For a guy as pretty as Jared Leto, one wouldn't expect him to be the front man for a band as hard as 30 Seconds to Mars.
Believe it. Leto, who has starred in some of the darkest movies of our generation including "Requiem for a Dream" and "Fight Club," has found another way to express himself. 30 Seconds to Mars' sophomore album "A Beautiful Lie" fits right in with melodic hard rock bands like A Perfect Circle and Deftones.
Leto seems very comfortable playing music and it comes through on this album. He has managed to succeed where other actor/musicians have failed (think Keanu Reeves and Russell Crowe). 30 Seconds to Mars have managed to create music that will be remembered as more than some actor's side project.
"A Beautiful Lie" isn't the kind of album you would listen to at a party or when you're getting ready to go out. It has a very spacey feel with beautifully utilized effects. It relies very heavily on synthesizers and drum machines, creating a sound that ranges from Portishead to A Perfect Circle.
Songs like "Hunter" are slow and mysterious with synthesized beats and effects, while other songs like the title track "A Beautiful Lie" rely much more on conventional instruments like guitars and violins.
Each song has its own theme, emphasizing a feeling of unity on the album.
"A Beautiful Lie" is a valiant effort by Leto and his band of fusing electronica and hard rock. Though it might not be saying much, he is the cream of the crop in the field of actors turned musicians.
And definitely the best looking.
