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This Issue About Us |
Album Reviews
Jack's Mannequin After being in one of the world's favorite piano rock bands, Something Corporate, forming a solo project which picked up right where Something Corporate left off, but with a more mature sound, battling leukemia, and then touring the world for the past 2 years, you'd think Andrew McMahon would be done for a long time. After the release of Everything in Transit, people fell in love with Jack's Mannequin. Even Something Corporate fans who might have been bitter about the 'hiatus' couldn't deny their love for the front man's project. Nobody even expected for the album to be out when scheduled due to McMahon's diagnoses with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The album was let out, and without much promotion, it sold 22,163 copies in it's first week, hitting number 37 on the Billboard 100. The next record would have high expectations to reach. Many months before The Glass Passenger was even scheduled to come out, people were hyped up with buzz and anticipation for the album. No one really knew what to expect, but everyone knew it would be amazing. After it came out on September 30, it hit number eight on the Billboard 100 after totaling 49,000 copies sold in the first week. In the recent day, with all of the digital downloading sites, that's pretty spectacular. All 49,000 people who bought the record couldn't have been disappointed, either. The Glass Passenger is a phenomenal record, and it's far from what I expected, but definitely good. While Everything in Transit was very Something Corporate like, The Glass Passenger shows a new side of McMahon no one's seen. It's full of piano driven melodies and breath taking lyrics, like always, but McMahon really grew as an artist in the time between the two records. Many of the tracks have a more of an 80's sound to them, or aren't the typical pop-punk sound McMahon tends to do the best. The last track on the album, 'Caves', is absolutely beautiful, and could bring tears to anyone's eyes. McMahon's vocal usage, and just the range itself, is so much more impressive than anything he's ever done. He really tried to do something different and creative, and he's really done it. He's like a student who's asked to make a volcano out of baking soda and vinegar, but goes full out and builds the volcano, builds the towns surrounding the volcano, makes little trees, and makes sure the lava really looks like lava. It's such an exquisite record, and it's probably the best of the year. For so long McMahon has been many people's inspiration. Whether it be for his hardships, the music he's written, or just being who he is. The Glass Passenger will surely hold their thoughts of him even higher and past what many people thought was possible. He's basically made a spot for himself in the indie-rock genre for life, and this album will be something to keep him there for so long. The Glass Passenger is by far a 5 out of 5, and if I could rate it even higher, I would. I definitely advise you, no, I command you to pick this album up and give it a long, good listen. Put on your head phones, lay in your bed, outside, or anywhere else peaceful, close your eyes, and get lost in the music. Molly Leachman
Dear and the Headlights With soft and folksy songs as well as jaunty indie rock, piano, and clever lyrics, Drunk Like Bible Times manages to unite several musical genres into one and do it seamlessly. Though none of the songs are the same, they manage to have a clear style, helped along by the distinctive vocals. Raw and occasionally Brand New-esque (sans screaming), they add power to the songs and fit well with the music. Compared to their first album Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, Drunk Like Bible Times is brimming with energy and shows their growth. The track that stands out most is "I Know," the album's closer. It begins with melodic guitars and an almost haunting feel and finishes with an upbeat group chorus, claps, and cheering in the background. Other standout tracks include "Talk About", which showcases vocalist Ian Metzger's lyrics in a fun, bouncy song that's so upbeat it makes its topics seem cheerful even with lines like 'That tumor in my side celebrating malignance: "Surprise! I'm moving in; I think I've grown on your parents"' and "If Not for My Glasses," a constantly-moving rock-pop tune that's almost impossible to not to tap your fingers to. Overall, this album knows what style it wants to be and does that well. I would give it a 5 out of 5. Chris Bellinger
Rise Against From the first guitar riff to the last drum beat, Appeal to Reason holds you in the political punk/rock that is Rise Against. With powerful lyrics that attack the state of the political nation, entertainment industry and overall issues we face as a generation lost in between. Rise Against takes a lot of the energy from Siren Song of the Counter Culture and mixes that with the more straightforward distaste of this government and political powers from The Sufferer and the Witness . With that said, this album does portray the growth of the band and their experiences with all the previously mentioned issues. In the song "Hero Of War", they incorporated true stories that they had heard from soldiers who had been in Iraq. As an acoustic track, "Hero of War" will hit home to anyone remotely involved in this war or previous was. These songs aren't fictionalized, they are taking what they observe and throwing it back into the faces of the masses, aiming for those who choose to ignore the state we are currently in. They even touch upon environmental issues in "Collapse (Post-Amerika)" and the pride that we have as a nation and the world in general. Of course we can't have a complete album without a love song, regardless of how unconventional