CapitalUsually, these are the kind of albums I can't stand. I just would rather have straight to the point, aggressive hardcore. So it takes a lot for me to really latch on to a more melodic hardcore band, which these guys are but they are more than that.
These Long Island natives incorporate the sounds of 90's NY post-hardcore, 80's DC hardcore and some of the melodic tendencies found from SoCal acts. These guys have been around since 2004 when the band The Reformation were looking for a vocalist and found the former vocalist of Silent Majority and Blood Red and everything after then was history. They released their debut full length "Signal Corps" on Iron Pier Records. Actually, I checked these guys out because one of my favorite bands Invade had them on their top friends on MySpace; I wasn't displeased with what I heard but I didn't really think much of their material. So when I received this album for review I was curious to see how these guys have since evolved.
Well, surprisingly enough I was happy to see these guys really hone their song writing. It's a bit less "aggressive" than their former release but the song writing is more cohesive and the vocalist has really taken it to another level. To me, the vocalist is the most crucial element for bands of this nature, they easily make or break the band, whether vocally or lyrically. Luckily for me, and them, their vocalist does more than an adequate job in regards to both. Song after song, he impresses me with his ability to combine emotional shout/screaming with introspective/socio-political lyrics.
In regards to the album, there are 13 tracks that vary in length and structure. Throughout the album they constantly change up the formula for song writing; some songs are almost straight up hardcore in the vein of American Nightmare and the like and then others are a bit more melodic and developed. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the vocalist impresses me with each passing track, he does a good job of keeping a steady vocal style while adapting to each song thrown his way.
The lyrics span many subjects, mostly they are more personal and introspective, though some tread into the social/political arena. The main songs that I will talk about are the latter. "Crossroads" is about how we talk shit on immigrants for taking jobs that we don't even want, legal or illegal. Maybe my favorite song is "Disclaimer" which is about how "the apple fell far from the tree" and you do not have to agree with your elders, especially those in your family. "Rubberface" is a awesome song about the addiction most Americans have for botox and plastic surgery. Certainly not a new topic but always welcomed in my book. Another interesting song is "Mosh Parts" which is about bands who just write parts for dancing rather than substance.
The recording which was done at the same spot as their last full length sounds good. I have no complaints whatsoever for any of the instruments. The overall mix has ideal tone and volume. All in all, quality.
I'm not sure what significance that the front cover us, perhaps judging by the lyrics it's supposed to be a Puritan church from New England. I say this because in the song "Gold Coast" is talks about "...you sit on your house on a hill" which brought to mind the statement made by John Winthrop but I am probably off base. Anyhow the booklet is self is 6 pages and displays the lyrics over a black/white background with a image that corresponds to the song. And one of my favorite things about the layout is how certain lines of the lyrics are made larger than the others to emphasize their importance. Definitely a nice touch.
Rating: 3.7/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: On A Mission, Mosh Parts and Rubberface
Synopsis: This is an album I went into expecting little but man was I surprised. I doubt this is going to be for everyone so I suggest for you to check it out yourself and form your own opinion.