Not That Great
Danny | USA | 04/02/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD when Media Play was closing down and had their stuff 70% off, so it didn't cost me very much at all...which was a very good thing. I skip around on the CD on the way home and am a little disappointed. I really wanted to like the CD so I just saved it for another time. I had read that this CD was supposed to sound somewhere in between Copeland, Something Corporate, and Sherwood. That's definitely a lie. Before I reveal my main complaint with this CD, and maybe this band, I'll go over the songs:
Spectacle - (1/5) - Cool intro to the song and the CD, but once the vocals hit, it goes downhill from there. When it gets to the chorus, it reminded me of a Backstreet Boys song. I didn't like this song at all.
New American Saint - (5/5) - When I started picturing the CD negatively because of the first song, this one brought me back up. This is the best track on the album. It's catchy, and it sounds more like an alternative song, but it's really good.
Goodbye Almond Eyes - (2/5) - Lacks any originality. If you're gonna sound like other bands, do it well. This song does what many other bands do, but it is worse than those other bands.
The Tin Man Gets His Heart - (2/5) - Best part of this song is the title. Very creative title that made me expect another like 'New American Saint'. It's fine to start with, but then the vocals screw it up again. He tries way too hard and it makes it sound bad. He was fine when he was singing normally. I was willing to overlook that though since the title still intrigued me. Then their music choice indecisiveness kicked in, and they started getting loud, which ruined the atmosphere.
Treading Water - (4/5) - Sounded like the music to 'New American Saint' in some parts. There were a few awkward moments in the vocals, but still a good song.
Bottle Marked: Caution - (2/5) - Like 'Goodbye Almond Eyes', it sounded like tons of other songs, but not done as well.
The Hard Eight - (2/5) - Decent lyrics. Screws up around 45 seconds into it. It turned into a really annoying song.
A Reason To Come Home Again - (5/5) - I gotta give this one a 5. It sounds like Taking Back Sunday's first CD (which isn't good), but done so much better. One of the harder songs. Kept me listening.
I Love You...Too - (1/5) - Most disappointing song on the album. I thought it would be really good, but the vocals don't work at all, and the guitar plays the exact same chords over and over again. There is no variation.
The Hammer & The Nail - (2/5) - First time they made a successful transition from softer music to louder. Couldn't save the song though. Weak lyrics and vocals.
Meghan Again - (4/5) - Good closing track. It was very interesting, but cool. Unique song for this band. Vocals actually worked well.
My main problems with this band are:
1. The vocals are really lacking. They need some new ones or they need to fit his voice better with the music.
2. Their indecisiveness. It seems as though they can't decide whether to play all out poppy punk more (Amber Pacific, Fall Out Boy) or hardcore punk (Glasseater).
This CD did not meet my expectations, and as a result, will leave my music collection. I do not recommend it. Just download the few good songs on this album."
Awesome Sweetness
Andrew High | Tempe, AZ United States | 10/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is such a good record, I loved the last and this builds on it wonderfully, the hard songs are a little harder and the soft songs are so so nice, all in all, I guarantee that this album will produce songs that appeal to you no matter what!!
It is beautiful and an incredible growing point for a dynamic and talented band!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1