Band:	Kittie
Album:	Funeral For Yesterday
Style:	Alternative metal, Nu metal
Release date:	February 20, 2007
Guest review by:	un4givendemon

01. Funeral For Yesterday
02. Breathe
03. Everything That Could Have Been
04. Slow Motion
05. Will To Live
06. Never Again
07. Sweet Destruction (Interlude)
08. Summer Dies
09. Flower Of Flesh And Blood
10. Around Your Heart
11. This Too Shall Pass
12. Last Goodbye
13. Witch Hunt
14. The Change

Kittie was one of the first metal bands I had ever heard. I was, as a result, raised on the band and saw it flourish and grow with every album. Their debut album "Spit" led into the more mature "Oracle," "Oracle" led into their finest release "Until the End." Their latest release "Funeral for Yesterday" is an interesting transition. When asked about 2004's release "Until the End," front woman Morgan Lander mentioned that they had at last found their niche. They had the sound they were looking for and they were pleased with their new material. To this I ask, "What happened?"

"Funeral for Yesterday" is your typical average album. It's not fabulous and it's not horrible. It is not the same sound as "Until the End" and that is what makes that quote so important. Their music has always matured and become increasingly insightful and brilliant, but here? "Until the End" is their finest release and to move away from that sound is mindboggling. What could be the catalyst for this change in sound? Well, that answer may lay in Trish Doan their new bassist. The bass is the most recognizable difference and is it one huge difference. It's lighter, it has less attitude and it lacks the same feel that Jennifer Arroyo was able to create. Arroyo's bass playing made a connection with Morgan's vocals that is just nonexistent in this release. The other difference, which is also more than likely due to the bass, is Morgan's voice. Less growls, more singing. Not necessarily a bad thing, it worked in the past; however, it doesn't in "Funeral for Yesterday." It seems that the lyrics did not suffer; those are quite sufficient and at some points very eye-opening. The music, however, just doesn't match them through most of the album. Tara McLeod's appearance does not seem to affect the sound as much, though I do believe Lisa Marx's riffs were much more elegant and complex.

How will hardcore Kittie fans react to this record? Well, I'm afraid they will probably be disappointed as this album seems more Pop Metal than usual. Are there any bright spots? Sure. There are some glimpses of the old Kittie in songs such as "Never Again" and "Flower of Flesh and Blood." Unfortunately, sometimes even those glimpses are faint. The songs "Summer Dies," "Funeral for Yesterday," and "Breathe" have a newer sound, but they are indeed highlights. The music just seems so organized and happy compared to their norm. Those who are used to the low, heavy notes and growling vocals will be caught by suprise. The bass used to be the leading instrument in Kittie, but in "Funeral For Yesterday" it takes a back seat. I feel that that will throw many listeners a confusing curve. But I remain confident they will return to their old sound very soon after Tara and Trish have time to fall into place. It's not bad, but it's not Kittie.