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Senses Fail – Still Searching

October 14, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 1 Comment

Still Searching

Artist: Senses Fail
Album: Still Searching
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: October 10, 2006

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 9.0

After releasing their first full length and having it suffer from being leaked online several months in advance, Senses Fail were labeled boring and unoriginal by many critics and people behind their keyboards. What a lot of these people failed to realize is that had that album came out when it was originally intended, it would’ve preceded the thousands of albums cloning them and the few other bands that were actually fronting the new wave of “screamo.” Senses Fail just got screwed in a moment which they could’ve owned, but they didn’t let that stop them. “Let It Enfold You,” despite the harsh criticisms was still a moderate success. The band are aiming for a bullseye this time around with their second LP for Vagrant, “Still Searching.”

The most obvious change for the band comes with the departure of long time guitarist Dave Miller and the new addition of Midtown’s Heath Saraceno. The guitars have always been one of the strongest parts of the band and Heath adds a whole new level of proficiency as he and Garret Zablocki have become a team worthy of the “dynamic duo” mantle.

Buddy Nielsen’s vocals have always been the subject of hate, which I can sometimes understand. For the most part, I always thought Buddy’s voice was pretty unique, and that helped to set the band apart from others. Not every vocalist has to be spot on for it to be good. Every now and then, there are a few flat notes(ex. “Shark Attack”) but overall, Buddy’s on top of his game. The most prominent difference in the frontman is his scream. He’s gone from a capophonic squeal to a lethal roar that’s sure to turn some heads.

Lyrically, Buddy dives into his experiences with nearly going insane for inspiration. Where his old suicide and murderous lyrics were just figurative for the sake of the songs, the accounts of “Still Searching” are far more introspective.

Senses Fail have definitely stepped their game up and this disc has the potential to sway former haters and turn them into fans. As for older fans, they should definitely dig “Still Searching” as it showcases the best the band has always offered and elevates them back to the top of the mountain of bands that piled up during their limbo.

Track Listing
1. The Rapture
2. Bonecrusher
3. Sick or Sane(Fifty For a Twenty)
4. Can’t Be Saved
5. Calling All Cars
6. Shark Attack
7. Still Searching
8. To All the Crowded Rooms
9. Lost and Found
10. Every Day Is a Struggle
11. All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues
12. Negative Space
13. The Priest and the Matador

Filed Under: Album, Reviews

Cassino Prep Full Length

October 12, 2006 By Trevor Bivens Leave a Comment

Nick from CassinoԚ posted a bulletin on myspace stating that the band will head to Nashville, TN at the end of the month to begin recording their full length. They’re aiming forԚ a release during the first half of the new year. Get excited.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Cassino

Spitalfield – Better Than Knowing Where You Are

October 5, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 3 Comments

Better Than Knowing Where You Are

Artist: Spitalfield
Album: Better Than Knowing Where You Are
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: October 3, 2006

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.0

Spitalfield are Victory’s best kept secret and their biggest mistake. By that, I mean that Spitalfield are a band that are so far above others, that it’s still cool to talk about them to people who don’t know who they are. By biggest mistake I mean that people not knowing who they are is an injustice done to this band. I don’t see any elaborate marketing campaign to catapult them into the same league as some of their peers who have gone on to sell hundreds of thousands of albums. Maybe I’m a little bitter, because their previous two albums mean so much to me.

“Remember Right Now” was a record that had a sound reminiscent of other emo/pop-rock bands that I was listening to at the time, but it stood out so much. It remained a permanent fixture in my listening lineup throughout high school. “Stop Doing Bad Things” was met with mixed reviews from fans, but manages to be spun every night(and often on repeat) when I’m going to sleep. I’m one of those people that found it to be far above the sugary goodness of RRN.

That brings us to Spitalfield’s third full length for Victory, “Better Than Knowing Where You Are.” For months, vocalist/guitarist Mark Rose has been saying that this album takes the best of the first two albums and puts them together to create a new direction altogether for the band. It’s true, as this new album is an amalglam of the previous two records, combining the pop sensibilities of the first album with the rock-edge of the second.

