Review by Chris Maddox

If you type in Allele into Google you will discover two things. Firstly, Allele is a scientific term used in Genetics and secondly Allele, are a rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. The latter sitting comfortably within the well trodden and often critiqued American Radio Rock/ Post-Grunge category.

This, the follow up to their 2005 debut Point of Origin, will definitely appeal to existing fans of the genre including Creed, Puddle of Mudd and Staind. Next to Parallel is littered with introspective lyrics and moody atmospherics rising into anthemic radio friendly choruses. Vocalist Wally Wood snarls through verses utilising both clean and processed vocal effects create a feeling of claustrophobia and whispered suffering.

This brand of radio rock will never be as huge over here in the UK as it is in America. The US do tend to lap up these bands with a ferocious appetite but credit the band's for knowing their target audience. They are well placed to grab some of Creed’s fans who (for some unknown reason) are unwilling to follow Alter Bridge.

Despite wearing its influences loud and proud, the album doesn’t offer anything especially new to either hard rock or post-grunge but it is an enjoyable album none the less.

There are some good guitar runs from new boy Mason Romaine and strong vocal performances throughout the album, especially on songs like Let it Go and Something Cured. Feed The Wolves reminds me of Korn until we get to the all important radio chorus. Stay Down demonstrates a rare foray into something approaching rage. The edgy nature of the song is something the rest of the album would benefit a little more from. I just want a bit more grunt from these boys.

Whilst it’s fair to say that there are better exponents of this brand of hard rock, Next To Parallel is still a good album. Will it win new fans over? No. Will it be enjoyed by existing fans of the genre. Certainly. Alleele will sit nicely on Kerrang’s Radios daytime playlist.

7/10

www.myspace.com/allele