it may be. Although not entirely along the stereotypical lines of a love song, "Savior" manages to fill that space, while giving the right medium for Tim McIlrath to show off is vocal skills. Between syncopated drumbeats and melodic guitar riffs, Rise Against has managed to create another powerful, solid album. There are great messages sent out into the masses through the lyrics. The only problem is that it feels as though I've heard a lot of the music before, possibly on their previous two albums. Not all is exactly the same, we hear the growth as musicians, but there is a lot of influence from the previous albums. It would have been nice to hear a little more of what they can do. With that said, I give this album a 4 out of 5. As a side note: This group of guys aren't just singing about the problems, they reach out and try to make a difference. Issues that they raise in their songs come from their involvement in different organizations. They work with organizations such as GI Rights, PETA, The Humane Society and several anti-war groups. Their CD booklet was made with 100% recycled materials and vegetable inks. Practicing what they preach, or sing, if you will. Mary Wiggins
 Bayside Bayside, who's been around for eight or so years, has proven that over the years they can grow as a band, without losing any fans. For a lot of bands that's nearly impossible, but after five full length records, they've still held their fan base steady, and gain listeners like dogs gain fleas--only fans are better than fleas. On their new record, titled Shudder, they've taken on a heavier, almost punk, sound. At first when listening to the record, I would have swore my life it was the same thing as their last attempt, Walking Wounded, but after listening to that for around a day, when I turned Shudder back on, the difference was obvious. I also had some people point out what was so different, and I think if I hadn't had them, I would be writing this article on how unoriginal this record was; so thank you. Bayside's lyrics are nothing less than amazing. It's so refreshing to hear someone who doesn't write about the same thing every other band does. They write amazing songs, with so detail and emotion, and never fail to put a dark touch to things. (which absolutely isn't a bad thing) Shudder definitely has some of his best work on it, and I definitely advise going and reading the lyrics. No song lacks brilliance, which must be difficult to do. Overall I give Shudder a 4.5 out of 5, or something close to that. It's by far Bayside's best work to date. If you listen to it and think it sounds exactly like Walking Wounded, be sure to compare, because it's so much more amazing than Walking Wounded will ever be. I strongly advise everyone to go out and buy Shudder when it comes out on September 30. It'll be in stores nationwide, so you can't miss it! Molly Leachman
 Brighten Brighten has made their name all over the US thanks to the internet and supporting such bands as Hawthorne Heights, Cute is what we Aim For, and Eisley. Even without a record label, they've achieved what most bands their size with contracts would still only dream of. After around ten years of playing together (not always as Brighten, though), they've created a polished sound of their own, making them not only favorites of fans, but other bands like All Time Low and The Maine. After two years of touring, promoting, and still being independent, Early Love is much anticipated by the strong following they've created. Their melodies are more infectious than ever, also equipped with lyrics that will make your heart swell. Justin Richards does a great job of conveying emotions in his vocals, and makes the album something for everybody to enjoy. The feel good vibe is something that many bands aren't successful at, but Brighten definitely does it right. While most tracks are similar to This Providence and Cartel, the fifth track 'Swing' is slightly akin to Forgive Durden or Gatsby's American Dream. It has a darker feel to it, but it's not over done to the point where it's totally opposite of the other tracks. 'Love on my Mind', the first track off of the album to be put up on Myspace, is a fun song to dance to, and is definitely single material. Early Love won't let Brighten fans down, whatsoever, and is definitely worth the $10 to purchase it on smartpunk.com. 4 out of 5 is a reasonable rating for this EP. A couple of the songs sound exactly the same, which isn't necissarily a bad thing, but you might find yourself getting confused if you're not paying attention. Early Love is out September 2nd, and they'll be starting a tour with A Rocket to the Moon and A Cursive Memory very soon. So be sure to go to the date nearest you. Molly Leachman
Val Emmich Hailing from New Jersey, Val Emmich recently released his newest album, Little Daggers. As the sixth in the line, Little Daggers changes it up a bit from previous releases, becoming a little more radio friendly but never once losing that depth or meaning in the songs. With the first single, "Get on With It," we get a lighthearted melody mashed with the idea of trying to get the courage to talk to/ask out Listeners are invited into the world of Val Emmich throughout the album. With songs, "Got a Habit Now" and "Too Far" we get a glimpse of alcohol-induced events and the result of a sharp tongue in relationships. In each song you can feel the emotion that Emmich put into it while writing. Between the lyrics, the harmonies and even the vocal melodies, we can experience the heartache and the sentiment in his perspective. His voice alone holds a raw emotion, especially in the closing track "Catalyst", which is reminiscent of Adam Duritz [Counting Crows, circa August and Everything ]. This musician puts his all into the songs and it does not disappoint. Most will enjoy this album, but there still may be some who don't jump up to listen. These would most likely be those who feel he turned too pop with the new release or those who may think he's just another singer/songwriter. If you look pass the initial indie-pop sound, and listen to the lyrics, it will draw you in. With the exception of a few songs that may flow a little too well and sounding a bit too similar, this album everything that I was hoping for. This album flows very well, from one song to the next. Each track holds its own and together they create a very a solid album. I give it a 4 out of 5. Mary Wiggins