“Dare To…” opens the album with Mark’s voice calmly coming across the speakers backed up by an ambient guitar that leads into one of my favorite tracks, the fervent “The Only Thing That Matters.” Vocally, I believe this is Mark at his best, going from a soft croon into an explosive crescendo of vocal power. The pace doesn’t let up as “On The Floor” showcases Rose and former long-time guitarist Dan Lowder’s ability to play off eachother in a way that a lot of younger guitar-duo’s lack. First single “Secrets In Mirrors” proceeds to slow things down a bit. This is one of my least favorite tracks, and I don’t think it was a good pick for a first single. Lyrically, it’s got staying power, but it lacks the punch the previous two songs delivered. The title tracks picks things back up only to have them slowed down again by the relaxing “Hold On.” The song is smiliar to “In The Same Lifetime” from the band’s first Victory full length. The mid-tempo “Won’t Back Down” is easy on the ears and also tends to stick out for me. Three more rockers, including the lackluster “Lasting First Impression” are followed up by one more slow burner in “Novocaine.” Finally closing the album is the ridiculously delicious “Listen.”

While I’m completely in love with this album, a small handful of tracks that aren’t up to par tend to bring it down a little bit. However, the fact of the matter remains. Spitalfield are leaps and bounds above the blandess that so many bands are bringing to this style of music right now, and they always have been. If this record doesn’t elevate this band to a higher place, something is wrong. I can’t stress buying this album enough. Buy it for yourself, your friends, and even your parents. Then tell the world to go buy it.

Track Listing
1. Dare To…
2. The Only Thing That Matters
3. On The Floor
4. Secrets In Mirrors
5. Better Than Knowing Where You Are
6. Hold On
7. Won’t Back Down
8. Curtain Call
9. Tell Me, Clarice
10. Lasting First Impression
11. Novocaine
12. Listen

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Spitalfield, Victory Records

The Summer Obsession – This Is Where You Belong

October 3, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 2 Comments

This Is Where You Belong

Artist: The Summer Obsession
Album: This Is Where You Belong
Label: Virgin Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: August 29, 2006

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 6.5
Production: 8.0

For the longest time, I was trying to figure out why this band reminded me of old Good Charlotte. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that their old drummer is in this band. It explained a lot to me. I’d put this band on par with older Good Charlotte. I’m talking the first album, which ironically enough is the one Chris wasn’t on. The uh, good one. Yeah, I said it.

The Summer Obsession sound like Virgin Records’ too little, too late attempt to cash in on pop-punk. I could be wrong. Maybe it’s just the changing of the guard for major label lineups. Who knows? It doesn’t change the fact that this album could have been even better than just “pretty good.” Musically, TSO lay waste to Good Charlotte’s latest musical endeavors. A light piano line opens the album on “8 AM.” Automatically, the song takes a hold of you and refuses to let go with the aid of an explosive chorus. “Disappear” is another ear-pleaser, but the lyrics start to show their weakness. From here on out, the lyrics sound like they were taken from a Jr. High student’s notebook. Aside from the lyrics, I only have a few minor complaints with some annoying melodies and riffs, but for the most part, the album is pretty solid. On that note, “Melt the Sugar” needs to be a single. It’s got “school dance” written all over it.

If your siblings are tired of waiting for a new Fall Out Boy album and aren’t ready to appreciate the new Sugarcult or New Found Glory records, pick this up for them. Also, a personal note to Chris Wilson: Congratulations for being in a much better band than your previous one. Hopefully The Summer Obsession will mature with their next album and not try to act artsy.

Track Listing
1. 8 AM
2. Disappear
3. Never Coming Back
4. Death Said
5. Melt the Sugar
6. Burning Bridges
7. Bored
8. Do You Remember
9. Over My Head
10. Down For Whatever
11. I Miss You
12. Where You Belong

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: The Summer Obsession

The Pink Spiders – Teenage Graffiti

October 3, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 3 Comments

teenagegraffiti

Artist: The Pink Spiders
Album: Teenage Graffiti
Label: Suretone/Geffen Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 1, 2006

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.5

After taking control of hipsters’ ears everywhere, The Pink Spiders exploded onto the scene, capturing the hearts of so many more. Crafting themselves a sound that blends old-school pop sensibilities with modern day rockstar attitude, the best way to describe the Spiders’is like “The All American Rejects on Crack.” You’d never guess these fellas were from Tennessee.

The album opens up with the in-your-face “Soft Smoke” and doesn’t let up. The third track, “Modern Swinger” continues the assault as a song that can wipe the floor with any others put up against it. First single, “Little Razorblade” bounces along with a mellow beat and the potential to be background music on “The O.C.” The album proceeds to the end with an even blend of hard rockers and slow jams, proving once again that bands from Tennessee can write more than mountain-music.

