Hardcore fans of any band are quick to point the finger and yell “Sell out!” when the band they love deviates from the path it first set out on. In Endo's case, they laid a nu metal blueprint with their 2001 release Evolve. On their new release, Songs For The Restless, the quartet crumpled up those plans and started again.
Even with keeping a handful of moments of metal brutality, this is a different Endo. The new release sees Gil Bitton singing rather than rapping and screaming decidedly less. While vocalists that change their style isn't anything rare, ones that manage to do it for the better are few and far between. Bitton's singing is clean, pure and a pleasure to listen to. Throughout many of the songs, Bitton comes across much like a less-whiney Aaron Lewis (of Staind).
With the emotional vocals and wide open rock sound, Endo has stepped away from its nu metal sound and firmly into the emo-tinged post-grunge scene. The few thick metal chords and screams differentiate the group from other bands like Outspoken and Oleander. But, like bands of that ilk, all of Endo's new tracks fit in that three-four minute range that radio stations love.
While their debut may have been named Evolve, it is here on Songs For The Restless that Florida's Endo has truly taken their music to the next level. During Ozzfest 2003 the band may face a few 'old school' fans that reject their new sound, but they are sure to find a majority of new fans that will embrace it.
