War of Ages - Eternal (2010)

Artist: War of Ages
Album: Eternal
Date Released: April 13, 2010
Genre: Metalcore

Album Review:

War of Ages have come a long way since their inception, and have worked hard to improve in songwriting while keeping their sound distinctly War-of-Ages. The intense guitar riffs, biting vocals, and blazing solos are evident on Eternal, their fourth full-length album. Though i'd say that the style is not an original one, the band itself has tried something new for them: clean vocals, which before I had only witnessed on Arise and Conquer, with Wages of Sin. Leroy does a great job singing on this album, something that could turn out interesting to see live (I had plans to see them on the 8th....stupid final exams..)

I mentioned their lack of originality. What I mean by this is that their field of music is so over-saturated that it is hard to carve a niche of fans out from it. But War of Ages has an open Christian message, evident in their songs, and brings emotion seldom seen in other bands. "here's my heart, and I am Yours, there is no greater gift than this". Amen, Amen. So don't lose heart! This album hit the Heatseekers chart, and I can see why. Just don't expect anything amazing or off the beaten path...

Rating: 7 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Collapse: Fading in is something that will shock most metalheads....clean singing...and indeed, the album starts out with the chorus: "re-living our mistakes, why are you so afraid?". A good intro track.

Desire: A short and explosive song with a strong guitar riff. I like how heavy this song sounds. A nice guitar solo, as always, near 1:10.

Failure: I love the words of this song. A tone that seems to hit you in the face is complimented with more clean vocals. I must say that this is either War of Ages' attempt to compete with acts like AILD, or their earnest desire. Either way, well done!

My Resting Place: Not sure about this song, it starts off with a slow riff and drum track, but the vocals seem to go better with something very angsty. Maybe it needs getting used to.

Eternal: Without a doubt the best song off the album. Why? Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. features in this song, and it definitely is the most motivating song ever. Think of championship warm-up music. Great song!

Indecision: I like how the vocals seem to be pit against each other with every other line, kind of like MyChildren MyBride does sometimes. Other than that, not much can be said about this song.

Lack of Clarity: A long intro, and divebomb, reveal....meh, an unoriginal song. Again, not much can be said here. The vocals near 1:30 don't quite redeem it. Sorry.

The Fallen: This song has a dark intro, and gets pretty heavy as it goes along. Good song to have near the end of the album, Eternal definitely has a good flow.

Your Betrayal: Not to be confused with the BFMV song off of Fever (which I previously reviewed!), this song is another dark-sounding song. "when you come crawling back, i'll be waiting, for now your words will fall on deaf ears"...

Instrumental: For lack of a better name, the title explains it all. A calm and soulful instrumental on an acoustic rounds the album out. It's odd to see an instrumental as a closing track, but it isn't unheard of. So there you have it.

As I Lay Dying - The Powerless Rise (2010)

Artist: As I Lay Dying
Album: The Powerless Rise
Date Released: May 11, 2010
Genre: Metalcore

Album Review:

This album leaked onto the net two weeks before its release on the 11th, and I must say I was hesitant to grab it. I like AILD, but they never stood out of my library as a band i'd listen to a lot. But now I understand why they received the award "Ultimate Metal God" by MTV2. Their albums have progressively gotten better, and Powerless Rise is no exception. The album holds no punches and explodes with everything that makes AILD who they are. The album is solid, has a good flow, and very good sound, being produced in Lambesis' home studio like Ocean was. The screaming varies a little bit throughout, which I thought made it interesting. It went from Lambesis' normal scream, to a thrashy scream, to some deathcore sounding vocals (bonus points!)

To top it off, the clean vocals are serene and fittingly sparse to fit this angry and explosive release. The guitar solos are very refined and Nick Hipa's talent shows. I am not sorry I grabbed this album. It has instantly made it into my top metal albums for the year. Grab it as soon as it comes out!!

Rating: 9 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Beyond Our Suffering: This song is so angry sounding, reflecting the deeper growl with the higher scream, as if it is a confrontation being dealt with audibly. An amazing guitar solo near 1:45.

Anodyne Sea: Like I said, this album holds nothing back. This song hits you in the face, and even has what you'd call a breakdown! What more could you ask for? Vocals are tight in this song. I guess there is more one can ask.

Without Conclusion: Indeed, this album is without a conclusion. Am I sad? No. This album was intended to explode like a grenade in our eardrums, and leave without a trace. No sappy, sorry songs on this album. And i'm fine with that. Excellent (prophetic) track!

Parallels: The drums, the guitar, the vocals....Adam D did an amazing job with producing this album! Another nice solo around 3:30.

The Plague: This song starts with very deathcore-like vocals. And the screams that follow are so raw, they give the song oomph that no one else could add. By this time, you'll have noticed that the vocals are kind of gone...

Anger and Apathy: Starting this out is a harmonized guitar riff, and then explodes into some palm-muted goodness. A decent track if you ask me.

Condemned: This song has a very heavy thrash influence, as can be found by the drum pattern and guitar pattern. Even the vocals are "yelled" instead of screamed during the chorus. Even the guitar solo is very Slayer-like. Well done!

Upside Down Kingdom: A nice bass line starts the song, and the pre-chorus is another "breakdown", and it is here that the clean vocals make a re-appearance.

Vacancy: This song just fits its title. It has an empty and deserted sound to it, something I always loved about this band; the music can fit the theme of the song.

The Only Constant is Change: My only qualm with the album is that 3 of the songs are faded in. It gets old, but it's still doable. This song has a neat message to it, though, so I hold nothing against it really.

The Blinding of False Light: This is the longest song on the album, but as it fades in, you are greeted with very haunting sounding vocals. I almost wet my pants listening to this song. Way to end an awesome album fellas!

Our Last Night - We Will All Evolve (2010)

Artist: Our Last Night
Album: We Will All Evolve
Date Released: May 4, 2010
Genre: Post-hardcore/Emo/Pop Punk

Album Review:

Okay look, i've been getting criticism for acquiring albums prior to their official release, but I feel that i'm doing it for YOUR benefit. That's right, because how else would you know ahead of time if the album is worth investing a good 10 bucks in? See? I'm right.

With the abrasiveness of post-hardcore and lilting pop punk influence, Our Last Night takes your ears by storm with We Will All Evolve. The vocals have definitely improved since their last full-length, and definitely is more cohesive as an album. They decide to combine the common rock riffs with brutal screaming, and minimal but original breakdowns dot the album. However...I think it lacks a "place" in the music world..and I don't mean that it's made its own niche. I mean that it tried too hard to mix pop with hardcore, and didn't quite get it right. I liked The Ghosts Among Us better because it was innovative but not too chaotic. This album makes me feel like i'm stuck between We the Kings and As I Lay Dying (coming up next!!)

The album has a strong Christian theme, which partly redeems its lack of substance. And on repeat listens, I can find the beauty in the style. So well done Our Last Night, I suppose you've made a fan of me!

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Elephants: The strong, chaotic introduction perhaps is symbolic of the evolution process, as the album is so named. The theme? Escaping from Satan's tricks.

The Air I Breathe: A calmer song, with a very catchy chorus. The message is about never taking anything for granted; "I might be the first to forget, but I appreciate the air i breathe".

Mouth Machine Gun: The introduction is reminiscent of Anberlin for some reason, and this is one of the songs where I felt the screaming, or the riff, something...was just out of place. But it is quickly corrected in the chorus and onward.

Across the Ocean: This song angered me, because it started out just fine as a slow, poppy song, and then the chorus just explodes into screaming and it felt like I was in the middle of Jumanji (Robin Williams did a good job in that movie, by the way). If it stayed to the structure of most albums, I would have liked it more.

Deceiver: The title is self-explanatory. The song has a nice breakdown prior to the chorus around the 40 second mark. I feel that this is one of the heavier songs on the album. Or so I thought, because it fades into...

The Devil Inside You: With something more of a deathcore scream, this song explodes with upfront guitar riffs and the lyrics astounded: "you're just a symphony made up of violins that don't make a sound"...deep!

Distance is Destroying Me: Can't say much for this song, it's got a nice melody, but nothing really stands out. Perhaps the name should be re-named to "This Song is Destroying You". But i'm just joking.

Carry Me to Safety: This song seems to be backwards compared to the others in some parts. Very hardcore, that the singing feels out of place. Either way you look at it, this is one of my favorite songs off the album.

Into the Future: This song reminds me of The Starting Line, or Every Avenue. Some generic poppy rock band. but it's definitely catchy...except the screaming haha. Before Their Eyes was not near as bad with Untouchable, but like I said, the songs are still likeable.

We Will All Evolve: I love this song! Excellent title track! The screaming fits much better, there's a sick-nasty glitch-like intro. And the breakdowns are not so generic that they make me gag with every headbang. A good closer to the album.

Bullet For My Valentine - Fever (2010)

Artist: Bullet For My Valentine
Album: Fever
Date Released: April 26, 2010
Genre: Metalcore/Emo

Album Review:

I feel that this band is very polarizing, which is unfortunate. To quote Jerry Lewis, "For those who understand, no explanation is needed...for those who don't, none will do". Which would seem to make my efforts to review this album pointless. But I digress, because although I feel that BFMV have made attempts to enter a wider audience, they have done it well, and retained their sound in the process.

The album has a very hot/cold feel to it, switching between very angst-y and emotional songs, including lyrical content. Hence the album name Fever maybe? In fact, with no clear flow to the album, it leaves the listener confused more than awestruck. The album is more "radio-friendly", with less screaming and more singing, and not so edgy in overall sound. Disappointment? Perhaps, but the familiar guitar solos and fairly established musicianship might make up for it. The album definitely has kin to Killswitch Engage's End of Heartache with it's hot-cold feel. I will be honest and say that it's definitely no Scream Aim and Fire, perhaps more a calmer version of Poison, I don't know, but enjoy it anyway!

Rating: 7 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Your Betrayal: To paraphrase 411Mania, this song picks up where Scream Aim and Fire left off. A decent intro track, especially for previous fans of BFMV.

Fever: Very strong title track, as a good point for this album. Opening riff is strong and catchy. Pretty normal inuendos in this one as far as metal is concerned. Perhaps my favorite off the album.

The Last Fight: Another strong intro, and despite the blech lyrics that can only come from the UK (don't get me started on Judas Priest), it's a catchy song nonetheless.

A Place Where You Belong: You would think this is the slow song of the album, but with the hot/cold thing I mentioned, I have no clue. the album leaves you somewhat confused in that regard. But it is a very emotional song. I like this one because it exposes Matt Tuck. Well done!

Pleasure and Pain: With a scream and thrashy intro, this song is definitely reminiscent of Scream Aim and Fire. He even pronounces "again" the funky way (no offense to the isles). And imagine that, it's about a girl! Nice solo near the end, not too much for the song.

Alone: A long series of guitar tapping starts this song out. An upbeat song with a nice riff, one of the "hot" songs. But perhaps the outro is a bit too long?

Breaking Out, Breaking Down: I do like the message of this song, that "we can't blame this world forever" otherwise, this song is pretty bleh, no solos or catchy riffs or choruses in my opinion. And my opinion is the Alpha and Omega on this page in case you didn't know.

Bittersweet Memories: A "cold" song, definitely about an unwanted lover. Clicheeeee....sigh. This is where BFMV is most radio friendly; minimal screaming and popular theme. Ah well. I'm tired of fighting artist's passion for popularity at this point.

Dignity: Some nice harmony in the opening lyrics. I kind of wish there was some more screaming, as this is one of the "hot" songs. A song about honor in death. Or perhaps arrogance. Sometimes I wonder who writes this crap? I mean really, can't go 2 minutes without crying about your life...

Begging For Mercy: Another "hot" song. I love the sound of this song, especially during the chorus, though the song has something of a generic theme (as previously established)

Pretty on the Outside: Like I said before, this album was not arranged well. I love this song, but not as an ending track. I think Bittersweet Memories, or Alone would be more appropriate. but what can we do right? Simply talk, talk, talk about such things to happen. But they won't. I've yet to give an album a 10.

Imogen Heap - Ellipse (2009)

Artist: Imogen Heap
Album: Ellipse
Date Released: August 24, 2009
Genre: Electronica/Indie/Pop

Album Review:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And Imogen Heap, in her latest masterpiece Ellipse, obeys this tasty advice. The electronic instrumentality, the unique falsetto-ey vocals, that underground yet theatrical feel, that thing she's holding in the album artwork...it all cries out "Imogen Heap". And yet I think I can safely say that since Speak For Yourself, Heap has grown and matured as an artist, even as she breaks the focus rule. And by focus rule, I refer to the rule that states that an artist should NEVER try to please all audiences. An artist should remain in one niche, not those stupid genre-blending/genre-creating bands. Those artists are cop-outs and often failures, and rarely do they get it just right to begin with.

Not so with Ellipse. Imogen Heap, while sometimes being labeled under 'pop', 'indie', and that ever-insulting 'female vocalist' (curse you Last.fm!!) tag, combines them in a way that is not disrespectful to any of the aforementioned groups of people. I feel like this album is a wonderful testimony to Heap's ability to reach out and enlighten many audiences. Definitely no sophomore slump here, with an eerie tone that draws you in and leaves you bewildered....but i'll stop rambling and let you torrent-ahem, experience it yourself.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Song-by-song:

First Train Home: This opening track, which happens to be the single off the album, has such an ethereal and warm sound that I already feel like i'm on a train going home before Imogen sings at all.

Wait it Out: I love the layered vocals in the back of this song. A slower but indeed beautiful song.

Earth: Again, awesome layering and looping by a musical genius. And I believe the whole song is simply acapella, but I could be wrong. If so, i've been hit by some truly majestic talent.

Little Bird: A quaint little song. What's funny is that Goldfrapp also has a song called Little Bird...this one is better. It's a bleak look, I believe, at the picket fence life.

Swoon: perhaps my favorite track off the album, and from the intro to the chorus, it has that spacey feel that only Imogen Heap can deliver.

Tidal: The lyrics in this song are amazingly crafted. And by now I feel that the album is a cry for someone to fall in love. (I listen to albums before I review them, but I like writing them as if i'm progressing through it the first time).

Between Sheets: "you and me between sheets, it doesn't get better than this" this is another low-key song, and fairly short, but good in its own right.

2-1: With an eerie intro, this song slowly draws you in...but I don't like its message "the gods lost 2-1" it seems to cry out our supremacy, and how "things are not always how they seem"...I think Heap is sucking divinity out of the universe in this song? I don't know, but don't like it that much.

Bad Body Double: A struggle between an alter ago. This song is really catchy, so be careful, SHE MIGHT BE A BAD BODY DOUBLE.

Aha!: I love the eerie tone of this song, almost reminiscent of a haunted carousel gone awry. A short but charming song.

The Fire: An instrumental, with a crackling fire in the background, sets the tone for closure to the album, opening to....

Canvas: This song is about not having the will or strength to save someone, a friend or relative i'm unsure. Not my favorite off the album, but still good to listen to.

Half-life: A very calm, closing song to the album. Heap knows how to end albums, with and aside from Frou Frou. I am very pleased with how the strings compliment the falsetto, and how it's very emotional, it's just perfect. Way to go Imogen Heap, you've nabbed yourself another fan.

Kate Nash - My Best Friend Is You (2010)

Artist: Kate Nash
Album: My Best Friend is You
Date Released: April 20, 2010
Genre: Indie/Pop

Album Review:

You can smell a Brit from miles away. Kate Nash reeks of it. But it's what got her where she is, and on My Best Friend Is You, she embraces that part of her which nabbed so many young fans from the start. The sound on this album is, regrettably, much more produced and theatrical, almost to a Florence and Machine level. Which I don't mind, I just wasn't expecting it. I was expecting some girl in a toy dress playing on a piano with a mic laying nearby, just happening to pick up the songs she was playing. It was like her music to this point was all accidental, it had no direction but was cute and attractive.

Not so here. Here, the songs are more professional, with an odd 'mid-life crisis' theme (does this fit a 22 year old girl, really?). There's definitely still that childish aspect to the songs to be sure, and the British (sexy?) accent is still there and everything. In fact, I think overproduction just comes to anyone with success in the end. Am I embarrassed, now that I review something really poppy? Naw. She's too hot for me to bother anyways...

Because it's a solo artist, I find the lyrics to be of more focus here, so you will notice that in the song-by-song. The theme of the album seems to be a lover who left, leaving Nash destroyed. Replay of Ashlee Simpson anyone?

Rating: 7 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Paris: with upbeat stringed instruments and clapping hands, this is the happiest into i've ever heard!! And her voice is right on key here. Lyrically, it involved a plea for someone to guide her and spend time with her. Phooey, I would if I could!

Kiss That Grrrl: Except for poor spelling, this song is one of my favorites. Cheesy message, really (kiss that girl and I will shrink up and I will die, yeah yeah we know) but it's got that cute Kate Nash sound. Good two songs so far!

Don't You Want to Share the Guilt?: The first lines, I imagine, are what an average girl thinks up in her head prior to going to some social event; i'm insecure, should I go, i'll go late, I arrive and the guy is hung over and whatever. Low-key.

I Just Love You More: This song starts out like some weird Benny Benassi remix gone wrong, but then gets really chaotic very fast. Nash does this little scream thing, which I find extremely sexy for some reason (I know, I KNOW...), but the song is kind of hectic. Anyways, it's a good fit for the album.

Do-Wah-Doo: Here's that cute Kate Nash! Simple piano, and a cute message behind it.

Take Me to a Higher Plane: A really upbeat song, describing a desire to move upwards to bigger and better things

I've Got a Secret: In the beginning, I thought the tempo was increasing, like some wind up dance box...just my imagination...This one got old on me, but it's catchy if anything....KAte Nash has a secret basically.

Mansion Song: This song starts with a minute long poem with quite a number of F-bombs...I usually grow tired of post-modern poetry. A really hateful song. I just liked hearing her talk to be honest, otherwise this one's worthy of one listen, one alone, and a skip.

Early Christmas Present: HERE WE GO..something more positive...or is it? A song about cheating? Needless to say, it is a happier song off the album, tonally if not lyrically.

Later On: Kate Nash gets laid and regrets it later. Are all Brits this hollow?

Pickpocket: There's than fun piano again! Another sad story of a couple who split and move on....but Nash is good at mixing happy and sad, like Radiohead I must say.

You Were So Far Away: Suicide expressed: "I can taste the metal, feel the gun in my mouth"...at least she's good at guitar and piano, i'll give her that for talent. I feel so bummed out by this album.

I Hate Seagulls: And I hate unnecessarily long songs. But the song has a neat progression from everything Nash hates, to the climax, where she describes her good friend whom she likes...I happy ending to the album. Well done Nash. I haven't slit my wrists yet.

Jamies Elsewhere - They Said a Storm Was Coming (2010)

Artist: Jamie's Elsewhere

Album: They Said a Storm Was Coming

Date Released: February 16, 2010

Genre: Post-hardcore

Album Review:

Much different than Sinners Turned Saints, Jamie's Elsewhere jumps on the post-hardcore-with-a-synthesizer bandwagon (which I attribute to Attack Attack, but We Came As Romans and Devil Wears Prada are definitely in the mix) to present a brand new, evolved sound. Better screams, better breakdowns, and just downright BETTER. I'm squirming and reluctant to say it's unique, however, seeing that so many bands follow this vein nowadays. Not saying it's bad, just not very original. And yet, the more I listen to it,the more I fall in love with the band, because the lyrics set them apart. I mean, I don't focus on lyrics much because i'm too impatient to decipher them, but this band has an up-front Christian message that hardly disguises itself in the sound.

They grip your ears with strong vocals and a good balance of heavy and ambient. For fans of post-hardcore, and metal in general, this album should definitely make its way into your collection!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Seasons: Not sure I like the time it takes to get into this song, as it fades in, but once it's in, it's in for gooooood. Thumbs up as an intro track, and definitely gives a nice summation of the album's sound.

The Mapmaker: Like I said, the vocals resemble your typical post-hardcore band like Blessthefall or Akissforjersey, but this song has such a deep lyrical message, regarding the sad state of this world.

They Said a Storm Was Coming: A nice electronic intro that makes me think: "bangin title track!"....but wait....around 2:40 comes an insanely awesome breakdown to end the song. Good job Jamie!!

Giants Among Common Men: Though I think compressed intros are cliche, this song managed to pull it off. I adore the divebomb around the 40 second mark, and the synth is blaring, but not too forceful.

One Foot in the Grave: slower song of the album, with another deep Christian message: "your grace gives us the second chances we don't deserve"...

The Prodigal: even calmer than One Foot is The Prodigal, most likely dealing with the story found in Luke 15. I like this one a lot, especially the wooden sounding sequencer in the back.

Visons in Sleep: more compression and fade-ins......all right, i'll take it. The awesome scream in the beginning makes up for it. Nice guitar sweeps around 2:10 and on, this song is very melodic but also one of the heavier songs.

Wolves: Strong from start to finish. Not much more I can say about the song, you know me and my attention span.

A Slave, a Son: The attention span is messing with me, because I feel the vocals are all sounding the same...WHOA...the scream at 1:20 deserves some hand clapping.

The Lighthouse: The synth and dissonant chords sound very good together, giving you a feeling of struggle and peace at once. This song has beautiful lyrics, from the Psalms declaring God's glory. If anything, I love this band for their message.

Antithesis: a great intro, one of the strongest on the album (cuz I heart breakdowns, yay for me). Perfect ending track. My favorite because of how well this song is done.

