Fact & Fiction (CD) by Aphasia

CD. Fact & Fiction is actually a retitled and resequenced version of Aphasia's 2004 self-titled debut album, this iteration released the following year by DRT Entertainment. It's a heavily derivative record, putting earnest but overwrought material and vocals to arrangements that split the territory twixt hard rock and metal. The mindset is alternative in that the lyrics are soul-searching and the dynamics constantly varying between ballsy aggressiveness and quieter reflection. The songs lean toward self-absorbed examinations of precarious personal relationships, the singer usually the one either being wronged or in the right. Their influences might be rooted in post-1990 bands, but in truth their music can sound a little like the Police mutated to an emo outfit, minus the catchy pop hooks. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi