Driven Far Off

The latest on the indie, alternative, and rock music scene including news, music, contest, interviews, and more. Best described as your favorite place to find new bands.

Amber Pacific – Truth In Sincerity

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Amber Pacific

Artist: Amber Pacific
Album: Truth In Sincerity
Label: Hopeless Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22nd, 2007

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.5

For those of you anticipating Amber Pacific’s new album “Truth in Sincerity” to be a complete evolution from their first full-length album, “The Possibility in the Promise”, you will be disappointed. However, for those of you that are fans of Amber Pacific’s original style, you will be thrilled with their latest album. Amber Pacific, consisting of Matt Young, Greg Strong, “Dango”, and Will Nutter, can be described as one of those bands that is distinguished in great part by the sound of their vocalist’s voice. Matt Young has a deep, sorrowful voice that can easily convey the emotions that their music typically expresses: love, heartbreak, and anguish. The quality and sound of his vocals hasn’t changed within the new album. The band’s generally romance-related song messages are also disclosed through their creative, sentimental lyrics; the topics their music touches on have also not changed very much throughout this album.

Nor has the general sound of their music changed too much. It is heavily guitar-incorporated and has a hopeful sound that appeals to many. The main change that Amber Pacific has made in their music within the new album is the speed of their songs. Many songs in the new album have a quicker pace. I personally enjoyed the sound of the new album, but was somewhat disappointed to not see many changes in their music, although I am a fan of “The Possibility and the Promise”. Being a fan of their previous full-length album, I was excited to see that the CD’s bonus tracks were, in fact, acoustic versions of two songs from “The Possibility and the Promise”-“Always You (Good Times)” and “For What It’s Worth”. Throughout these numbers, Matt Young’s voice sounds very raw and natural-suggesting that he is a naturally talented vocalist.

So, all in all, I recommend Amber Pacific’s latest album to fans that wouldn’t mind and might in fact enjoy hearing something very similar to their last album. For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of listening to Amber Pacific prior to now, I also recommend the albums to those of you interested in a rock band with a somewhat mellow sound.

Track List
1. Rule #76
2. Summer (In B)
3. Temporary
4. Youre Only Young Once
5. Living Proof
6. Follow Your Dreams
7. Take Me From This
8. Fall Back Into My Life
9. We Think Were Hardcore, Cause, Well, We Are
10. Runaway (Featuring Mike Herrera Of Mxpx)
11. Watching Over Me
12. Dear ____, This Has Always Been About Standing Up For Yourself

The Used – Lies for the Liars

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The Used

Artist: The Used
Album: Lies for the Liars
Label: Reprise Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22, 2007

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

The Used haven’t, within highly anticipated “Lies for the Liars”, made a complete transformation from their musical style seen in their 2004 album “In Love In Death”. This isn’t to say, however, that they haven’t made significant (and, in my own opinion, positive) changes to their music. Depending on the song, various features are present in their new music that were absent from their old. Jazz-like intros and tunes, piano incorporation, heavy guitar riffs, well-meshing lead and backup vocals, and softer-toned vocals are some of the alterations that have been made to The Used’s music. However, for those of you fond of their old music, frontman Bert McCracken’s voice has the same sweet-sounding quality, the lyrics are just as groundbreaking and raw, and screaming, bitter songs are still around for this Utah-based group. Some songs have a better tune and overall musical appeal than others, but all songs are of good quality. The lyrics, as stated before, continue throughout this album to be truthful and raw, and yet they have a poetic, deep quality to them at some points as well. The album overall is of fantastic quality, and will be appreciated by new and old fans alike of the four man band consisting of Bert McCracken, Jeph Howard, Quinn Allman, and Dan Whiteside. I highly recommend this album to anyone generally interested in alternative music. Here are some descriptions detailing the musical and lyrical quality of specific tracks. Enjoy!

Track One: “The Ripper”
The opening to the first number of “Lies for the Liars” is intense and most definitely guitar-incorporated. The screeching guitar riff that introduces the album may even be described as metal-esque. Throughout this song, McCracken extends from his typically sweet-toned vocals, and his voice meshes well with that of backup vocalist/ bass guitarist Jeph (Jepha) Howard. The heavy guitar continues throughout the song, and some screaming ensues as well.

