The Skinny: Flee the Seen is a four piece outfit that took form in December of 2003 from Kansas City, MO. They quickly went to work, writing and self-releasing the Fighting Chance EP in late 2003 and the Sound Of Sirens EP in October 2004. Newly signed to Facedown records, this band has released Doubt Becomes the New Addiction early 2006.

The Rating:     What does this mean?

Why: Flee the Seen’s debut album Doubt Becomes the New Addiction is a raw musical trip of loud guitars, screaming vocals, and undeniable energy. This CD, to be blunt, sounds rushed. The band is known for their gung-ho attitude and “lets go forward at the speed of light 100% of the time” mindset, as well as their high energy shows. This is evidenced by the accolades the band has acquired. Since their inception in December of 2003, they’ve recorded two EP’s got signed to Facedown, released a full album, and toured relentlessly. And while all of that is phenomenal, it really does show in the album. The CD is often rushed, scattered, and watered-down. You often get the feeling that if the band had slowed down, taken their time, and thought a bit more outside the box then they could have produced a well-rounded album that is more complete that the one we got.

This album isn’t a total loss though. There are some very noteworthy songs on here that really show off Kim Anderson’s amazing voice and R.L Brooks’ vocals and screaming guitars. And there is also a certain amount of lyrical depth here as well. The main thing that keeps this album from being more than a once or twice-through only CD is that somewhere along the line, you get the feeling that there is too much of the same thing. It really feels like the band rushed through recording and made some “filler” tunes with their sole purpose of giving the listener another track to go through before the CD ends.

Doubt Becomes the New Addiction is for true fans of Flee the Seen. Those who have been won over by the band’s ferocious live performances can enjoy this album completely. While this band may become the next big thing, it wont be because of this album, but from future albums that are a bit more thought out. Overall it’s worth a listen through, maybe even two times, but not worth buying.

Not know them? Thier CD will fit in with: Deftones’ White Pony, Bleeding Through’s The Truth, and Evanescence’s Fallen.