Reviews | Driven Far Off

Tegan and Sara – Sainthood

January 15, 2010 By Valida 2 Comments

Artist: Tegan and Sara
Album: Sainthood
Label: Sire Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: October 23rd, 2009

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

Tegan and Sara are not a band with a signature sound. Ok, their somewhat monotone dueling female vocals shouting out lyrics dripping with emotion about past loves are pretty signature. But, musically, the two have developed a wide-range of songs, particularly if you look at musical styles album to album. Early releases at the turn of the century had a definite folk-pop flair. In the early 2000s, we saw a progression towards emo overtones on If It Was You and So Jealous. Then, bam!, The Con hit us with a more tender take on the 2000 style, while maintaining characteristic emotion-charged introspection and reflection.

Love songs full of dark emotion remain emblematic on Tegan & Sara’s latest, Sainthood. But the duo’s sound has definitely matured and taken another step down the not-so-seldom-trodden path from emo towards synthy pop rock. As a big fan of Tegan and Sara’s discography from 2002’s If It Was You to 2008’s iTunes Live Session, my first impression of Sainthood was that it was less accessible than their last few releases.

While arguably more pop-laden than the Con, T&S’s venture into synth-land on Sainthood brought about some strange layering of unconventional riffs and melodies. “Paperback Head” is my best argument for this statement, and almost made me dismiss this album completely. But after tens of listens, I realize now that it is primarily the vocals that get me squirming uncomfortably in my seat. This is the only track on the album, the only T&S song, in fact, co-written by Tegan and Sara. I’ll make the bold statement of blaming the collaboration for this debut’s vocal fiasco. “Red Belt”, on the other hand, is a good example of execution on the synthier sound and signature sappiness. It seems T&S need that very personal story and emotion behind their lyrics to bring their A-game. This is actually a clear strength in my book that should be underscored.

Sainthood’s sound is something new from Tegan and Sara, while still recognizably a creation of the famous twin Canadian pop act. If you’re a T&S virgin, I suggest starting with So Jealous or the Con, depending on whether you’re more into the upbeat rock sound or the deliberate emotion-filled tunes backed with acoustic guitar and piano. For fans of T&S’s earlier work who are having a hard time getting into Sainthood, I suggest giving it a few more listens, dedicating a careful ear to the lyrics and honing in on the last three tracks.

Dashboard Confessional – Alter The Ending

January 5, 2010 By Max Specht 1 Comment

Alter The Ending - Dashboard Confessional

Artist: Dashboard Confessional
Album: Alter The Ending
Label: Vagrant Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: November 10th, 2009

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 7.0

Dashboard Confessional’s last album, The Shade Of Poison Trees found them turning the volume down and going back to their roots. The album was soft, acoustic and mellow all the way through. Apparently Chris Carrabba & co. have grown tired of that style as they go back to their full band ensemble, with their latest album Alter The Ending.

The album comes right out of the gate with the song “Get Me Right”, which is a very catchy beginning to the album. It will be hard not to revisit this song again and again before finishing the entire album, as it is a great start to the album. Following tracks like “Until Morning” and “Everybody Learns From Disaster” have the same kind of epic, yet soft feeling to it.

Most predominantly, the main flaw of the entire album is the band’s obsession with over-production. From a band that truly shines at their most vulnerable, a lot of sheen doesn’t really help the feeling of relatable lyrics. The return to form of their last album was a great maturing point for them, but unfortunately they were not able to carry it on. Some songs just come off as trite and over compensating with production (“Belle Of The Boulevard”, “I Know About You”).

At their best, Dashboard Confessional are impeccable at writing a slow, catchy little ditty of love and loss. Songs such as “Even Now” and closing track “Hell On The Throat” are shining moments during Alter The Ending’s journey. These songs show just how good the band can be, and how they don’t necessarily need intense production to pull off honesty or epic intentions.

The album as a whole shows that well produced songs can co-exist with heartfelt acoustic ballads. There are missteps here and there, and sometimes you feel as though the band should harken back to their previous album. But there is a sense of unity, and aspiration for change throughout the album. Dashboard Confessional aren’t in any hurry though to change who they are, or else we’d be hearing a lot more auto tune and references to neon clothing, and that’s something we can all be thankful for in these times.

Every Avenue – Picture Perfect

November 2, 2009 By Max Specht 1 Comment

Artist: Every Avenue
Album: Picture Perfect
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: November 3rd, 2009

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

A little more than a year ago, Ever Avenue began turning heads with their debut album Shh…Just Go With It. Their standard pop-punk fare was super sweet and sugary with hooks, but couldn’t seem to hold fans over for very long leaving people craving more after a brief sugar high. Now they are back with their second album Picture Perfect, looking to shake things up and turn the volume up higher than ever.