Dance Gavin Dance - Happiness (2009)

Artist: Dance Gavin Dance

Album: Happiness

Date Released: June 9, 2009

Genre: Emo/Experimental/Post-hardcore

Album Review:

I must say, without Johnny Craig, I had my doubts for this mini LP. But Kurt Travis, his replacement, deserves commendation for such a good fit for the band. Perhaps even better than Craig, whose other outfits like Emarosa and Isles & Glaciers more fits his vocal style. As far as the music itself, its intense melody yet ability to go a thousand directions makes me smile, as I recognize the distinct DGD sound.

Trust me guys, this album is good, even without Craig. Many doubting Thomases out there, but if you liked DGD's music on the self-titled, this one will rock your socks (and panties if you let it). Running a little over 32 minutes, it's a very short album, but I enjoyed listening to one of the few bands that gets "experimental" right. With lofty guitar riffs, and an intentional low-key sound, I would definitely make love to (and with) this.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Tree Village: A mellow intro, but quickly explodes into an earnest intro track. What I love about this band is how full their sound can be without those boring power chords.

I'm Down With Brown Town: Interesting chord bends and drum patterns start this song. Also, clever and biting lyrics poking at the consumerist blonde who chips a nail and cries a river. I love it so far!

NASA: Another uniquely DGD intro invites the bass line to come in to this third song. It's early in the album, but I can say that I don't mind the shortness of this album. Not that I hate the music, but it's not overplayed. Good mix of Craig-esque singing and screaming.

Carl Barker: I think this is my favorite song off the LP. Minor chords and such ( I am an Arab, so this is right at home for me...you don't understand), and I love the backing vocals on this one.

Happiness: Strong title track, going between the explosive and mellow. However, the song is intensely depressing....a girl who drowns, a man full of guilt who wants to escape. Poo poo, better get out the raz0rz :P

Self-Trepanation: I like some Daft Punk songs, but this evoked a little frown in me. Something kind of out of place here. I guess that's how DGD rolls...anyway, same chaotic form seen in this song as well. "No one believes me" stuck in my head...

Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1: I like several part songs :) that will win me over *hint hint* definitely a sex-filled song.

Don't Tell Dave: The intro makes me smile everytime I hear it, because this isn't Johnny Craig. It's a less serious intro....this perhaps is my favorite (oh dangit I already picked a favorite). You just have to hear it for yourself.

Strawberry Swisher Pt 2: This picks up from Pt 1, talking about the girl staying in order to build some deeper friendship.

Powder to the People: Meh, not a great ending track...a longer song doesn't make a better outro...but a good song as a stand-alone. I do like the rapping in it too.

Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise (2010)

Artist: Circa Survive

Album: Blue Sky Noise

Date Released: April 20, 2010

Genre: Experimental/Post-hardcore

Album Review:

I KNOW I KNOW....this album hasn't come out yet...so you might ask: how can you review an album that hasn't come out yet? Well.....I have my ways....

This album is different from Circa Survive's older two, in that it is more diverse, and the album artwork meshes to create a very spacey feel. This album builds off the other two to leave you dazed by Anthony Green's awesomeness. From start to finish, it definitely contains that experimental tone that some trying bands put out, but unlike the others, this album comes from a single source, it has a sound that it always goes back to, to the point that any song off this album will make a listener ask: "hey, this is Circa Survive right?".

While I definitely like the old Anthony Green stuff, including Saosin's old stuff, this album is for those who want to see Green go in a different direction. The instrumentality is still spacey, but it has a fuller feel than Juturna or On Letting Go. I think it's 43 minutes of genius. I definitely recommend this album, whether you're a fan of them or not!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Strange Terrain: Amazing intro track. Perhaps the strongest intro track i've heard in a while, and that's saying a lot. It has a very poppy sound to it.

Get Out: This song has more of their older sound in it, but it's more edgy than the normal ethereal sound. All the same, I love this song as well.

Glass Arrows: This song, with the delayed guitar licks and wailing vocals even more closely resembles On Letting Go material. But again, there is something that is less reserved about it.

I Felt Free: I love the lyrics in this one : "nothing to say, nothing to report because the future happened yesterday" .......perhaps my favorite track off the album. No, most definitely so.

Imaginary Enemy: Emotional song, with a message of neglect; "chances are, you never even cared at all, i'm sure you had your reasons but i'll never get to hear them".

Through the Desert Alone: A long intro that makes you feel like you are indeed alone in a desert captures the essence of the song. It definitely has a sad feel to it.

Frozen Creek: Again, Circa Survive has masterfully named this song. A wintery sound hits you, something you'd expect from Mew or some other foreign band. One of the longer and slower songs, it is a good fit for the album's feel.

Fever Dreams: I like the vocals in this song, faster paced than Frozen Creek as a sharp change.

