Because Scars On Broadway’s debut – let’s not beat around the bush here – sounds like System of a Down taking a lighter and easier tone. Less of the freaky cartoony style, more of the serious tone we heard on the last two S.O.A.D. albums.  

 

The main goal seems to be writing good songs here. And with tracks like 'Serious', Stoner Hate' and of course the ‘hit’ 'They Say' you could say that goal is reached here. But even though a lot of the material sounds catchy, a feeling that something’s missing here remains. It’s all good where most of the System of a Down stuff sounded great. It lacks the freshness and originality we got used to hearing from the four piece. It’s all a bit nice and friendly, very much radio friendly.

 

That doesn’t mean Scars On Broadway’s first disc is all bad. It’s just something that could have been a lot better. With Serj Tankian’s vocals for instance, and maybe losing a couple of lesser tracks would’ve given the album that extra oomph. Who knows. So all in all worth a listen, but the initial thought - that a reunited System of a Down would do a lot better - doesn't change afterwards.