Track Two: “Pretty Handsome Awkward”
The second track contains another guitar-incorporated opening. McCracken’s vocals are intense, and the lyrics he sings are bitter and angry. The tune to this raging number is less likeable than that of the first track.

Track Three: “The Bird and The Worm”
Instead of opening with a guitar riff, the Bird and the Worm has an unusual overall, and not just for The Used, beginning, with violin and piano meshing to create an appealing old-fashioned sound. In this number, McCracken’s vocals sound more similar to those throughout “In Love and Death”. Something that seems to be a trend is Howard’s backup vocals mixing well with McCracken’s lead vocals. The lyrics that Howard and McCracken sing contain very effective metaphors and imagery, comparing a man fearful of society to a worm (“He crawls like a worm from a bird”).

Track Four: “Earthquake”
The vocals are softened within this song, as are the sometimes bitter and consistently raw lyrics. The lyrics detail difficulties within a relationship, as illustrated by the line “Have I murdered our love?”, and the instrumentals and vocals sound sad and lonely as the lyrics beg the narrator’s partner to return.

Track Five: “Hospital”
The song “Hospital” has a very unique beat, as is enhanced by the remarkable drumming within this number. The sound and lyrics are very angst-filled throughout this song, a transition from “Earthquake”. The name of the album can be found within the lyrics of this nicely tuned song (“Save the lies for the liars”), and the lyrics also seem to be regarding the plight of a sick man, as would be expected in a song titled, “Hospital”.

Track Six: “Paralyzed”
Another old-fashioned, piano-incorporated sound fills the listeners ears in the beginning of this song. A unique jazz-like sound continues throughout the track as well. The vocals throughout “Paralyzed” mesh well with the sound of the instruments. Also, the guitar riff within the middle of the song is notably well-placed and well-written.

Track Seven: “With Me Tonight”
In this song, the vocals are strong and most noticeable. The lyrics and heartbroken and unique within the chorus. “With Me Tonight” is one of my favorite songs in the entirety of the album.

Track Eight: “Wake the Dead”
A mechanical-like beginning is followed by purposefully inconsistent and intriguing vocals. The guitar within this number is very noticeable, and the number is notable in that it is the angriest sounding song on the album. As for notable details, the song features female vocals.

Track Nine: “Find a Way”
“Find a Way” starts off spewing out random sounds at the listener and slowly transitioning into soft guitar and equally soft and sweet lyrics from McCracken. There is little instrumental throughout the song, and the number is a calm one for the usually hyper-active, angst-filled lyrics of The Used. This number is very emotionally intriguing.

Track Ten: “Liar Liar Burn in Hell”
The Used’s latest album seems to contain distinctive song-openings, and “Liar Liar Burn in Hell” is no exception to this observation, as it begins with the sound of ambulance sirens and another intense guitar riff. Vocalists throughout the chorus take on a shouting tone-probably to further express the rage conveyed by the issue-tackling lyrics. The lyrics in this number are also the most explicit ones throughout all of the songs on the highly-anticipated album. The ending of this song is also very unique. The song concludes with a line from a song most commonly sung by children, and which I am sure you will recognize-“Liar, liar, pants on fire, sitting on a telephone wire”.

Track Eleven: “Smother Me”
Another piano-incorporated beginning commences this song, which is similar to “Find A Way” in that the vocals an lyrics are soft and romantic, and the vocals are softer-toned. The ending song for the Used’s new album contrasts the ending song for their second album, which concluded with a song that could be lightly described as angry. The actual conclusion of the album and “Smother Me” is very different than any song the used has ever created, however-a rap-styled song that seems to be present just for laughs, as the only lyric in the song is “quesadilla”.

Be sure to purchase “Lies for the Liars” from The Used on May 22nd, 2007!