It seems that with time Every Avenue have grown tired of the same old, same old pop punk format and are looking to switch it up this time around. Some songs still have the same charm as their debut (“Mindset”, “Saying Goodbye”), but for the most part they are making their own way in the scene and defining themselves as more than that. Songs like “Girl Like That” with it’s swirling piano, and the heavier influences of a song like the title track”Picture Perfect” give Every Avenue more character and a stronger presence with this album.

The tone of Picture Perfect is much different than their debut as well, where the latter had a more positive tone of better days and summertime, this album dances around the opposite. “Tell Me I’m A Wreck” and “Finish What You Started” both are a little somber with their lyrics, but deliver with catchy hooks and bursting choruses that are becoming the band’s trademark.

Overall it’s a great feeling to listen to a band that sounds as though they have found themselves, and that’s the case with Every Avenue. Picture Perfect is a great sophomore effort that isn’t just another pop punk release, even the cliche ballad “The Story Left Untold” doesn’t feel trite and over done like most others. This band has a winning release that will provide them with enough notoriety that picture perfect won’t be an ironic jab at their lives (given the cover), but rather reality for a band that deserves their time to shine.

Blessthefall – Witness

October 2, 2009 By Max Specht 2 Comments

Artist: Blessthefall
Album: Witness
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: October 6th, 2009

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8

A band losing a member can often spell disaster, or a new beginning. In the case of Blessthefall they lost their lead vocals in the form of Craig Mabbit (now of Escape The Fate), but rather then call it a day as a band they were able to replace him with Beau Bokan on their sophomore release Witness. And the final product is a band reinvigorated, with more energy then ever the ability to rock out has been amplified to a new degree.

The album begins with the anthemic introduction “2.0” which explodes with intense screaming and heart pumping drums that explode with fury once the gang vocals begin. The song leads into the second track “What’s Left Of Me”, that is equally explosive with strong screams and shows off Beau Bokan as a strong and talented power for Blessthefall.

Witness is filled with powerful high points when the band can show off exactly what they do well, shredding guitars and powerful drums that shake your walls. Over top of this all are the Beau Bokan’s superb showing of vocals, whether it’s his ability to sing and hit just the right notes (“God Wears Gucci”), or growling along a super-charged guitar riff (“Hey Baby, Here’s That Song You Wanted”, a standout track), or screaming with all his might (“Last Ones Left”). The combination of instruments and vocals are at a higher level then ever before during this release.

The album is for the most part a very heavy affair. Sometimes there are slightly slow breakdowns, or the finals track “Stay Still” that retains a very slow tone but explodes around the chorus into the anthem it deserves to be. The album is fast, heavy, and intense in every sense of the word. Perhaps there is a lot of repetition of style on Witness but you can’t have to much of a good thing when it comes to music. Blessthefall are being put on the fast track of success with this latest album, discovering what there sound is will only make them the hard rock heroes they are deserving of being in the future.

Between The Trees – Spain

September 5, 2009 By Max Specht 1 Comment

Artist: Between The Trees
Album: Spain
Label: Bonded Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: August 11th, 2009

Overall: 9
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9
Production: 9

Very few musicians today are creating what would be called inspiring music; many different bands have tried to make songs with a message and have fallen short or have come off as to “over the top”. It’s hard to pull off an earnest song that can evoke emotion and be listened to again and again, at least for a newer band that is. Between The Trees and their new record Spain is just that: Inspiring. These major label turned indie band have been through a lot and it shows in their music, as they try to conquer an even more mature sound then their debut The Story And The Song.

The album starts off with lead single “We Can Try”, and while this song is very well crafted and catchy it falls on the weaker side of things when compared to the album as a whole. While it makes for a good single it doesn’t match the beauty of other songs on the album. Following tracks like “Spain”, with it’s collapsing chorus with layered vocals and “One Last Time (Darlin’ II)” with it’s quivering vocal delivery and beauty really shine through and put this album as a top contender already out of the box.

The rest of Spain flows so perfectly that it’s unbelievable, as every single track has something to offer and nothing could be considered as filler. Something that really emphasizes their ability to craft great songs is from lead singer Ryan Kirkland, whether it be in the falsetto led chorus of “Miss You” or the passion behind his voice in “Scarecrow” that could make any grown man cry when the soaring chorus is first burst out on top of the slow-moving piano. His voice takes the music to a whole new level and makes the album that much more special.

It’s no doubt that Spain is one of the best albums of 2009, with beautiful lyrics and inspiring sentiments they envelop the listener and make you feel anew. There is a time where music must be listened to as a whole and truly appreciated, and Spain is a record you should do that with.

