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Mayday Parade – A Lesson in Romantics

July 18, 2007 By Adam Weidman 1 Comment

Mayday Parade

Artist: Mayday Parade
Album: A Lesson in Romantics
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: InterPunk
Release Date: July 10th, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.0

With the summer heat blasting outside and thousands of concertgoers flocking to Warped Tour it’s truly peak season for pop-punk. It’s funny to think that it was just a year ago that Mayday Parade spent their summer with backpacks full of CD’s and iPod’s firmly in hand. As they walked up and down the lines of kids waiting to enter the esteemed summertime concert series. The band would sell CD’s to anyone who would stop and take a listen. By the conclusion of the 2006 Vans Warped Tour Mayday Parade made 10,000 new fans without playing a single show. Shortly after, California based Fearless Records took notice of the group and quickly signed them. Tales Told By Dead Friends was re-released in November of ’06 and to date has sold over 20,000 copies. After months on the road it was time to record their first full length record. Entirely prepared with an arsenal of fresh songs and a pair of top tier producers at the helm, Mayday Parade took to the studio.

The result is A Lesson in Romantics, featuring an abundance of perfectly punctuated pop-punk gems. Leading off with the cover “Jamie All Over” which was originally preformed by Kid Named Chicago, but Mayday Parade has certainly taken the song and made it their own. “Black Cat” compared to previous work displays an altered sound, that highlights fantastic guitar work; culminating in a breakdown that defines shredding. The song “When I Get Home, You’re So Dead” is a redo and originally found on their debut EP Tales Told By Dead Friends, the new version provides a new dynamic with a powerful feel; not to mention a much better recording quality. On “Jersey” the lyrical content shines through “Cause Jersey just got colder and I’ll have you know I’m scared to death. That everything that you had said to me was just a lie until you left.” The album charts a different course with “If You Wanted a Song Written About You, All You Had to Do Was Ask” as mid-tempo bass line creates the perfect flow for the track. Where “Miserable at Best” is piano infused ballad at it’s best, with the vocals resonating back and forth “But I guess that I can live without you. But without you I’ll be miserable at best.” Following, Romantics picks back up to speed with a good amount of hooks and solid drums as well as flawless form fitting vocals. The title of “I’d Hate to Be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About” is a bit too generic for my taste but the musicianship is anything but. At this point I personally feel that the CD loses a bit of momentum, but the track “Champagne’s for Celebrating (I’ll Have a Martini)” brings everything back around. A Lesson in Romantics comes to a close with “You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Heart in the Clouds” where you can feel all the emotion pouring out of the instruments and onto the record.

It’s safe to say that Mayday Parade has all around stepped it up with this album, illustrating their maturity and growth. The lyrics are quite reflective and the music can only be described as strong, while at the same time that irresistible catchiness remains. With exceptional and visually intriguing artwork, A Lesson in Romantics may just be the complete package. Being one that can provide the soundtrack to these mid-summer memories.

Standout Track
Jamie All Over

Track List
1. Jamie All Over
2. Black Cat
3. When I Get Home, You’re So Dead
4. Jersey
5. If You Wanted a Song Written About You, All You Had to Do Was Ask
6. Miserable at Best
7. Walk on Water or Drown
8. Ocean and Atlantic
9. I’d Hate to Be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About
10. Take This to Heart
11. Champagne’s for Celebrating (I’ll Have a Martini)
12. You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Heart in the Clouds

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Fearless Records, Mayday Parade

Boys Night Out Interview – July 13th, 2007

July 14, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

Boys Night Out

Thanks so much to Jerry from Warm Fuzzy PR, and Connor of Boys Night Out for their time!

Thank you for the opportunity for this interview, could please state your name and role in the band.
They call me Connor. I sing for the rock & roll outfit known as Boys Night Out. Thank YOU for the opportunity to enhance my typing and communication skills.

As it says in your bio, the self-titled album is a definitive statement. Is this the direction the music will be taking in the future?
It does say that in the bio, doesn’t it? Neat. Well, for us the ultimate goal when writing this record was to have a collection of songs that we would want to play over and over again; something that defines us as we are at this moment in time. Having achieved that goal, who’s to say what the future holds? I generally prefer to leave the future to its own devices and instead, focus on the present. Maybe the next record will be a collection of campfire songs. Who knows?