Track Listing
1. The Ripper
2. Pretty Handsome Awkward
3. The Bird And The Worm
4. Earthquake
5. Hospital
6. Paralyzed
7. With Me Tonight
8. Wake The Dead
9. Find A Way
10. Liar Liar (Burn In Hell)
11. Smother Me

Punk Goes Acoustic 2

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Punk Goes Acoustic 2

Artist: Various Artists
Album: Punk Goes Acoustic 2
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 5, 2007

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

Fearless Records has been putting out these Punk Goes.. something albums for a while now. The latest one being Punk Goes Acoustic 2. This follow up to Punk Goes Acoustic gives the listener the same thing they have been wanting, acoustic and even more emotional versions of songs by their favorite artists. Although this album does not have as big name artists as the first one it gives the listener just as much bang for their buck.

The best songs on the album without questions are the All Time Low, The All-American Rejects, and The Spill Canvas songs. I already love those songs in their original version, but on this album they are given a whole new face lift and sound. All Time Low plays “Jasey Rae”, which is performed beautifully with soft guitars and piano playing the lead guitar parts. “Night Drive” is The All-American Rejects song. On this album AAR give it a completely new style, slowed down and sort of an acoustic folk rock sound. The Spill Canvas has their famous hit “Staplegunned”, which is just an extremely emotional song in which the emotion is amplified times three when played acoustically.

Other good songs are The Audition’s “Don’t Be So Hard”, Relient K’s “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been”, Jack’s Mannequin’s “Brusied”, and Sherwood’s “The Only Song”. There isn’t that much that is special about “Don’t Be So Hard” or “Bruised”, they are just really great acoustic versions. “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” is also performed great, and is also not completely acoustic you will hear drums halfway throughout the song. The drums seem necessary for a song like this one, which in its original version is played very fast paced and upbeat. Sherwood plays one of their brand new songs “The Only Song”, which the best thing about it is the harmonizing and catchy guitars parts play acoustically.

There are some bands on this album that many people, including myself are not to familar with yet. One of them being Mayday Parade. I really enjoyed their acoustic verison of “Three Cheers For Five Years”. It’s chopped filled with dualing vocals and piano. If their actually cd is anything like this song they will definitely be a band to look to in the near future. The only true punk bands included on this album are the old and famous Anti-Flag and the newly claimed Set Your Goals. I really honestly don’t like the anti-government rants by Anti-Flag but they did a good acoustic version of “Welcome To 1984”. Set Your Goals perform a decent acoustic version of “Echos”. Althought it is really not even that acoustic. Drums are played constantly throughout the entire song, also with a bass and acoustic guitar. It is pretty much performed with a full band, unlike the rest of the songs on the album.

With these Various Artists albums its rare to find one that is completely perfect. This one comes pretty close. There is only a couple of songs I do not like on here, and all the rest are amazing or just averagely good. I recommend this album for everyone, and especially if you like acoustic songs. This is a great acoustic album.

Standout Tracks
“Jasey Rae”, “Staplegunned”, “Night Drive”, “Bruised”

Tracklisting
1. Jack’s Mannequin – Bruised
2. The Audition – Don’t Be So Hard
3. +44 -Baby, Come On
4. Daphne Loves Derby – Sun
5. Say Anything – Woe
6. Alesana – Apology
7. All Time Low – Jasey Rae
8. Silverstein – Red Light Pledge
9. The All-American Rejects – Night Drive
10. Mayday Parade – Three Cheers For Five Years
11. The Spill Canvas – Staplegunned
12. Relient K – Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been
13. Anti-Flag – Welcome To 1984
14. Sherwood – The Onl Song
15. Set Your Goals – Echoes

Funeral For A Friend – Tales Don’t Tell Themselves

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Tales Don

Artist: Funeral For A Friend
Album: Tales Don’t Tell Themselves
Label: Atlantic Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 15, 2007

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.0

First off I have to say that what I’m going to say about this album many may not agree with. If you are listening to Funeral For A Friend for the first time I’m sure you will like this album, if you are an old fan you will probably be pissed off because it’s nothing like “Causually Dressed In Deep Conversation” and “Hours”. Honestly “Hours” was just leading up to this album with the gradual change in style. There is no screaming at all in this album, which is what many people enjoyed to hear when listening to this band. “Hours” had some screaming but not too much, in this album it’s just completely mainstream rock. This album is actually a concept album about a fisherman lost at sea and trying to find his way home. Every track on this album is arranged in such a way that you can feel the intensity of the story that the band is telling through the music. This is one of the most well put together concept albums I’ve heard in a while.