Breathe Carolina – Hello Fascination

September 4, 2009 By Max Specht 2 Comments

Artist: Breathe Carolina
Album: Hello Fascination
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: August 18th, 2009

Overall: 6
Music: 6
Lyrics: 5
Production: 7

The opening riffs off of Breathe Carolina’s sophomore album (debut for Fearless records) Hello Fascination mark a step in a different direction for the band. The implementation of real instruments in their music, moving away from the strict electronic beats of their debut It’s Classy Not Classic. Already there is a sense of hope for a band that has garnered nothing but hate from bloggers and critics around the internet, but it’s hard for a band to go from hated to loved in one day.

The opening track/lead single “Hello Fascination” has a fairly catchy chorus and strong melodies, but what really brings it down is the chunky screaming that doesn’t really fit, that’s where we find the tragic flaw on Hello Fascination. The singing is there for the most part, such as the ambient vocals on “I’m The Type Of Person To Take It Personal” or the pure gold found on the beginning of “I Have To Go Return Some Video Tapes”. Once again these two tracks are taken over by the chunky screaming that ultimately hurt and bring it down.

It’s not fair though to assume that Breathe Carolina aren’t trying to change some attitudes by their use of instruments in their music now, they are creating what one could debatably call a heavier sounding Cobra Starship. Songs like “Welcome To Savannah” and “The Dressing Room” are dance-oriented tracks that move along at a nice pace and contain catchy hooks with complimenting beats.

All in all there is a lot of progression to be done by Breathe Carolina before they can become scene-darlings. But there is potential throughout the album found in certain vocals and instrumentation (the acoustic ending of “Tripped And Fell In Portland” is wonderful). The possibilities are endless for this band at the pace they are moving creating music and hopefully they find their voice soon and the praise will follow.

Cobra Starship – Hot Mess

September 3, 2009 By Max Specht 2 Comments

Artist: Cobra Starship
Album: Hot Mess
Label: Decaydance Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: August 11th, 2009

Overall: 7
Music: 7
Lyrics: 5.5
Production: 8

Cobra Starship have been on their way to becoming what they are for a while now, so it should come to no one as a surprise that their third album titled Hot Mess is a melting pot of electronically layered pop-punk with lots of attitude and neon. While this album will garner so much hate it is unprecedented by any other band in the scene with such a career, it is still an album that has its moments and shines through at just the right times.

Unfortunately there’s no excuse to make a song like “Nice Guys Finish Last” passable as a legitimate Cobra Starship tune (especially the opener), it leads the album off on a bad foot as it sounds like a rejected Britney Spears song (Blackout, not Circus…). Already one might be contemplating their purchase of the album.

The aforementioned track is probably the only one that really brings Hot Mess down to any bad level. The rest of the tracks are either great, good, or just kind of a letdown. Nothing else really screams terrible or bad. Songs like “Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We’re Famous” and “Move Like Your Gonna Die” pay tribute to the sounds of their debut and sophomore album (more guitar and fast pacing) that make them shine on an album filled with electronic beats.

But the songs that do rock with a more mechanical song are also good. The falsetto led chorus of “Living In The Sky With Diamonds” feels good and dances along at a nice pace (also with probably the best lyrics on the album), and “Hot Mess” is anthemic in nature and really calls for some hardcore chanting at the chorus (don’t pay attention to the use of the word “boo” though).

It seems that Cobra Starship are genuinely happy with where they are at in music. And it just so happens that they are reaping the benefits with the lead single “Good Girls Go Bad” being played on radio stations nation wide. It’s good to see Gabe Saporta finally getting the attention he deserves, he’s come this far and the mainstream is his to call home now. While the lyrics aren’t really up to snuff most of the time, and the music can be overly obnoxious, it’s a fun record with catchy songs and a good time to be had.

Owl City – Ocean Eyes

September 2, 2009 By Max Specht 11 Comments

Artist: Owl City
Album: Ocean Eyes
Label: Universal Republic Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: July 14th, 2009

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8
Lyrics: 7
Production: 8.5

Maybe it’s getting to hard to make music nowadays, it seems that any kid with a laptop can make beats in his basement and croon some sweet nothings (complimented with auto-tune of course) and can snag himself a couple of bucks and some groupies. This genre is littered with so many bad acts that it is even hard to acknowledge the ones that do it well. Enter: Owl City, the one-man band that uses all of these characteristics in a hated genre with good results (he’s your girlfriend’s favorite band you know?)

Owl City’s major label debut Ocean Eyes is a collection of every thing he can do well. From the acoustic/piano combo of “The Bird And The Worm”, the abstract yet catchy lyrics of “Hello Seattle”, the boy/girl vocal combo of “Tip Of The Iceberg”. There’s so much to be heard on the album and so many assets to utilize that it’s hard to believe this can all be done by one person.