I’ve really enjoyed listening to the album this past week. Did you intentionally attempt to make a catchier, possibly more commercial records?
First of all, thanks for enjoying your listening experience. As far as an intentional foray into the “commercial” realm is concerned, I would say no. To this day I still think that most of what’s considered modern “commercial” music is – for the most part – boring and unoriginal. Obviously there are exceptions, but those exceptions just help prove the rule. Now, making a “catchier” record? I’m for it! Sign me up! I’ve always liked songs that I can sing along to, but that ultimately has something to say. This record is definitely more “chorus based” (hookier? Is that a word?) than our past efforts. In the end, if commercial radio wants to come hang out with us…hell…we’re down – but, we wouldn’t want to have to sacrifice our own voice to have a seat at their table.

Lou Giordano has been responsible for so many hit records, when you were writing the album did you feel that you wanted him to produce it?
Actually, working with Lou was a happy accident. Originally we had planned to do the album with somebody else (who ultimately had to back out in order to work on something more “lucrative”). After that, we learned that Lou happened to be available and enthusiastic about working on the same kind of record that we were looking to make. After we had looked into some of the other albums he had produced we decided that it would be a goddamn foolish mistake to pass up a chance to work with somebody of Lou’s caliber. He’s amazing at what he does, and he understood exactly where we wanted to go with this record. It was a great pairing.

What is the song writing process like for the band?
Generally somebody (Jeff, most often…but, more recently Dave and Andy as well) will bring the beginnings of a song to the rest of the band and we’ll all build something around the skeleton. One of my favorite things about being a part of this band is that everybody brings something unique to the table for every song. Once we have the instrumental foundations ready to go, the song is mine to do whatever I want – lyrically – with it. There are variations on that process, but that’s how it’s usually done.

Individually, what are some of your musical influences?
We all grew up in the punk rock / hardcore / emo / indie scene of Southern Ontario in the early to mid 90’s and some of us had even spent time playing together in various other bands. Our music has always reflected that musical upbringing. On top of that basic, underlying foundation we pretty much all enjoy listening to pretty much anything from old folk / gospel / country / music from the 20’s and 30’s to classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s to metal bands from the 70’s and 80’s to well… basically we dig music in general. On any given day, in our van you’ll hear anything from The Carter Family to Pantera. From Bob Dylan to Cap’n Jazz. From CCR to Third Eye Blind. From 7 Seconds to Joanna Newsom. We like jams…we LOVE jams.

Do you feel that an old vibe is back in the group with Ben Arseneau returning?
Definitely. It’s essentially like a family reunion with Shitty Ben back in the band. He’s the Bees Knees.

How has the current tour been? Also what are the future touring plans for the rest of the year?
So far it’s been a blast. The shows have been great and all the dudes in June, Emanuel and Olympia are always down to party. We had to cancel today’s show in Baltimore due to me getting my damn-fool-self sick and not being able to sing, but other than that it’s been totally radical. Once we finish this headlining tour we’ll be meeting up with Scary Kids Scaring Kids and touring with them until the end of August. After that we’re planning on traveling across Canada and then possibly heading down to Australia for a week or so. Basically our schedule is jam packed for the rest of the year.

How do you spend your down time while on the road?
It varies. Sometimes we’ll go out to a bar or two. Maybe have a hotel jam. Read a delightful novel. Play some Scrabble. Maybe even take in some fine cinema. Any time’s a good time for anything.

Is there a big transition from playing in Canada to playing in the U.S.?
Not at all It’s remarkably similar actually. Our Countries may differ politically or what have you, but a rock concert is a rock concert no matter what side of the border you’re on.

What gave you the idea to create the mockumentary “Dude, You Need to Stop Dancing?”
Uh…Well… we’re idiots and we like making fun of ourselves. We then combined that love with a parody of bands we’ve met and toured with who take themselves way too seriously. What you end up with is what came out of “Dude…”

Who created the concept for the new video for “Up With Me”?
That would be the brilliant and charming Marc Ricciardelli who also happened to direct the video. Visually, the video portrays – eerily well – what the song was saying musically and lyrically. Marc was also responsible for the video to our song “Medicating.”

I found Trainwreck to be one of the best concept albums made; do you have any desire to write another one down the line?
ThankYa kindly. That’s some pretty high praise, dude. Would we make another one, though? Perhaps. We’d have to have a really strong story to tell before we even thought about it, though.

What is the story behind the song “Let Me Be Your Swear Word?”
There’s no real story, really. It’s more of a collection of stories. I’ll leave it at that since I’ve never really been a fan of explaining lyrics too much. Take from that puppy what you will.

