Envy on the Coast - Lowcountry (2010)

Artist: Envy on the Coast
Album: Lowcountry
Date Released: March 30, 2010
Genre: Pop Punk/Emo/Alternative Rock

Album Review:

Driew nialp tsuj si siht (this is just plain weird). Here is a band who has jumped in a completely different direction, from the emo/punk scene to something resembling southern rock (hence the album name, perhaps). And yet, they haven't completely shed their old skin. Stuck between two worlds, Lowcountry is either an attempt to bridge two different styles or an attempt to demolish both.

RottenTomatoes says this about Lowcountry: "The tempo has drastically slowed with almost every song based on heavy, often funky rhythm section that starkingly resembles Incubus and Red Hot Chili Peppers in their most streamlined mode. Bass guitarist Jeremy Velardi along with the band's vocalist made to play drums, Ryan Hunter seldom fall victim to routine delivering an array of varied groovy passages. Guitarists Brian Byrne and Sal Bassio steer clear of distorted riffs in favor of clean sound. In consequence, the guitar tracks are way more stylish, moody, not to mention impressive bringing the band's southern rock fascination to the foreground. "

I couldn't disagree more. I ripped into this album with little to no expectations of what i'd hear. In fact, i'm not very well acquainted with Lucy Gray, or Envy's other songs. However, this album has made a person who absolutely hates country hate it more. The influence is subtle, seen in certain vocal twangs, short guitar licks, but it's nevertheless there, and despite its attempts to grace the listener out of the previous idea of Envy on the Coast, it pulls no punches and ends up injuring the listener. With religious references that can only be described as "intriguing", and with a lack of catchy hooks necessary for the rock arena, this album captures the side of the coin that many artists neglect; it has interesting content, good flow, and identifies with the "style". However, the songs just plain suck. It sounds like a group of under-produced amateurs smoking cattails in Alabama who then decided to write songs about Jesus and praying. This one was a disappointment for me.

As far as the empty content, it seems to be a concept album of the southern-gospel lifestyle and its woes. Take the messages how you like, the lyrics did amuse me for a bit.

Rating: 5.5 out of 10

Song-by-song: (I seriously do NOT have the heart to do this...maybe the album will grow on me)

Death March on Two, Ready?: With twangy guitar licks, this song starts out Lowcountry. There's the same screamy-singing style seen in Lucy Gray, and overall....yeah that's pretty much it.

The Devil's Tongue: With lines like "fuck the sin right outta me", a lot of bitterness is expressed in this song, marking an overall rejection of desiring religion and prayer. Another bleh song musically, however. Still not getting into this album..

Head First Into the River: With what some might call "experimental vocals" (I find it at times close to Closure in Moscow...mmm that's good), one of the tastier tracks greets the listener.

Puritan Dirt Song: I must admit, there is an attempt at compensating for horridly country like songs with clever lyrics. "I'm a sinner in the hands of a God that could use a good laugh". I smiled at that one.

Laugh Ourselves to Death: Short and sweet. Not sweet enough though, with interesting lyrics but an unrelenting bass line. Curiously absent is the guitar that drives the song along warranting such a short running time.

The Great American T-Shirt Racket: Another short song that went in one ear and out the other. I seriously almost forgot what I was going to write about it after replaying it twice. I guess that in itself is a proper evaluation.

Southern Comfort: Unfortunately, i'm not from the South. This droning dirge provided no comfort for me.

*: A little interlude regarding phone messages. This one was kinda funny. I wonder if this was candid recording of someone drunk or not.

Like I Do: Hands down, easily my favorite song on the album. The layered vocals give a really interesting sound. This song is a slower one, so no driving rhythm guitar is needed. Instead, a haunting organ and bass line floats along, disguised within the album, but definitely should be seen as a diamond in the rough.

Numb: I like the intro to this song, with the lasting cry "I can't feel a thing". There's still that obnoxious southern accent to the song, but it is not as cringing. Overall, one of the better songs.

Made of Stone: Some boring song about Jesus not being able to sing. Is this album over yet?

Clean of You (Contains Non-Indexed Track Just South of Heaven): one of those incredibly annoying 35 minute songs, where the last 2 minutes contains some super extra special track. The chorus of Clean of You was pretty explosive, and mellowed out to a few minutes of silence, where Just South of Heaven kicks in. And that's when I kick this song.

Bad News (Bonus Track): This song is a mix of the new and old Envy on the Coast, I like it to say the least.

Spinal Cords (Bonus Track): Figures that i'll like the bonus tracks the most. This one was enjoyable for some reason, even though the style was similar. The song structure was less chaotic, and there was a solid chorus.

Clergy: A slow acoustic melody, and very natural too, to the point where I wonder if country is the foundation of Envy's music, and punk is the addition? I enjoyed this one, nice singing and nothing too crazy.

Company of Men: A very slow and chill-out song, unfortunately under 2 minutes however. The lyrics are also interesting, as always. I will give Envy credit for that.