The album begins with the single “Into Oblivion (Reunion)”, which has a main purpose to show the introduction to the story. Immediately you can tell from this song that the band has developed into a more mature rock sound than previous albums. The song has an anthem type of sound with soaring guitars in the chorus. This song also has strings and guitars in the verse that just cruise along with the lyrics. “The Great Wide Open” is more a rocker type of song. Then there is “The Diary”, which could easily be the next single, and has more of a pop rock feel. “On A Wire” is one of the slower songs, and is a type of ballad with a emotional hard-driven chorus. The “All Hands On Deck” songs are a bit more lively than the rest of the songs, and you can definitely tell how these tell the exciting parts of the story. “Out Of Reach” is definitely one of the faster songs on the album, and gives off a somewhat similar sound of their previous styles of music. The album finishes off nicely with “The Sweetest Wave”, which is a quite lengthy song with a little bit of strings and piano. The song starts off slow but has a hard hitting face paced sound differing from any kind of music ever played by the band.

I’ll say it again, this is a good album. Everyone should definitely give this a listen, if you don’t like it immediately just give it time. I honestly can see this album getting popular and very big. This will be one of the better albums released this year, and also one of the most hated and criticized albums due to everyone judging this music compared to previous Funeral For A Friend releases. Disregard the older cds before you listen to this and come into it like it is a whole new band and take it for what it is, a conceptual album that tells a story with 10 catchy well written rock songs.

Standout Tracks
“Into Oblivion (Reunion)”, “The Diary”, “All Hands On Deck Part 1: Raise The Sail”

Tracklisting
1. Into Oblivion (Reunion)
2. The Great Wide Open
3. The Diary
4. One A Wire
5. All Hands On Deck Part 1: Raise The Sail
6. All Hands On Deck Part 2: Open Water
7. Out Of Reach
8. One For The Road
9. Walk Away
10. The Sweetest Wave

The Fall of Troy – Manipulator

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The Fall of Troy

Artist: The Fall of Troy
Album: Manipulator
Label: Equal Vision Records
Purchase: SmartPunk
Release Date: May 1st, 2007

Overall: 9.0
Music: 10
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 9.0

It’s almost seven thirty in the evening and my feet are cold after walking outside without any shoes on. The house is silent and empty, like a pirate ship sitting at the bottom of the ocean. The sun is disappearing and the glow from the television is radiating into the living room. My headphones are placed over my ears and the sudden ensemble of a three-piece band enters my left and right eardrum. I am now descending into a brightly lit cave with a new sensation of musical brilliance sitting in the center, waiting to be discovered.

Records tend to be overly anticipated and when the record is released, everyone is let down and left in a state of perplexity. The Fall of Troy created a name for themselves with the impressive guitar work, catchy chorus, in your face screaming, and melodic screaming. With two releases under their belt, the band has a cult following with message boards overflowing with speculation and gossip from fans of all walks of life. “Manipulator” was a familiar word in the fans’ vocabulary and the hype was overpowering. The record was released and the hype was over. “Manipulator” is a work of masterpiece that is both career-defining and impressive.

The Fall of Troy still incorporates their familiar elements, but they have progressed, matured, and overall grown as musicians. It’s as if the band decided to throw all the genres this world has seen into a bag, shook it up to make sure a mixture is created, and spilled the contents on the recording equipment. There is everything from a little jazz to fast-paced, catchy melodies that will wrap its arms around your memory for weeks.

“Manipulator” is a progression of The Fall of Troy’s last two releases, but also showcases what they are capable of. The heavy parts are heavier. The melodic parts are catchier. After listening to the record, you begin to realizing that a band doesn’t need eight members to have a full-sounding record. The Fall of Troy has three solid members. Three members that are above most bands in talent and creativity. The singing has improved and is a lot cleaner. The screams have a wide range and are a lot heavier. Some lyrics will make you laugh, other lyrics will make you sit down, reread them, and think about what they mean.

