Have HeartSince 2002, these Boston natives have released a highly acclaimed demo that was re-released by Bottled Up Records and a six song EP that was released on Think Fast! Records titled "What Counts", which led to the band signing to Bridge 9 to release this album, their debut full length.
This 11 song full length clocks out at 26 minutes, and throughout that time they don't waste a beat, using their music as a platform for Patrick Flynn to convey his well thought out lyrics to the listener. These guys are heavily influenced by the likes of Youth of Today and Turning Point, so while what they are doing isn't charting any new ground, it's driving melodies and up tempo verses are enough to send goosebumps up the listeners arms. These guys are also good at keeping the length of the songs varied. Some songs reach the 3 minute mark while other fail to break the minute mark. Some songs are content on just short burst of raw energy while others build themselves up into full blown anthems.
I must say these lyrics are fucking awesome. I don't know how else to say it. These guys are definitely straight edge but they are far from the typical straight edge band lyrically. Sure they mix in their beliefs for a clean life style but they aren't as straight forward as the typical SXE band. "Life Is Hard Enough" is the only song that is purely about being clean: "Ambitions fail, complications hail. All my insecurities fucking prevail. Do I turn to a drink or into what I want to be..." The song "Unbreakable" was my personal favorite, lyrically wise it deals with an old soul who loves his life no matter what shit gets thrown his way and lives each day to it's fullest. Another great song, which also happens to feature a quote from E.E Cummings is the track "Watch Me Sink" which is about the addictions and selfishness that plagues the human race, whether it be drugs or material goods. A lot of the lyrics are telling the listener to use their mind rather than their fist. You can't argue with that.
The album was recorded by Jim Siegel at The Outpost, which has been churning out one solid album after another, this being no different. The guitars have a nice well rounded tone that sounds perfect for what the band is doing, the little studio embellishments here and there couldn't have been done any better. The bass tone is warm and round sounding and adds a nice fullness to the mix. The vocals were handled perfectly, from the screams to the spoken word lyrics they sound spot on, even the little subtle effects on the vocals in parts were done tastefully. The drums have a nice dense tone, rounding out the rhythm section quite nicely.
I'm loving this albums layout. It's funny because you would think by looking at the artwork that it could be an emo or post-hardcore album, which is obviously far from the truth. I love the earthly colors that are used to show the sun setting behind rolling mountains, with red birds flocking towards it, very reminiscent of a fall day. On the back is the same scene except it features winter colors and the tree baring no leaves. Inside the booklet the first song is displayed next to the same drawing of the cover except with different coloring that would lead me believe the time of the year is a nice spring day. The majority of the songs are displayed on plain white pages with everything in an easy to read format with some of the red birds here and here. The tray art was also a nice touch, placing a CD shaped picture of Patrick Flynn with arms raised. A treat for the eyes top to bottom.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Watch Me Sink and The Unbreakable
Thesis: From the driving anthems, to the well thought out lyrics to the gorgeous packaging this album is worth calling your own.