Album Review: Nightmare - Building Rome

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the road to glory in the music industry is a long one. That’s especially true today, when alternative rock bands come and go, and the top slots on the Billboard Hot 100 are currently occupied by hipPop artists and dance tracks. Building Rome is a St. Louis-based band looking to expand their brand on a national level, and their new album Nightmare is a positive step toward ultimate conquest.

Their sound has been compared to My Chemical Romance and Green Day, and I can definitely hear the influence. Here’s another band they remind me of - Blink 182, especially because of the lead vocals. And that’s why I feel a little conflicted when I listen to Nightmare. On one hand, it seems like I’ve heard some variation of their music on the radio at some point in the past 5-10 years. On the other hand, it’s well-done, especially to a casual alternative rock listener like me. Building Rome can seamlessly switch from headbangers to traditional radio singles, then flip the script and move into softer ballads without missing a beat.

Simply put, there isn’t a weak track on this album. You can listen the whole way through, and the ride is smooth and enjoyable. Is it a classic? I’m not going there. Taking risks can elevate an album to unprecedented heights if done right, but can also be downright embarrassing if done wrong. Nightmare takes the middle ground and sounds good doing it.

Overall, I give this album a 4 out of 5. Building Rome is a talented, polished and professional band that’s as good as anything you’ll hear in the mainstream and on the charts. The only question is whether they can make themselves stand out more from the competition. In the end, that’ll be up to them and the changing tastes of a fickle music market.

To learn more about Building Rome, visit their website.

Download Nightmare for free (limited time only)