Basically, The Pink Spiders don’t care what you think about them, because they know how good they are. “Teenage Graffiti” stacks up against, and pushes over most of the other rock albums available from major labels. Provided Geffen doesn’t screw this band over, the future could be paved with gold for The Pink Spiders.

Track Listing
1. Soft Smoke
2. Saturday Nite Riot
3. Modern Swinger
4. Hollywood Fix
5. Little Razorblade
6. Nobody Baby
7. Hey Jane
8. Still Three Shy
9. Adalane
10. Easy Way Out
11. Pretend That This Is Fiction
12. Secret Song

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: The-Pink-Spiders

Christopher Gutierrez Industry Interview (2)

August 21, 2006 By Trevor Bivens Leave a Comment

Christopher Gutierrez

This interview has been a long time coming. When I say a long time, I mean months and months. However, due to Chris being the awesome dude he is, we didn’t give up. After several delete button mistakes, file scavenger hunts, and waiting, here’s the follow up interview with Christopher Gutierrez.

Trevor: 1. How’s all your book business going right now? Are people still responding to it well?

Chris: “Business”? If by “business” you mean packing up books in my basement apartment, well then I suppose its doing well enough to be sold out of the first printing.
Surprisingly, its been met with wonderful reviews. Every day i get emails everywhere from France to Brazil to Australia telling me how much they loved the book. I managed to fool everyone.

Trevor: 2. Why the idea to do a spoken word cd? What all will be included on the disc?

Chris: Well, when I began doing the voice posts, some of the lurkers seemed to like hearing my whiny voice. Someone along the line put the idea in my head that I should take my favorite posts, read them and make it into a cd. So, because I need something to keep me busy until the next book out, I got together with my friend Eric and we went to his place of work and stole studio time.

Trevor: 3. What new stories are you excited about for your new book?

Chris: I have 14 planned for the second book. The same amount as the first but with the new stories I want them to be more in depth and twice as long. Its hard for me to go back and read the first book without thinking, “Man, i wasted some good stories in here, I could have told them so much better.” I refuse to make the same mistake with the second book.
As of today I have 6 stories written, the two that I’m most happy with are my accounts of running my first marathon and the second being the terrifying experience of running with the bulls in pamplona, spain…but as far as humor goes, the one about a failed attempt at a 3-some will definitely ensure I wont be able to let my mother read this next book as well.

Trevor: 4. How did your college reading go?

Chris: The people that invited me out to Adams State College in Colorado couldnt have been more amazing. From the moment they picked me up at the airport, to the night of the reading, to lunch and dinner…I couldnt have asked for a better reception. Pssh, and dont forget the fact that they managed to coax the school into spending money to fly out some loud mouthed douche bag and pay him to stand behind a podium and talk about beating off and the exploits of his raging ego. awesomeness all around.

Trevor: 5. You’ve been at the center of several internet drama scenarios. How do you deal with/respond to all the speculation and rumors that start?

Chris: The positive thing about all of the attention is you grow thick skin really fast and you learn how to take criticism well. You can call me every name in the book and insult every facet of my life, I dont mind. its actually entertaining to see the interesting ways people will come at you and try to get get under your skin. Everything from calling my ex girlfriend a whore to saying my mother should have aborted me. Anyomous kids pontificating behind a keyboard will do just about anything to get a rise out of you. I find it amusing.
The only thing that actually bothered me a bit was the way that I got “accused” for doing things I never did, referring to the leaking of the pictures that I was constantly accused and convicted of. I addressed it in a couple lines once and said that while it would have been awesome revenge had I done it but sadly I wasnt responsible, yet countless gossip sites and radio stations continued to place the blame on me, because as they put it, “Who would have motive?” I understand why they would think as much but goddamn, I’m a poor motherfucker, dont you think I would have sold that shit outright if I had em? For the record, I never “hacked” anyones shit and I never “leaked” any pictures. I’ve been offered ridiculous compensation to discuss in depth the drama, secrets and my relationship but I have and will continue to turn them down.

Trevor: 6. What are some instant messages that automatically qualify as a “block” on your buddy list?
Chris: “Why are you on my buddy list?”
“Who are you?”
“Hey Chris, you were our only friend.”

I’ve mentioned this multiple times yet I still maintain a healthy block list of over 2000 people with a minimum of 20 additions per day. Be nice and respectful and if I have time, I’ll respond. Keep it quick and don’t be a pest. That’s all I ask.