The Fall of Troy has become one of those bands that fans can easily identify because of their unique sound. The band is ahead of the curve and doing something most bands are too terrified to do. The Fall of Troy is making the music that they want to, but also putting every ounce of creativity into the riffs, beats, yells, and singing. “Manipulator” is a perfect example of what music should sound like, with enough experimentation to drown the state of California.

The Fall of Troy’s “Manipulator” is impressive, first-rate, and shaping out to be a cult classic. The songs are catchy and diverse, leaving you wanting to replay the entire record all over again. “Manipulator” is like the Chipotle burrito you eat after eating peanut butter sandwiches for eighteen years straight. Refreshing and so filling.

Track Listing
1. Cut Down All The Trees And Name The Streets After Them
2. The Dark Trail
3. Quarter Past
4. Problem!?
5. Semi-Fiction
6. Oh, The Casino!
7. Sledgehammer
8. Seattlantis
9. Ex-Creations
10. Shhh! If You’re Quiet I’ll Show You A Dinosaur
11. Caught Up
12. A Man A Plan a Canal-Panama

Sullivan – Cover Your Eyes

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sullivan cover your eyes

Artist: Sullivan
Album: Cover Your Eyes
Label: Tooth and Nail Record
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: June 5th, 2007

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

With a style that most people would categorize probably as “Alternative Rock” I feel as if Sullivan falls into a small category which most people don’t recognize, “Vocal Rock”. Bands will be defined by a number of things but bands like My Chemical Romance and Coheed and Cambria are ones that are defined by the singer’s voice. The vocals in a sense make the band what they are. Sullivan, in my opinion, falls into the Vocal Rock category with the unique pipes that Brooks Paschal lets shine on their first, and now sophomore record “Cover Your Eyes”.

Right from the moment the record starts with the static verse, it draws you in with its lyrics that walk the melody tightrope. “F-stop” is a straight ahead “turn it up” rock song that any Sullivan fan would be right at home with. Overall “Cover Your Eyes” seems a little bit more focused than the debut album “Hey, I’m a Ghost” was. The Music and style of the songs on the album feel more like an intentional effort more than simply a collection of songs that got grouped together.

While it’s hard to fault any songs directly as “bad” songs, rather some songs simply fall victim to bad parts. “Great for my Collection” and “Dig Me Up” are ones that are OK, but simply feel like they could have been better.

“Fire Away” and “Olive Branch” are some of the stand out tracks on the record. These songs are unique and stretch the bands reach to some listeners they may not have reached before. “Olive Branch” is a perfect acoustic gem that adds a softer side to the rock album. The album closer “Fire Away” is probably the bands greatest song to date. The song begins with airy music with vocals to match. The verses lay down a firm foundation for the song to build from which it does continually and does not let up until the end.

I hate saying that this band has “matured” musically, but they really have and it shines through wonderfully on the album. Please check out some songs they’ve put up. Even if you weren’t a huge fan before Sullivan definitely deserves a second look.

Tracklisting
1 Fstop
2 Goodbye Miss Havisham
3 Tell Me I’m Wrong
4 Great For My Collection
5 Florida Queen
6 The Olive Branch
7 The Process
8 Dig Me Up
9 Israel Hands
10 Fire Away

Bayside- The Walking Wounded

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Bayside

Artist: Bayside
Album: The Walking Wounded
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: February 6, 2007

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

Following up their wildly successful album Devotion and Desire released on Victory Records, Bayside are set to attract more fans to them. The Walking Wounded is twelve tracks packed with emotion and vitality. From the opening track “The Walking Wounded” which features Vinnie (I Am the Avalanche/The Movielife) to their single “Duality”, Bayside offers thundering anthems that introduces newfound maturity and urgency to their sound.