 The Morning Light Extended play records (otherwise known as EPs) are always really popular with newly starting bands. Most of them will put one out to give their listeners a hard copy of something to listen to, or to just give people a taste of what they're all about. For the Morning Light, they put out a great EP that I definitely thought they wouldn't be able to top, which is the case with a lot of bands. Of course, if I had been right, I wouldn't be writing this right now. After the Sounds of Love came out in March, earlier this year, people got a taste of what was to be expected on their self titled, full length album. I was expecting the same keyboard driven love songs, with those harmonies that would drive anyone up the wall, wishing they could do the same. I was surprised though, when I found more original and thought out songs flowing through my speakers. Instead of the typical sound of bands like The Morning Light, I was greeted with more interesting instrumental parts, and even -don't be too shocked- horns! Yes, that's right, horns! I was definitely delighted to hear that they were incorporating more than just the typical four instruments into their songs. 'Wake Up!' provides a great vibe to start the album off with, and holds an upbeat feel that makes you excited to hear the other 10 songs. It definitely sets a high standard for the songs to keep up to, but I really do think they did a great job of it. Bobby Garver and Harrison Wargo's voices once again blend perfectly, and quite frankly, I couldn't think of a better pair to sing together. Both voices accent each other, which is why most bands have their lead vocalist do back up and lead vocals during the recording process. The very keyboard driven song, entitled 'Clouds', is also on the record, taken from the Sounds of Love. They've revamped it a bit, and given it more energy. It's not as dry and boring anymore, not that it really was in the first place. The first track to be posted on their Myspace, 'Honest (Apologies Endless)', is one of the best tracks on the album. They did a great job of picking the first song to be debuted, and they really couldn't have chosen any better. Movin' Along, the ending track, has a really cool feel to it, that I can't really describe. It'll definitely be one of those songs you love or hate, though. Andy MacDonald gives a really solid bass part throughout most of the song. (and album, really) It's a really great finishing track, and it closes the album well. Myspace has obviously helped The Morning Light promote their new full length album a lot. From promoting it, to posting songs from it, to even having contests to get the fans excited for it; every little thing will be of help, and when the fans hear it, they won't be angry about that ten dollars they spent on the pre-order. In all, The Morning Light's Self Titled deserves a 4 out of 5. It's still not exceptionally amazing, but for a band in the genre they're in, it's especially impressive, and really enjoyable. The Morning Light has a lot of big things coming their way, so look out for them! For now, go pick up their CD. Molly Leachman Show Reviews 
Band: The Magnetic Fields I've been waiting three years to see this band live, and all that anticipation had me nervous. There was no need; they were well worth the wait. I had never been to a concert where the stage banter was primarily about dogs. Then again, I had also never been to a concert where the opening act was more story than song. The Magnetic Fields' lyrics tell such wonderful stories, it was only fitting that for half an hour, a gentleman by the name of Michael Hearst entertained the audience with flash nonfiction accompanied by slides of illustrations and short songs based on news articles. Hearst's stories had the audience laughing, despite - or perhaps because of - their brevity. There was so much truth to the stories, there seemed little other response but laughter or applause. Heard live, The Magnetic Fields have a certain elegance their cds never quite capture. Everything they played was beautiful and meant something different than it had before. "Papa was a Rodeo", usually just an amusing love song, almost had me in tears. The music proved a strange contrast to Claudia Gonson's rambling into the microphone between songs. Much affected by the altitude, Gonson shared her love of the local news on NPR, pondered the acting career of Oliver Platt, and related the plot she constructed in her head, tying their setlist into a single story. At one point, Gonson actually laid down onstage, she was so affected by the lack of oxygen. There were only two things I disliked about the concert, and they are related. Here's where I out myself as a huge snob, but when at a seated concert like this I feel the audience should be decorous. The laughter and applause mid-song had me angry. This was furthered by lyricist, composer, and bouzouki player Stephin Merritt's visible discomfort at the sound every time any applause lasted more than a couple seconds. If they can't respect the music enough to let other people listen, people should at least respect the person making it. Brittany Holmgren
[Pictures courtesy of Google.] |
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