Spirit of the Stairwell: Slow song of the album, also the longest. Sometimes I wonder if people ever came up to Green as a child and said "your voice....it's amazing!" It sounds good on the low and high end, making this song a win.

The Longest Mile: Maybe this is just me, but the album did not end as strong as it started. This song is a good song regarding its message, but it's too upbeat for an ending track...

The Classic Crime - Vagabonds (2010)

Artist: The Classic Crime

Album: Vagabonds

Date Released: April 6, 2010

Genre: Alternative Rock

Album Review:

TO ALL THAT PRE-ORDERED: Haiti thanks you! (preorder sales went to Haiti relief for this album)

With a low-key punk sound that is reminiscent (but only vaguely) of the 3 Days Grace movement, Vagabonds was released on April 6 by The Classic Crime. The album passes the driving test, and stays true to their poetic magnificence... but it's definitely nothing like Albatross or Silver Cord. It's too soft, and though I like soft, I don't think they pull it off well. Personally, I was disappointed, and other Classic Crime fans I know have said the same. But why the hell am I talking about them? This is MY music review blog.

Appealing to an indie side of life, this album attempts to tug at the heartstrings (that, or the album was recorded in a meager 3 weeks). It's a good album, one I think I might replay in the future among my 3,000+ albums screaming for attention (it's like trying to eat one Lay's chip...you can't). But I definitely expected more. No strong, hard-hitting songs that you're used to from this band. I once mentioned the ability of a band to grow and mature in sound, and I don't think this is it. On Facebook, Classic Crime had this to say:

"From what I've heard 9/10 fans love Vagabonds. Thank you for your comments! 1/10 are pulling the whole "Not what I expected," and "I like their old stuff better," routine. We've heard that every record, and as frustrating as it is, we know from experience that when our next record comes out the same people will initially say, "Its good, but It's no Vagabonds..."

I could get used to this new sound, I suppose.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

A Perfect Voice: Oh, but Matt, your voice is great! Stop being so humble. Like I said, it's a low key album, so the low key intro track is fitting. But it also gets upbeat, a good song to drive to.

Cheap Shots: A very poetic song, one that speaks to me personally: "I have a demon in me, it shows its teeth and escapes when I impatiently speak; that's when i make my mistakes"...

Solar Powered Life: A short song, very punky. I like this song off the album.

Four Chords: This song is another good one, one that kinda makes fun of itself, as seen in the title. Thick beards and 650,000 hours tops this song off.

Vagabonds: Starting with a Switchfoot-esque guitar line, this song, like the others, seems to have something missing. I'm not sure what it is, to be honest. Perhaps no lead guitar? I think the lineup is the same. I like the cowbell though! Good enough title track anyway...

The Happy Nihilist: This song has a nice sound to it, and I like the message too. As Classic Crime's song tend to do, this one touched my heart. Perhaps my favorite off the album?

My Name: If there's such a thing as a slow song on this album, this would be it. A song full of reflection, this album has a strong personal touch to it.

Everything & Nothing: The song starts deceptively upbeat, and then hits you with real honest lyrics. "when you take the truth in every half truth, you take the gray over the black and white"

The Count: I like how his vocals are slightly echoed in this one. Not much more I can say, song needs more oomph I think, considering it's an image of boxing

Different Now: I LOVE this song, the introductory lines, and guitar riff, this is my favorite track. Nix Happy Nihilist.

Broken Mess: A really stark image of a husband and a horrid wife. Reflecting on Christ and the church?

Weapon of Choice: Too loud to be an ending track, switch this with Broken Mess and i'll be happy.

Secret and Whisper - Teenage Fantasy (2010)

Artist: Secret & Whisper

Album: Teenage Fantasy

Date Released: April 6, 2010

Genre: Post-hardcore

Album Review:

The lingering guitar notes, the deep drumbeats, and the Saosin-esque vocal cries coalesce to form Teenage Fantasy, Secret & Whisper's latest release. But to be honest, I feel like I am listening to Great White Whale, part 2. What's the difference? (what's the difference between this and Anthony Green's musical efforts at that...but that is another issue). If it's one thing that turns me off to an artist, it's useless repetition. Where's the creativity?

The album begins with an audio clip, and ends with what appears to be musicbox/xylophone like notes, fading out and leaving you with a blank stare towards the off-white wall that seems to offer more entertainment than the music. But perhaps I am being too critical. If anything, SaW have remained true to their sound (although maybe a tad too true) and have delivered a wonderfully mastered album. I hope I can find lyrics online later, I am too lazy to figure them out myself....plus, I have 2 more albums to review today!!

