soilwork album is called "Sworn To A Great Divide," because now the band have found themselves in the middle of a furious debate between old Soilwork fans and new Soilwork fans. Yes, as ever the whole "sell out" question has come into play and will presumably be dogging the band everywhere they go.
Now, I'm by no means totally unbiased:
I like Soilwork, and I haven't exactly been listening to them since I was twelve. I do however own enough of their material to pass judgment. And here it is: Sworn To A Great Divide is a fantastic album. The only possible thing one could be disappointed with about it is that it's not as hugely stellar as previous releases, but seeing as their chief songwriter walked away a few months ago as did a drummer, I'll cut them some slack, because the albums fantastic. And as far as songwriting... I found out the other day that "brainworm" is the actual scientific term for a song lodging in your head. The whole album is like that. Every chorus is catchy as hell.
I think this is why people are so irritated. Soilwork are no longer the fast as hell extreme end of spectrum melodic death group they once were. Well, lets hope not, they've been doing this for ten years or so. It'd be fucking lazy of them to put out the same album again and again and again. "Oh he's actually singing now, ugh they've got catchy choruses, they might as well be pop."
If you've never heard soilwork, pick up this album. You'd be hard pressed to call them pop.
So, what does this have to do with Girl 13?
Well I wonder if people are going to be having these exact same discussions about us in years to come. In fact it's probably more than likely. I bet even now there are kids in the valleys saying "the band are terrible now Andy/Spencer/Dan aren't in anymore. Maybe there will be total purists saying "Nikki was a much better singer." Now I know I'm looking to come off the vocals, but jeez... If that were true, I'd find it insulting.
So... come one, come all. Reply to this blog! Tell us your opinions! How do we fare from when you first saw us? How's are evolution been? Are you Girl 13's biggest fan? How are we treating it's legacy?
I'd be interested as hell to know what you think, because yeah, the songs are ours, and we write music largely for ourselves, but we have an obligation to our fans to try and make you happy. As long as you don't flame us, we'll actually listen to what you guys have to say about us. Not a crime that anyone could accuse Metallica of.

From the other side,

Jules

Girl 13 - On the hunt for a singer.

Yes, It's that time again. It's time to look for a singer! Time to look for someone who can light up the stage with their dulcet tones, or sing with a frenzied passion. Can you sing? Can you carry a tune?

If the answers to these questions are 'yes' then get in contact with us via the myspace, and then we'll set up an audition. Rules of the auditions are as follows:

1: You will be able to sing something to us that you think best demonstrates your vocal abilities: This should include if possible examples of both ends of your vocal range (High and Low) and example of falsetto

2: You'll be singing one of our own songs to us! Check the myspace for songs to cover. Don't pay any attention to the vocalist there: She's literally a guide, and I promise you, sing like her and you'll get NOWHERE.

If you pass an audition, we'll invite you to a live jam. If you do well in a live jam, then we'll throw you in at the deep end with a gig.

Auditions are open to men and women, and preferably over 21 (drinking laws buddy, we may be in the states soon), but age may well be no problem if your voice is good enough.


Good luck one and all. And do hurry up and audition guys, the sooner we have a new singer the sooner I can get back to playing guitar rather than trying to both!

See you on the other side,


Jules