Search - State Radio :: Year of the Crow

Different

isaac | 11/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So here it is, the new CD from State Radio. If you loved the Us Against the Crown State Radio, they are still there, but theres a wall of sound between them and the listener. If you're here because you like dispatch, turn around and get state radio's first cd, but dont pick this on up quite yet. The first time i heard this CD, to be honest i was dissapointed. Ofter people say that music grows on them, and this statement applies to this CD moreso than most music.



Year of The Crow does contain many of the elements of Us Against the Crown, and even to some extent Who Are We Living For(Dispatch's final CD). Reggae inflected songs such as Fall of the American Empire, Sudan and CIA do exist, but overall this effort is louder, more brash and unapologetically fed up with the current political situation our country is in.This time however, State Radio is ready to get their message across, and now its more urgent than last time. The CD is loud, in your face, and aggressive, But in this day and age, maybe this isnt such a bad thing.



The first track is Guantanamo, and it sets the pace for the entire album. While the last album started off with the line "People to People are so unjust" this one gets right to the point. The punk chords smack you right in the face, and when coupled with lines like "War president is a criminal" theres really no missing that State Radio is not messing around with their message on this cd. Unfortunates follows mainly the same style, so by the time the listener comes to The Story of Benjamin Darling, they think they have got this cd pinned down. Thats when they hear an odd form of monotone recitation. This continues for a while but then progresses into a good song but nothing amazing.



The rest of the CD is yours to discover for yourself. It has elements of the reggae inflected rock that has become State Radio's staple, only with a dose of protest and a little bit of punk rock. No tracks stand out as particularly unpleasant and the whole Cd functions well together to get the bands message across. Judging by the difference in opinions that ive heard regarding this CD, you're just going to have to make the final call yourself"

Well worth the wait

Paul Roder | Nashville, Tennessee | 05/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After waiting what seemed forever for the next album from State Radio, my new cd finally came in. Necessary as it is with guys like this, I sat in front of the computer with lyrics pulled high and the volume loud. I agree with the other 2 reviewers who say this album is very different that UATC. But I think that is a good thing. One reason I listen to them and the other dispatch boys are they aren't like the crap they play on the radio. Some of the singing sounds off-tempo or out of place, but it just takes a little bit to really get into the grove they intended. The music isn't predictable, the lyrics you will never hear in a McDonalds.



The cd starts out with Guantanamo a fast punk feeling song about, torture. No Mtv video for that one I guess... Reminds me of Black Cab Motorcade sound-wise.

Unfortunates is good, I may be wrong but it seems to be along the lines of the columbine boys, virginia tech guy, etc.

The story of benjamin darling pt 1 is a great story-song. I just love the dynamics of it.

Cia is another reggae/punk type song. Well done, but not my favorite.

Gang of thieves is classic chad lyrics. Very catchy.

Fight No More is one of my favorites on the album, very dynamic and very catchy.

Barnstorming is my other favorite. Groovy and subtly dirty. Nice combination. If this don't make your booty move, your booty must be dead.

Rash of robberies reminds me of a recent Incubus song, only good. I don't understand a lot of it, but good song none the less.

Omar Bay is another war song. Touching but not sure why.

As with gladness is another one of those obscure songs with more than a few interpretations I'm sure.

Wicker plane is another favorite. No clue of the significance of most of the lyrics - great song all the same. I do love the guitar riffs, can't put a finger on the influence, but familiar enough to make me smile.

Sudan is another plea for peace in Africa and the world no doubt.

Fall of the american empire is a fun song that reminds me of many other songs that sit on the tip of my tongue.

And another 'hidden' song at the end. I'm a dork for loving them, and this one is no different.



Overall a great album that I will be spinning on the Ipod many many times. Recommendation - if you like the politics and reggae style of SR pick up a copy of Rx Bandits - The resignation or ..And the battle begins. After hearing the sophomore album from 10 years a friend asked if i liked it. I said yes i did, the FIRST time I bought it. The second album was so much like the first it was a big disappointment. Either no change or too much change between albums sucks. Not so for State Radio. They seem to have grown, went with a less processed sound, kept the spirit and amazed me again with a fine album. Well done boys!"