Maturing
Craig | Ca | 05/07/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Our last night have returned with their best work to date. This album builds on the success of their 2008 debut "The Ghosts Among Us" with noticeable improvements from beginning to end. The band has stuck to their roots while refining their skill all around. We Will All Evolve is sure to garner new fans and impress current ones as well.
This album is fast, in your face, technical, melodic, and a wonderful addition to the post-hardcore genre. There is lots to offer here as far as vocals are concerned. The same soaring clean vocals are still present, and better than ever. The screaming on this album is also exceptional. The contrast between heavy/screaming and melodic/clean vocals is executed wonderfully throughout. Trever has obviously matured tremendously as a front man and truly demands your attention right from the start. Initially, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy Trevor's maturing vocals seeing as how they were so unique on TGAU due to his young age. However, I am now convinced that his new found voice will be nothing more than beneficial for the band.
Another instantly notable difference on this album is that it is much heavier than TGAU. The band utilizes breakdowns, bass drops (a personal favorite), and "half-step" chord structures among many other things. However, the balance is still near perfect between heavy parts and melodic parts. At any given moment, you'll be pummeled with a breakdown then ushered into a soothing melodic passage to change it up. Its this perfectly executed contrast that makes this album a true delight to the ears.
The musicianship displayed from this group, considering their age, is always impressive. Each member has raised the bar even higher this time. The drums/guitar and vocals are all individually catchy, creative, constantly moving, and keep you coming back for more.
The production on this album in phenomenally good. Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, Versa Emerge, Burden Of A Day) absolutely nailed this CD from start to finish. His touch on this album doesn't go without notice. The sound is loud, in your face, crisp, and downright infectious. An additional round of applause should also be given to the renown mixing-master David Bendeth (UnderOATH, Paramore, etc) for his solid work on this album.
All in all, this is an exceptionally good release from Our Last Night which is sure to bypass sleeper-status and keep any and all listeners coming back time and time again."