Bayside is one of the bands I like to listen and actually pay attention to their lyrics. Although they might cover some of the same topics as their previous albums, the sound is what makes them new and different. One of my favorite songs from The Walking Wounded is the album titled song “The Walking Wounded”, because it has the recognizable Bayside sound and not to mention guest vocalist done by Vinnie who was in my favorite band The Movielife. As you start to enter the album and pass “They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns” and “Duality” you are immediately in a crossfire between judging the next song “Carry On” as a good song or an ok song. However, “I and I” makes up for it with the Bayside sing along sections as well as does the rest of the album. One thing I really like about Bayside is that Anthony has a voice that makes you want to get caught up in their heartfelt lyrics and emotion he’s singing about in a addition with Jacks guitar interludes. Plus, at a concert, which I have witnessed, many fans can get caught up in the moment and be at one with the songs. This release, despite its maturity, will not alienate their old fans or the ones they made by sharing bills with groups like The Sleeping, Smoking Popes, I Am The Avalanche, Halifax . If you haven’t heard of Bayside, I suggest you go and pick up a copy of every cd they have put out, you’re missing out.

Track Listing:
1. The Walking Wounded
2. They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns
3. Duality
4.Carry On
5. I and I
6. Choice Hops and Bottled Self Esteem
7.Head on A Plate
8. Dear Your Holiness
9.Landing Feet First
10.Thankfully
11.A Rite of Passage
12.(POP)Ular ScencE

William Tell – You Can Hold Me Down

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william tell you can hold me down

Artist: William Tell
Album: You Can Hold Me Down
Label: New Door Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: March 6th, 2007

Overall: 6.5
Music: 6.0
Lyrics: 6.0
Production: 4.5

Starting in the band Something Corporate, which most people would consider a fairly successful band only to leave seemingly suddenly to work on his solo career, William Tell finally has released his debut album for all to hear and judge him on.

Well I think Mr. Tell should have stuck to cranking out piano rock in Something Corporate because although his debut album is OK, it just does not leave you fulfilled. William has a solid voice and it blends to the music very well. Songs like “Young at heart” showcase the singer’s sense of urgency and comes off as a believable lead singer. Songs like “Jeannie” though don’t hit their marks, both musically and vocally and leave a lot to be desired.

The production on the album is mediocre at best and is probably the worst part of “You Can Hold Me Down”. There are a few songs that try to be emotional and almost ballad like but that lack of good production brings them down.

With all that said, I still do like the record. There are a lot of songs that are so catchy it will drive you crazy, but there are just some smaller things that bring the record down and it’s a shame. I recommend Checking out some songs before making the purchase, just in case you feel the same as I do. Who knows maybe William made the right choice to ditch SoCo and do his own thing, with the way he has been being pushing marketing wise I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it big.

Tracklisting
1. Jeannie
2. Slipping Under (Sing Along To Your Favorite Song)
3. Maybe Tonight
4. Fairfax (You’re Still The Same)
5. Like You, Only Sweeter
6. Trouble
7. Young At Heart
8. Sounds
9. Just For You
10. You Can Hold Me Down

Flatfoot 56- Jungle of the Midwest Sea

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flatfoot56

Artist: Flatfoot 56
Album: Jungle of the Midwest Sea
Label: Flicker Record
Purchase: Interpunk

Release Date: May 15, 2007
Overall: 7.5
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.0

With their unflinching demeanor, Celtic-Punk rockers Flatfoot 56 are back with their sophomore release, Jungle of the Midwest Sea. I have to say, this isn’t my thing, but if you’re a fan of these dudes and of Celtic-Punk, this is something you’re definitely going to want.

While flying the flag for the punk scene in Chicago their sophomore release is a melding of punk and traditional Celtic sound. I guess they can get credit for not faking the Celtic thing; they consist of three brothers and a bagpipe player that also plays the mandolin. Their songs will keep you going for hours, maybe days. From 14 songs, almost all of them continue their trademark of fun, fast Celtic punk with tons of youthful energy and sing-a-long choruses. From their opening track “The Galley Slave” to midway into the album on “Pay Me a Dollar”, you will be getting songs that are Celtic influenced and upbeat. The only negative comment I have for this album was that I sometimes couldn’t tell song apart from each other when I listened to it on shuffle, but I guess that could be from not being too familiar with this type of music. However, while Flatfoot 56 takes on topics like ruined friendships to who you are as a person I think many will enjoy this record for its honesty. Flatfoot 56 has created a sound and style that is startlingly fresh and distinctive. Their sound is one that can be found anywhere from your local pub to your local Oi! Festival. You could compare them to the likes of Dropkick Murphy or Flogging Molly, so if that is your bag and you are not familiar with these dudes, you might want to check them out.