Trevor: 7. How did the “Ask Hey Chris” hoodie come about?

Chris: I took an extended vacation after Colorado to hang with some friends in LA. While I was out there I rolled up to the Neighborhoodies store and got an idea to take a line I wrote a while back and make a hoodie out of it. Jokingly, I posted some pictures of me wearing it and a handful of lurkers asked where I had gotten it. It’s supply and demand. Lurkers wanted it, and with the help of some awesome kids over at oaththreadline.com we supplied it.

Trevor: 8. When will you be taking over “Sex Talk With Sue” on Oxygen?

Chris: Honestly, I would love to discuss more sexual topics but I also know that a large amount of the lurkers are either underage or inexperienced so a lot of the humor goes over their heads. Who knows, I have a lot of perverted shit rolling around in my head. Maybe ill come out with a “how to correctly masturbate into your roommates sock” post after this.

Trevor: 9. More publications are beginning to interview you. How do you react to the requests? Did you ever think you’d get to be this well-known?

Chris: I always preface each interview with, “You know im not in a band and im just some douchebag, right?”
Not my fault if someone wants to waste their time talking to a perverted egomaniac.
Honestly, I never saw the attention coming.

Trevor: 10. I know I said I would never ask you a Fall Out Boy question, but how do you respond to things like, “Oh, he’s only riding on their coat tails?” because in my opinion, that’s pretty much bullshit.

Chris: Well, it is and it isnt.
I was handed something, whether I wanted it or not. Someone wrote a song about me and I got attention from it. Ridiculous or not, it was there. So what do you do with it? Seriously, when people comment with “you’re just exploiting it” I say, “yeah, to an extent I am.” I wouldnt say I was irresponsible with it, but fuck, what would you do? You didnt ask for the attention but all of a sudden thousands of people are listening to you, so what do you do? So yes, I do use it but I try and use it in the most useful way I see fit. I try and make kids think. I dont want people to necessarily agree with me and I’m not saying I’m the most intelligent mother fucker out there, I simply want to see the exchange of ideas put back into this community. It discourages me when I hear kids say, “I’m just here for the music, I dont want to hear about politics or preaching,” as if ideas are poison. It’s sad to see kids who should be filled with youthful energy pacified by the dumbing down of “punk rock”. People will have their opinions and I will have mine. As long as theyre still reading what I have to say, I know I’m still effecting them in some way. So I win. Haha.

Trevor: 11. Do you ever wish you could take it all back and go back to not having so much attention?

Chris: Nope. Not at all. I’ve always been like this, even before livejournals.

Trevor: 12. If you could make a soundtrack to map out a typical day in your life, what would the track listing be?

Chris: Wow, excellent question.
Wake to The Rocket Summer.
Shower to the Misfits, because I have been for the past 16 years.
Walk to work to ‘Search and Destroy’ by Iggy and the Stooges.
On the train to My Chemical Romance, because it makes me feel even more of an outcast amongst the suits.
Run to Modern Life is War, Throwdown, Judge or Kid Dynamite.
Relax to Red Sparowes.
Watch the DMX reality show.
Have sex to Danzig and She Wants Revenge.
Wind down to Billy Joel and Simon and Garfunkle.

Trevor: 13. What bands should everybody be listening to already, and what bands should they look out for in the future?

Chris: Well, if you’re not listening to Black Flag, Halifax, American Nightmare, Rise Against, Van Halen, Tupac, Lifetime, The Cure, Naked Raygun, Modern Life Is War or the Academy then you basically have the worst taste in music.
You need to be looking out for Ruiner, The Kooks and 2*sweet.

Trevor: 14. Do you have anything else planned for the future as far as your internet celebrity goes?

Chris: “Internet celebrity”…I dont think its possible to ever say those two words without a hint of sarcasm or condescention.
Well, I have the spoken word cd recorded and finished, I’m looking to have a release date at the end of August and the second book out by Christmas. I will also be putting out some shirts this summer through the oaththreadline clothing company and by fall having a new stock of the hoodies back for sale.
Other than that, I plan on doing a lot more speakings this year and continuing to run my mouth and tell my adventures via livejournal.