Sorry, you guys haven't gotten out of the Saosin box yet!

Rating: 6 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Youth Cats: an audio clip and synthesizer grab my attention, if not yours. Not a strong intro track, but this next one....

Warrior (Southern Arrowwood): Strong introduction, definitely pleased my ears. And not too long, because some songs drag on...I hate that.

Bedroom Galaxy: A nice intro, with delayed guitar notes that seem to come from indeed a galaxy. "when your mother dies, will she fly to the afterlife"....creepy much?

Tiny Sparkle: Some warbly notes start this song off. I think Furney sings his lowest ever in this song (a slightly humorous joke). But, his familiar vocal wails are heard here as well.

Famous For a Century: Strong drum beats start this song out (notice how i'm describing introductions only...I will applaud you, then, for describing to me the endings). By now, I am growing tired of the record, to be quite honest.

Edge of Wilderness: Uggghhh...Same song, different song title.

Pretty Snarl: Reminiscent of Mew (as quoted by AbsolutePunk as well), this little interlude found me with a smile on my face by the end.

ALMOST THERE....come on, just 3 more!

Blush: See Edge of Wilderness

Whale Bones: I guess this is the slow song of the album. Something about being born into a poor family and meeting some girl....really? Will every band now up and let me down?

Silver Mountain: a fitting end track, with a nice long outro, not too long, and with that tinkerbell-like ending.

Emery - In Shallow Seas We Sail (2009)

Artist: Emery

Album: In Shallow Seas We Sail

Date Released: June 2, 2009

Genre: Emo/Post-hardcore

Album Review:

With a theatrical and lamentable sound, Emery stays true to their voice with In Shallow Seas We Sail. As their fourth album, Emery delivers a mix of alternative punk and hardcore that leaves one with a somewhat melancholy feeling. ISSWS passes the "driving test", providing a decent upbeat feeling without losing the heaviness of the lyrical content. As far as repetitiveness, it could simply be that I have less patience for metal, but I found this album to be endurable from start to end.

Lyrically, this album is heavily focused on relationships, more so than before, where there would be political and spiritual references. Topics cover lust, selfishness, and separation. You can count, however, on Emery providing original lyrical lines. Instead of red roses, you will find lines like "I chose every word that I knew would hurt but that was a poor choice at best" going through your mind after giving this album a listen. With both a strong and soft side, this album favors well for me, and I am sure it will for you as well.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Song-by-song: (unfortunately, I am not reviewing the hidden track Closed Eyes, Open Hands)

Cutthroat collapse: a strong introduction song, yelling TIME RUNS OUT...topically, this song seems to be about a breakup that someone was warned against.

Curbside Goodbye: a very un-uplifting song indeed, talking about someone's love leaving him by the curb, "red lights fading"...but done well.

Inside Our Skin: This song hits hard exposing the real selfishness within our lives. There are a few lines screamed in here as well. I enjoyed listening to this one....the first, second, third, and fourth time around :)

Churches and Serial Killers: Not sure what this one is about, perhaps capture by love of someone who is harmful? Either way, a nice synth layers the introduction, adding to that melancholy tone so characteristic of Emery.

Butcher's Mouth: I'm confident that this song is about vanity and pride overwhelming a person. The synth around the 2 minute mark is very nice, I like this song too.

In Shallow Seas We Sail: I'm not so hot on title tracks, but this one didn't let me down, it seemed to capture the album well. I think the album concept of rejected love of some sort is shown in this one song.

The Pour and the Prevalent: Lyrical genius in this song. In all these songs. Just observe for yourself.

The Smile, the Face: A strong introduction, which fits the length of this short song.

A Sin to Hold Onto: Lust again. And very vivid imagery. This is a powerful song in my opinion.

Piggy Bank Lies: a Norma Jean-esque intro, about cheap lies and another ruined relationship from cheating.

Edge of the World: A strong song indeed, and at this point the album quickly winds down in hopes for the SLOW SONGS...here they come, they're in every album...

Dear Death Part 1: Esta noche, sera mia. This night will be mine....a short slow song, but it goes into part 2...

Dear Death Part 2: I never enjoy songs about death, they make me tear up....but i'm a masochist, so I enjoy the tears. So yes, I love this song because it's about cancer taking over a loved one. a Bittersweet farewell. Farewell Emery, the next review awaits to be seen!!