The Energy - ​When We Were Young

The Energy 

​When We Were Young
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Adam Wolfsdorf (vocals), Ian VanderMeulen (guitar), James Clifford (bass) and Zach Thomas (drums) are The Energy. The Brooklyn-based band has been playing music for over a decade and recently released their fifth album entitled When We Were Young. 

The band has opened for pop/rock acts like 3 Doors Down, Vertical Horizon, and Eve 6. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise when listening to When We Were Young. Their music is certifiably just as much pop as it is rock. With high glossy, production value that will appeal to the largest demographic possible and palatable yet predictable melodies the band seems to be gunning for commercial success. 

The album opens with “Losing Myself” which was reminiscent of mainstream rock from as far back as the ‘90s. It starts with distorted guitars, a steady bass and a hard hitting drum beat. The band plays it safe for the most part and I didn’t encounter anything within the song that wasn’t expected. The song is catchy enough and surely will attract a no frills type of rock crowd. 

“You Can Follow” follows a similar style but I have to admit I thought there was a little more originality on this song than the opener. The little things add up such as the extra drum fills and an impressive lead. “When We Were Young” actually reminded me of an ‘80s rock ballad at points with a contemporary production. That's not a bad thing in my opinion. 

As the album progresses the band plows through a number of rocking tunes such as “Free,” the slightly funky “Don’t Come Around” and a highlight “American Disaster.” They close with “Little Man” which is an acoustic ballad that sheds the distortion. It was a pleasant surprise to the end of the album.

The Energy seems to be well aware of what they are doing five albums in. This music is far from the most inventive thing out there right now and feels more apt to be enjoyed by people that prefer hummable melodies you might sing in the shower with lyrics that are easy to remember. At the end of the day the band is delivering commercially viable rock that veers away from the fringe and more towards the center.

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