Chris’ Livejournal

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Christopher-Gutierrez

Gym Class Heroes – As Cruel As School Children

August 7, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 1 Comment

ascruelas

Artist: Gym Class Heroes
Album: As Cruel As School Children
Label: Decaydance / Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 25, 2006

Overall: 9.7
Music: 9.7
Lyrics: 9.8
Production: 9.6

Easily the best act on Decaydance, Gym Class Heroes follow up 2005â┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s â┚¬Ã…”The Papercut Chroniclesâ┚¬? with an album that shows what hip-hop has the potential to be today. â┚¬Ã…”As Cruel As School Childrenâ┚¬? serves up fourteen tracks of Travis McCoy spitting verses with more relevance than any modern day MC.

Donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t let the man fool you, though. While Schlep may wear his heart on his sleeve, heâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s anything but emo, though others may try to say different due to the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s label associations. Touching on subjects like love seems to brand one with a stigma thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s become more and more derogatory as the millennium approaches the last stretch of its first decade.

Opening the album is the discâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s second single â┚¬Ã…”The Queen and I.â┚¬? From the first few notes of the song, you can tell that musically, the band has elevated to a level beyond that of their debut. â┚¬Ã…”Shoot Down the Starsâ┚¬? introduces us to something weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll hear a lot more over the course of the album; Travis sings with a voice full of soul, proving heâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s more than just an MC, heâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s one of the most charismatic frontmen in a group poised to break through multiple genre barriers. On â┚¬Ã…”New Friend Request,â┚¬? McCoy references the Myspace generation with seriousness, but more humor as one whoâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s ever had a conversation with him would expect. One of my favorite lines of the album is also in the song, quipping, â┚¬Ã…”On a scale of one to awesome, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m the shit!â┚¬? Heâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s quite the rival for Kanye West, eh? â┚¬Ã…”Clothes Offâ┚¬? featuring Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy could give us insight to what their own new album could sound like. â┚¬Ã…”Sloppy Love Jingle Pt. 1â┚¬? gives us some amazing spoken word parts that end up spread throughout the disc, and theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re just as intriguing as the songs. From here on out, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s song after song full of above average tracks that make this album a new hip-hop classic. Another couple of tracks that deserve recognition are â┚¬Ã…”7 Weeksâ┚¬? featuring William Beckett of theAcademyIsâ┚¬Ã‚¦ actually sounding happy to be making a cameo for once, and â┚¬Ã…”Scandalous Scholastics,â┚¬? a track paying tribute to hitting a homerun with a hot teacher. Solid gold.

Lyrically, musically, and passionately playing in a new class, it seems like the band has graduated from the gym to the music room. The one thing that stood out about this band from the beginning was the organic sound that stemmed from them actually playing instruments, rather than having electronic beats. Expanding on their sound this time, theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve actually added effects and some other electronics to their parts, but it only makes them even more formidable as a group.

With the potential for a mainstream hit this year, Gym Class Heroes could help re-take hip-hop to a place without bling, bitchez, and hos. Please, give the world a Gym Class Heroes and Atmosphere tour. Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re doing it right.

Track Listing
1. 1st Period: The Queen And I
2. 2nd Period: Shoot Down The Stars
3. 3rd Period: New Friend Request
4. 4th Period: Clothes Off!
5. Lunch: Sloppy Love Jingle
6. 6th Period: Viva La White Girl
7. 7th Period: 7 Weeks
8. 8th Period: It’s OK, But Just This Once!
9. Study Hall: Sloppy Love Jingle Part 2
10. 10th Period: Biters Block
11. Yearbook Club: Boys In Bands
12. 12th Period: Scandalous Scholastics
13. 13th Period: On My Own Time (Write On!)
14. Detention: Sloppy Love Jingle Part 3

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Decaydance, Fueled By Ramen, Gym Class Heroes

Boys Like Girls – Boys Like Girls

August 4, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 10 Comments

Boys Like Girls

Artist: Boys Like Girls
Album: Boys Like Girls
Label: Red Ink / Columbia
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 22, 2006

Overall: 9.3
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.2
Production: 9.5

Every year, one band tends to stick out to me more than others. Last year, it was Paramore. This year, it’s Boston’s Boys Like Girls. If pure, hook-filled, melodic, pop music is your thing, then BLG’s self-titled debut is right up your alley.

I can’t stress enough how every track on this album has the potential to be a hit single.
From the opening three songs “The Great Escape,” “Five Minutes to Midnight,” and the first single “Hero/Heroine,” this album screams “next big thing.” The rest of the disc is hook after hook of sugarcoated goodness. Following the tradition of The Academy Is…, Paramore, theAudition, and Hit the Lights, Boys Like Girls are my new favorite sing a long band.