There’s no doubt that the album is all very cutesy and sugary in it’s lyrically content, whether it be from songs about going to the dentist (“Dental Care”), or romancing songs about bright-lit insects and dreams (“Fireflies”). But who says music can’t be optimistic? Although a sad slow song might allow Owl City the room to grow and mature it can wait because this album only finds the happy in life.

Ocean Eyes is made for someone who likes to look on the sunny side of things and doesn’t dwell on the negative. Someone looking for something new and something better from the electronic hipster music out there will be blessed to happen on this release. Not only will this album take precedent in the playlists of every single teenage girl in love, it does so without a faux smile because everything feels real and meant the way it’s said.

Thrice – Beggars

September 1, 2009 By Manuel Enrique Garcia 18 Comments

Artist: Thrice
Album: Beggars
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: SmartPunk
Release Date: September 15, 2009

Overall: 9.5
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9
Production: 9

Without any type of progression, we become dull, stagnate beings that float around aimlessly until Death knocks on the door and begs for the keys to our existence. We then fail to reinvent ourselves, not for the sake of reinvention, but for the sheer necessity to constantly improve our condition and shift through the experiences that shape who we are. Music without this sense of maturation will sound the same throughout a lifeless discography, each record appearing like the predecessor except with a new cover and the songs rearranged with less-than-creative titles. What creates a musical act that will stand the test of unforgiving time is their ability to accept that their sound will change over the years and when it comes down to it, it’s about expressing themselves freely without attaching their creative spirits to the type of records critics or obsessive fans want to hear.

Thrice has been creating music as early as their high school years (circa 1998), putting out records that have been progressing towards a specific point, whether consciously or subconsciously. On September 15th, 2009 (digital version released in August) the band will release the record that everything else has led up to. “Beggars” is the record that proves that progression must be implemented because it is a risk worth taking, the result being the creation of songs that will leave the listener in awe and convince the naysayers that Thrice is one of the most important bands of our time.

Ten tracks that bring back a rawness and honesty that were once allocated to “alternative rock” in the 1990’s. With computers taking over much of the “talent” many mainstream artists are praised on, there seems to be a need to hear music that relies solely on the human-to-instrument talent of the musician(s). Each track feels raw, not sloppy but more in the sense that the band is inside your bedroom playing a private show for you instead of just pouring through speakers or headphones. The first half of the record has more groove than previous Thrice releases, being more energetic without the screaming and hard yelling they were known for in the first phase of the band. There are a few slower songs (“Wood & Wire”, “The Great Exchange”, and “Beggars”), but these songs are soaked deep in honesty and showcase the beauty of Dustin Kenrsue’s lyrics. One of the most haunting and truthful lines comes from the last track; “If there’s one thing I know in this life, we are beggars all.”

The more you listen to this record, the more it grows on you and the easier it is for you realize the perfection of the groove, soul-wrenching monster that is “Beggars”.

Note from the reviewer: I did not find it appropriate to dissect each song on the record, as other reviewers are more likely to have already done based on some invisible critique formula. Attempting to translate the essence of each song in word form would be a failed attempt and it would also serve as a spoiler, taking away from that first time you listen to the record straight through. Showing you the most important parts of the movie before you sit down in the theater with your soda and popcorn, ready to be taken to another world. I highly advise you purchase a copy of “Beggars”, listen to it somewhere isolated where there is no other noise interference, and allow the music to enter you and expand you and make you feel something that mainstream music can’t provide you with.

Hot Chelle Rae – Album Sampler

August 27, 2009 By Max Specht 2 Comments

Artist: Hot Chelle Rae
Album: Album Sampler
Label: Jive Records
Purchase: iTunes

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

Hot Chelle Rae are not afraid to say what they are all about if the first track off their album sampler is any indication. “I Like To Dance” bursts right out with slick guitars and a bouncy rhythm that echoes a very clear sentiment in the chorus, “I like to dance / So if you do just get on the floor / forget the romance / this is what music was created for”. This radio-ready pop hit is the anthem for every single hipster wall-flower to hit the dance floor and it works! shiny rhythms and endearing vocals help propel it to future hit success.

The rest of the sampler is filled with tunes that show off the band’s pop-punk abilities. From the falsetto led chorus of “Say (Half Past Nine)” to the acoustic love-lorn acoustic ballad of “Bleed” (which given the “corny” title and premise is a pretty song nonetheless). While “Never Have I Ever” is another showing of shiny dance-punk that shimmers and shakes all over the place with a catchy chorus and quick delivery.

It’s obvious that Hot Chelle Rae shows off a lot of pop-punk potential, while most others will probably lash out at it for being cookie-cutter and just treading familiar ground. Hot Chelle Rae are making their brand of music very well and are just about ready to break onto the billboards with their upcoming debut that will have many people excited for these dance loving pop-punk junkies.