Track Listing
1. The Galley Slave
2. Carry Em’ Out
3. Loaded Gun
4. City on A Hill
5. Bright City
6. Hoity Toity
7. Pay Me A Dollar
8. Chinatown Jail Break
9. Warriors
10. Cain
11. Ollie Tollie
12. Standin’ For Nothing
13. Jungle of the Midwest Sea
14. Same Ol’ Story

1997 – A Better View of the Rising Moon

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1997

Artist: 1997
Album: A Better View of the Rising Moon
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smartpunk
Release Date: April 17, 2007

Overall: 6.9
Music: 7.2
Lyrics: 6.5
Production: 7.0

Victory Records, a label that you would associate with bands of the paving the way through the emo rock genre, and the label producing the music for fans with hoodies and hair in their faces. Now you see 1997, Victory’s new band with a female vocalist and you are possibly thinking, “Wow a new sound!” Not quite though. Yes, this band does range from different sounds that are most definitely more breakthrough than the other Victory artists, but they’re still not quite that original and amazing. We already have bands like 1997 on the rise now with female singers. How about the famous FBR artist The Hush Sound and Paramore. Of course they are great bands, now add a hint of Taking Back Sunday and some little less than good produce songs and you have 1997. Before I go too much further, let me at least say that I am starting to get into this album. It has taken a few listens, and I get a different reaction everytime I play it.

First play I started with “Hey Darlin”, which by the name seemed like a catchy track. Well I liked the intro where they sang ‘Hey Darlin’, you paint a pretty picture’, but other than that i wasn’t impressed at all by the song. I only managed to feel the same way about most of the other songs on the album. Some songs even just seem like they almost don’t fit in with their whole genre. Like “The Water’s Edge”, which is a song with really heavy guitars for the choruses with the straining emo vocals, switching to out of place weak verses that just don’t quite sound like they belong. Then they have a song like “In Your Car” they has one of the most annoying choruses I’ve heard in a while, not to mention the words from the chorus were practically repeated the entire song just in different ways. Let’s move on to “Patience, Prudence”, yeah it’s alright. Either the male vocals in the prechorus have guest vocals from Adam from TBS or we know what they were trying to pull off. One of my favorite tracks on the album happens to be “Grace”, mostly because of the female singer is pretty much solo in the song. Not to mention I think the whole song is written better overall. “Grace” really gives her a chance to let her display the full extent of her singing capability. At this point I feel like I do not even need to mention the rest of the songs individually, but just let you know that it pretty much goes downhere from here.

The better songs are most definitely at the beginning of the album. All the songs really just sound like your average emo band trying to go into a more indie-folk-pop-rock band and falling a little short. The male and female vocals going over here other constantly just makes the songs just sound to jumbled up at times and is really what impresses most people about the band, and I do not find it all that amazing. Then there are the times where the vocals switch back and forth from lines in a very overly ripped off way of Taking Back Sunday. Honestly though the more I did play this album I began to sing along to it and get it stuck in my head. Yes the album is catchy, but more along the lines of those catchy songs you don’t want to sing along with but after you are kind of forced to sit and listen to it so you can review it, they kind of just get stuck in there. 1997 is a band that I just put along the lines of an alright band, with a style of music that I’m just not really going to keep on listening to. Although I would suggest that this band would not really get that huge, with the pull of Victory Records nowdays, it is quite possible. This is a definite Victory Records album, you like Victory try this out, especially if you like female singers. I really was a little over critical of the album. It isn’t horrible, but I for one do not think they are breakthrough. Even after writing this I’m sure I will listen to some of the songs again. I wouldn’t take all of my opinion for it though. At least give it a listen and make up your own decision about it.

Standout Tracks
“Garden Of Evil”, “Grace”, “Hey Darlin'”

Tracklisting
1. Water’s Edge
2. Garden Of Evil
3. Hey Darlin’
4. In Your Car
5. Patience, Prudence
6. Grace
7. The Roads You Can Take
8. Lovelikepoetry
9. Tennessee Song
10. Enough Is Enough
11. Droppin Dimes
12. Curse Or Cure