It can be difficult to pinpoint that which separates a “band” from a “good band,” and a “good band” from a “great band.”  While originality often divides the “good” from the “great,” the qualities which distinct the “average” from the “good” can be quite subjective. Could an arbitrary measure of passion / “epicness” be the sole factor in determining this? What accounted for the Panic at the Disco fan disappointment upon “Pretty. Odd’s.” release? Was it simply that they had changed their style? No, it couldn’t have been, for if this new style had been perceived for the better it would have brought the success the hype had anticipated.

While it may be obvious to most that music is extremely subjective, there must be a common scale to that which we hold it, or albums such as Linkin Park’s “Minutes to Midnight” would not have been so ill received by both fans and critics. It’s mediocrity that cries fowl in our ears. Music that doesn’t have a sense of passion, or seemingly lacks purpose is that which is bound to be found in discount racks across music stores.

“Anorax” is the perfect example of said music. Opening the disc is “Hibernation Pieces,” a track far from bad, but the embodiment of average. Take the smooth vocals of Aaron Marsh of Copeland, make them a tad monotone and put it over a bed layer of slowed down Sherwood guitar riffs and you have Ruth. Unfortunately most of the album follows suit with the opening track. From “Back To The Five” to “Rolling With The Punches,” each tracks just feels bland. Crossing Surrogate and the Plain White T’s is “Miracle Photo,” yet something is missing that made “Hey There Delilah” stand out from the rest of acoustic love songs.

Most of the lyrics are personal, written in first person. They survey categories from broken relationships, to life and love. This simplicity is an awkward breath of fresh air from groups such as Innerpartysystem or Genuflect, but at times feels like the listener is being subjected to the venting of a torn-apart frontman.

While Tooth and Nail generally sign and release great artists and albums, Ruth doesn’t seem to have the innovation or musical maturity to roll with rest of the roster. Although wanting to be far from overly critical, there is simply nothing that makes “Anorax” stand out. While the simplicity and calm aura that radiates from “Anorax” is a breath of fresh air, the record feels incomplete. If you enjoyed their first release, “Anorax” will likely be up your alley; if not, there’s not much new to see here.

Rating: 2 out of 5
Street Dating: October 28^th 2008
Label: Tooth and Nail

Track Listing:
1.) Hibernation Pieces
2.) Back To The Five
3.) Who I Was And Who I Am
4.) Rolling With The Punches
5.) Hearts On Sleeve
6.) Pure Concept
7.) Forgetting To Remember
8.) Nothing To Hide
9.) Miracle Photo
10.) Speechless Mess
11.) Dead Giveaway