I cannot thank you enough for your time; do you have any final thoughts or statements for our readers?
You’re welcome. It was my pleasure. It was a good way to spend some time while I rest up and get ready for tomorrow’s show in Virginia Beach. Final thoughts or statements? Well…uh…check out our new record. Check out our website (http://boysnightout.com) for tour dates and come say hi. Check out the video for “Up With Me.” Also… remember kids music is everywhere. Some of the best music out there isn’t being featured in magazines or played on the television/radio. Seek it out. Rock and roll.

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Boys-Night-Out

The Rocket Summer Album Stream

July 10, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

The new album from The Rocket Summer entitled Do You Feel, can now be heard in it’s entirety on their Myspace.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: The Rocket Summer

Permanent Me Music Video

July 9, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

Permanent Me‘s new music video for the song “Allison” can be seen here.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Permanent-Me

The Junior Varsity – Cinematographic

July 3, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

The Junior Varsity

Artist: The Junior Varsity
Album: Cinematographic
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: June 19th, 2007

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 7.0

Back in May I was lucky enough to get a preview of Cinematographic as The Junior Varsity took to a corner of a neglected gymnasium in a sleepy college town and played a string of tracks from their latest release. The record showcases a great deal of all around growth for the group. Much has transpired in the years between 2005’s Wide Eyed and the present, they have seemingly taken it all in and let it all back out with Cinematographic. A dozen well-crafted tunes comprise the disc, ranging from spacey/eerie tones to more straightforward hard-hitting rock. Thus securely placing The Junior Varsity as one of the top alternative bands in the indie scene today.

As the record begins a subdued and indistinct guitar plays; following a few bars it subsequently rings out until all of the instruments come in. This serves to set the tone for “I Went Blind” a song that is both sonically corpulent and precisely paced. The first single from the record, “The SKY!” produces vivid imagery that is painted with each line delivered by vocalist, Asa Dawson. Reflection appears to be the basis behind “Wunderdrug” as the lyrics evoke a tale of youthful escapades, from building igloos to climbing trees in suburban Illinois. I can safely say that “St. Louis” is my favorite song, I really enjoy the line “well how could I grow tired of being useless/when the more I work, the more I lose it/this could be the life inside of you.” Unfortunately “The Greatest” falls short of being just that. However it’s more than made up for, as the the social conscience of modern living is taken to task on the compelling and textured track “The Importance of Being Important.” Flowing impeccably into the instrumental “Memory Made Easy” which features a beautiful acoustic guitar backed by a charming string arrangement. On the song “Try to Define” I feel that the band virtually channeled Jimmy Eat World, as it is so skillfully arranged and layered.

Overall Cinematographic is a relative change for the group, but the title track is a genuine departure. Highlighting Nick Dodson on saxophone, the song remains low key and allows the lyrical content to provide the largest impact. Showcasing shades of a familiar sound “Lungs” is a welcome addition, but becomes slightly unsettling to the ears as the chorus hits. The album comes to a close with “Under the Radar” delivering powerful lines such as it’s all wrong again and now it all comes back to you/you’ve got to find a new meaning, a higher view.” Marvelously charged and brilliantly vibrant, Cinematographic plays out like a sonic film, scene by scene and song by song. With prevalent themes of the afterlife, struggles with power and those that hold it, not to mention the unnecessary items that take control of our lives. In this summer heat, The Junior Varsity has not only given us all something to listen to but to think about as well.

Track List
1. I Went Blind
2. The SKY!
3. Wunderdrug
4. St. Louis
5. The Greatest
6. The Importance of Being Important
7. Memory Made Easy
8. Try to Define
9. Cinematographic
10. Lungs
11. Lifted
12. Under the Radar

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: the-junior-varsity, Victory Records

Big Socratic Recording Announcement

June 28, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

Socratic are currently preparing their next record; the follow up to 2005’s Lunch For The Sky. The group has enlisted the one and only Mark Hoppus to produce their upcoming full-length album. The New Jersey based quintet will begin recording sometime next month.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Mark Hoppus, Socratic

Release Date For The Format Live DVD

June 27, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

On October 30th, The Format will release their highly anticipated live DVD. The show was filmed on June 14th at the Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles and featured many special guest appearances.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: The Format

Paramore LiveJournal Update

June 27, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

Hayley of Paramore has posted an interesting update on the group’s LiveJournal.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Paramore

Kris Anaya (An Angle) Interview – June 27th, 2007

June 27, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

An Angle

First off, a big thanks to Ana at Drive-Thru Records for all her help in setting this up. Also of course thank you Kris Anaya of An Angle for answering my questions.

