Search - Breathe Carolina :: Hello Fascination

Who would have thought?

T. Ching | SA, USA | 10/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I didn't think Breathe Carolina could top their debut album "That's Classy, Not Classic." That album had a great mix of vocals and great beats. Granted, it wasn't a band meant for all listeners, but it was just one of those bands that immediately clicked with me. Now that the second album has arrived, I say without a doubt that Hello Fascination ups everything before in That's Classy, Not Classic to the 11 setting. This band's lead (sorry, don't really focus on singer names) has a more mature voice this time around. You hear the professional mixing going on also - the last album had minor flaws in this area. Think of this album as one of those albums that have no throwaway tracks. I know for a fact that I like every single song, track 1 to 13. This is a definite purchase, and great value for 13 tracks. Just be warned - this is NOT just a dance/electronica band - there is also screaming incorporated at certain segments. This unfortunately may not suit everyone's music tastes, but in my opinion it really adds to the music. Listen to them first - you'll love them or hate them. I ended up loving them and becoming a big fan. If you had asked me at first what i would have thought of a dance band that had random screaming with electronic beats...well...i wouldn't have thought much of it. Yet this band proves to be all of those and so much more. I implore you - give this album a spin and judge for yourself.



1. Hello Fascination

I really felt this song was an appropriate introduction to the album. It's not like the introduction found in That's Classy in any way. Instead of the near monologue found in the previous effort we get a very catchy and distinct pop song. This song is very easy to like, and definitely gets this album off to a great start - 5/5



2. I'm the Type of Person to Take it Personally

This next track didn't click with me at first, with a larger part of the beginning devoted to screaming and less of vocals. Yet giving this song a few more listens, it grew on me. There is especially a memorial part at 2:25 and to the end that makes the song worth listening to - 4/5



3. Take Me to Inifinity

This might have been one of the few songs that I really couldn't find a good reason to absolutely love. The lyrics are there, the beat, and vocals...but just way too much autotune imo. You might think differently however - 3.5/5



4. Dressed Up to Undress

Man I loved this song. The lyrics are written in a steretypical teenage plot to get in bed, but they really are catchy. There is a certain electronic upbeat feel to this song that really shows by the middle of the song. It's similar in some respects to Take me to Infinity but for me it delivers more enjoyment when I listen to it, be it the mixing, different set of beats, etc - it works. - 4.5/5



5. I.D.G.A.F

This song just makes me wonder how Breathe Carolina got away without having a mandatory Parental Advisory sticker on the cover. Nonetheless, this song is pure entertainment. Between the electronic-pop and synthesized vocals, it really creates a winning formula that gets you singing, well, singing I don't give a f - 4.5/5



6. Welcome to Savannah

Ah yes, the highlight song. This one ranks up there with Hello Fascination - the power in this song is not in the electronica that was presented in the previous songs, but in the lyrics and the chorus. Giving this song several listens reminded me of several times how we negatively fall into self-deception that we aren't 'pretty enough.' This song is worth as many listens as you can put in. Don't let this one go unplayed whenever you're playing on shuffle on your ipod - 5/5



7. I Have to Go Return Some Video Tapes

I wish I could say I knew what the song's title is taken from, but i sadly can't. Unfortunately this song isn't very close to being a favorite on the album. The song twists and turns, trying to be varied and emotional, but comes off as being inconsistent. The lyrics are good though. Don't let my opinion sway what you think of it though - 2/5



8. The Dressing Room

Man oh Man. This is absolutely my favorite song of the album. If there must be only song you can like out of this album, it would have to be this one. Everything in this song is perfect, from lyrics to beat to overall feel. I really want to go on and on about this song, but I'd much rather let you all discover how great it really is - 6/5



9. Tripped and Fell in Portland

This song tricked me. I thought it was going to be a sure skip, but then the one time i stuck with it i realized that the song got really good and catchy - if you hated it at first like me, just wait the chorus - 4/5



10. Can I Take You Home?

This one is actually pretty good. It feels like a throwaway track at first, but I found some re-listen value in it. The song takes a different feel, and has a more orchestral approach at the end. It's good for variety in the album, and I enjoyed it. 3.5/5



11. My Obsession

This is as solid as a song can get. It's not super awesome like The Dressing Room, but it's not worth a skip either. The chorus is done well, and that's what counts the most in songs of this nature - 4/5



12. Velvet

Haha this is such a naughty song. But I find myself really enjoying it (don't judge). The song has a certain rush to it - you feel it in the lyrics as well ("Princess, I just wanna witness, Watch you severing that velvet...the way you touch yourself"). Also a great song that cannot be skipped (unless you have a paranoia to immoral lyrics...but then what are you doing listening to this band?) - 5/5



13. Rescue

Ah yes, the final song. This song is 100% different than any of the songs you've heard. it's meant to be a closing ceremony, a cool-down for all that jamming and audio ecstasy you just experienced. Strong finish and definitely shows a calmer and more mature side to Breathe Carolina. It can't compare to any of the top-tier songs, but it holds it's own in its own special way. 4.5/5"