Driven Far Off

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Albums In Stores 11-6-07

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Here are some albums hitting stores today. Let us know which ones you’re picking up.

Angels & Airwaves – I-Empire
The Classic Crime – Acoustic EP “Seattle Sessions”
Plain White T’s – Stop (Reissue)
Counting Crows – Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings
The Frantic – Audio and Murder
A Dream Too Late – Intermission to the Moon
Sigur Ros – Hvarf/Heim

Just Surrender – We’re in Like Sin

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We're in Like Sin

Artist: Just Surrender
Album: We’re in Like Sin
Label: Broken English
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 21st, 2007

Overall: 6.0
Music: 6.5
Lyrics: 6.0
Production: 7.5

Ultimately sophomore releases have been known for falling short and not living up to the expectations created by the debut effort. As much as I hate to say it, this album is no different. We’re in Like Sin showcases a band trying to find themselves and come into their own sound. Stylistically the record encompasses a variety of genres, from gritty rock to polished pop. Despite the diversity, the album fails to standout from the pack or make much of a sonic splash. I’m not sure if the New York quartet spread themselves too thin or possibly rushed the writing process, I just can’t help but feel that they somehow missed the mark. However there are some highlights such as the single “Your Life and Mine” and the closer, “I’ll Be Here” shows much promise. Just Surrender is still one of the brighter spots in the current scene, and will no doubt continue to thrive.

Recommend if you like: Boys Night Out, The Classic Crime, pop-punk with an edge.

Track Listing
1. Body Language and Bad Habits
2. So Close/So Alive
3. If I Wanted to Cuddle I’d Buy a Teddy Bear
4. I Said It Before
5. Your Life and Mine
6. New Declaration
7. Payback
8. You’d Be In Great Shape If You Ran Like Your Mouth
9. We’re in Like Sin
10. Something That I’m Not
11. I’ll Be Here

The Fold – Secrets Keep You Sick

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Secrets Keep You Sick

Artist: The Fold
Album: Secrets Keep You Sick
Label: Tooth & Nail
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22, 2007

Overall: 6.5
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.5

“Let’s get to the point, let’s get to this condition…” is the chant that sharply echoes over power chords as the record begins and from this point on there is no looking back. Secrets Keep You Sick essentially serves as a sonic journal for frontman, Daniel Castady to chronicle the last few years of his life. The melodies and power behind each song simply grab a hold of you, and can only be described as compelling. The record as a whole is very emotionally charged, however not in a miserable-heartrending way.

The first half of the album is upbeat and more immediate, where the second half seems to gradually drag and become less memorable. Nevertheless, Secrets encompasses a certain brand of stirring alt-rock; that deserves to be pushed to the forefront. The Fold is vastly underrated, and it’s a shame that they remain relatively unknown. Thus, it’s no secret that this band deserves some much needed recognition; everyone should give this band and album a chance.

Recommend if you like: Heartfelt and uplifting rock music.

Track Listing
1. Medicine
2. Younger Than Our Years
3. Your Secrets Keep You Sick
4. New Skeptic
5. Faster Still
6. Closer
7. Down in Doubt and Living Without
8. Hey Rebekah
9. Catastrophe!
10. Beside You Now
11. Revisited