Congratulations on releasing your new album; I got it in the mail the other day and have spent much time with it. How long did The Truth Is That You Are Alive take you to write and record?

Umm I spent a brief period in this town called “Elmo”, Missouri… writing a lot of the love songs at the time I was away from this very special woman. I am in Love with her, and alot of my happiness about missing her came out and I expressed how I felt. Funny how happy moments make you write a better tune huh?

After listening to the album I clearly noticed a major change in the overall mood and tone of the songs. I pick up on a healthy amount of positivity and true happiness coming from this record; do you get the same impression from the music?

Yeah I feel like the overall record is very happy, and thankful to be alive… but now I think the road is taking me down a new path, it’s going to be a major change for the next album as well.

Not that your music was ever overtly negative or sad, but what brought on this change and songs such as Clean and Gold, I’m Alright, and Falling in Your Arms?

All those songs are about Melody. This lovely women, who I think everybody should meet.

I’ve been listening to your music since Drive-Thru re-released your first record; I sincerely believe that this is truly your best work. How do you feel that you have grown as an artist, both lyrically and musically?

I feel I got a handle on the balance of music and my energy around me, but lately I have been kind of lost. I escaped to Seattle to hang out with some old friends to get my head clear.

Throughout all your releases you’ve always had a seemingly revolving door of musicians contribute to each recording. Have they all been friends and fellow artists or how have you gone about finding these individuals?

These people I play with on my records are my loved ones they are me think and thin. Without them there would be no “an angle” just an asshole with a guitar.

Stylistically the song Red River is a big departure for you, what brought you to write a song of that nature?

I have always liked the way Jon Brion records string songs, they were always crazy from Rufus Wainwright to Fiona Apple. He has always been heavy into strings; I thought I would give it a try with that song. I don’t think I made it amazing like him… but we tried our best, we are still young.

You deserve to be incredibly proud of this record, many songs are worthy but which one will you be shooting a music video for?

I think they want to do “Trouble” but who knows… my mind is focused on new songs, new outlook on life.

What touring plans do you have to promoteThe Truth Is That You Are Alive?

Want to tour, but it’s always hard for us to go out… because of gas prices and things like that. Don’t have much money, ya know?

In the past there have been songs upwards of eight minutes in length; did you make a conscious effort to shorten the songs on this album?

Yeah nobody doesn’t want to hear an 8 minute song anymore; I ain’t Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. So I figured I would fit in a 3 minute space. Leave the 8 minute songs to the real poets.

You’ve always played a big part in the layout and design of the art on each record. How much of the artwork did you create for The Truth Is That You Are Alive and what is the meaning and symbolism behind it?

A close person of mine passed away and I made the album artwork to dedicate her passing.

I understand the significance of artwork to an album, but why have you chosen to not include the lyrics in the liner notes on the previous two albums?

I wanted to let people decide what I say, not me. I love how people sometimes have different words when they sing the songs. Like they think it’s that word but aren’t sure… but maybe in their minds it should have been ya know? So let them enjoy art not words, we got enough words in this fucked up place.

I’ve noticed the rather optimistic phrases phrases printed on the disc-faces of the CD’s on the last two records, was that your idea? Also, are you planning to continue that pattern on future releases?

I will always do it for all my records. Yes, they are beautiful I think.

Kris, thank you very much for your time; do you have a final statement that you’d care to make?

Well I would really like to thank you. To let me express my thoughts… so many people aren’t as lucky as me to have a chance to share their feelings, ya know? Maybe change one or two lives… maybe change a thought, maybe change nothing at all. But the fact that I have that is the biggest Gift I could of ever gotten from my music. I have been compared to Conor Oberst or Bob Dylan or Robert Smith or Leonard Cohen or Tom Petty… hell whoever. But I am proud and happy that people have thought of me in that light because those people I think have brought a huge change to music and to this planet. So to be a part of them is a great thing, I love music… I love to write… I love feeling I can give something back to the dust and the sun… kind of thanking this planet for letting me have a voice. But for now I am going to escape and become a better person when I come back. Thank you, xo.

Order The Truth Is That You Are Alive here.

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: An-Angle

The Format Offer Dog Problems For Free

June 26, 2007 By Adam Weidman Leave a Comment

In celebration of the one year anniversary release of their acclaimed album Dog Problems, The Format are giving everyone the chance to own the album for FREE. By clicking here you can download the entire record, it’s completely legal. Don’t pass up this great opportunity, Dog Problems was easily my favorite album of ’06.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: The Format

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