Martin’s voice has a ridiculously varied range. It’s showcased on every song on the album. John, Paul, and Bryan back him up, bringing on some of the best music I’ve heard in this genre since every high school kid with a guitar listened to one pop-punk song and said, “I can do that.”

Lyrically, the songs tackle issues like taking on life head-on, relationships, and making the best of things. If you’re ever feeling down, this album will help perk up your attitude.

This is the Matt Squire production I knew and loved. That other album must have been a fluke.

With a great live show, and an excellent debut under their belts, Boys Like Girls are standing on the edge of being this year’s Panic! or Fall Out Boy, practically begging for mainstream success. If you’re not too much of a snob to admit you like ridiculously poppy music, pick this album up.

Track Listing
1. The Great Escape
2. Five Minutes To Midnight
3. Hero/Heroine
4. On Top Of The World
5. Thunder
6. Me, You, And My Medication
7. Up Against A Wall
8. Dance Hall Drug
9. Learning To Fall
10. Heels Over Head
11. Broken Man
12. Holiday

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Boys Like Girls

Silverstein – 18 Candles: The Early Years

July 3, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 1 Comment

Silverstein

Artist: Silverstein
Album: 18 Candles: The Early Years
Label: Victory
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 30, 2006

Overall: 7.0
Music:
Lyrics:
Production:

I’m not going to give anything else a rating on this, simply because everything is too varied to give individual ratings.

More bands should do this, though. This is a really nice collection of rare, old, and b-side tracks. However, I can’t help but feel this is a way for Victory to milk even more money from this band.

Listening to the first few tracks on this album reminds me of random bands that send me friend requests on myspace. The recording quality isn’t too great, but you still get a feel for the potential of a band. I tend to like rough sounding recordings, and I think it adds to the charm of these songs. Throw in some demos of songs from “When Broken Is Easily Fixed” and “Discovering the Waterfront” and the progression of the songs’ sounds shows. The real gems are the acoustic versions of “My Heroine” and “Call It Karma”(easily one of the best songs this band has ever constructed.) A few live tracks and a ridiculous dance remix of “Smile In Your Sleep” help round this collection out and make it a must have for any Silverstein fan.

Tracklisting:
1. Waiting Four Years
2. Wish I Could Forget You
3. Friends In Fallriver
4. Summer’s Stellar Gaze
5. My Consolation
6. Forever and a Day
7. Red Light Pledge
8. Dawn of the Fall
9. Wish I Could Forget You
10. Bleeds No More
11. Last Days of Summer
12. Waiting Four Years
13. My Heroine(Acoustic)
14. Call It Karma(Acoustic)
15. Discovering the Waterfront(Live)
16. Defend You(Live)
17. Bleeds No More(W/wiL from Aiden Live)
18. Smile In Your Sleep(Dance Remix)

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Silverstein, Victory Records

A.F.I. – Decemberunderground

July 3, 2006 By Trevor Bivens Leave a Comment

A.F.I.

Artist: A.F.I.
Album: Decemberunderground
Label: Interscope
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: June 6, 2006

Overall: 8.6
Music: 8.9
Lyrics: 8.4
Production: 8.5

A.F.I. captured mainstream success with “Sing the Sorrow.” The album received mixed feelings from longtime fans. It was a drastic change for the band, sound wise, and because it was released on a major label. The follow up album, “Decemberunderground” is sure to alienate even more older fans just for the fact that’s it’s not the same thing over again.

The opening track “Predlude 12/21” musically sounds like a new theme for Harry Potter, but remains hauntingly chilling to listen to. “Kill Caustic” shows sparks of the AFI of old: fast, loud, and in your face. You can still tell that the band’s pop sensibilities are shining through again, though. The album proceeds to throw itself in different directions throught the course of nearly an hour. Listening to “Love Like Winter” will make you ask yourself if you just jumped back into the 80s. More synths and effects have been added to this album than any other. The band have really tried to keep moving their sound forward on this disc and have done a great job.

If the right singles are picked(I don’t think “Miss Murder” was a great choice), A.F.I. should have no problem surpassing the sales of “Sing the Sorrow” and gaining a multitude of new fans.

Track Listing
1. Prelude 12/21
2. Kill Caustic
3. Miss Murder
4. Summer Shudder
5. The Interview
6. Love Like Winter
7. Affliction
8. The Missing Frame
9. Kiss and Control
10. The Killing Lights
11. 37mm
12. Endlessly, She Said

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: A.F.I.

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