I just want to remind everyone to pick up MewithoutYou‘s new record “Brother, Sister”. It is one of the best records of the year; it’s simply amazing. Look forԚÂ the review for the record this week. Also, I’ve just been comfirmed for an interview with the band this Friday. If you have any questions you would like me to ask, write a comment onԚÂ this entry or write me at [email protected].
The Gentleman Homicide – Understanding The Words We Speak
Artist: The Gentleman Homicide
Album: Understanding the Words We Speak
Label: Blood and Ink Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 11, 2006
Overall: 8.5
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.5
The Gentleman Homicide hail from Amarillo, Texas and they are putting their own meaning to the phrase, â┚¬Ã…”Donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t mess with Texasâ┚¬?. The band recently released their debut record, â┚¬Ã…”Understanding the Words We Speakâ┚¬? from Blood and Ink Records. With a strong positive message, donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t assume that a Christian band canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t be brutal and destructive. This record is a collection of ten energy packed and intensity driven songs that will leave you in a feel good, chaotic mood.
Without trying to use too many comparisons, The Gentleman Homicide sound like On Broken Wings if they were an openly devoted Christian band. This record is extremely fast paced, but at times it slows down to give the listener an intermission break from chaos. The breakdowns are heavy, the vocals are in your face, and the music is well structured. Some songs like â┚¬Ã…”No One Dies Without Deserving Lessâ┚¬?, start off slow and incorporate a softer side to the band. Other songs like â┚¬Ã…”Being Torn Apart Through Self Realizationâ┚¬? give off the essence that is enough to make you feel like you can rob a bank (with good intentions) and get away with it. Before the first minute of this song, things start to slow down and you hear a eerie techno beat, only to be interrupted by a breakdown building up to intensity.
The Gentleman Homicideâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s lyrics are filled with hope, faith in God, struggles with oneâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s self, and other common, everyday situations. It is clear to see that this band puts a strong focus on faith, with lyrics such as â┚¬Ã…” Jesus, you left your life so we can leave this place. We will follow Your will down every road, through every city, and when we reach the end, Youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll be there.â┚¬?
Overall, this is an outstanding debut from a young Texas band that is playing music that is impressive, but also doing it with good intentions. Some of the best parts of the record are when the band slows it up, but still has the hard hitting vocals from Josh echoing in the background. â┚¬Ã…”Understanding the Words We Speakâ┚¬? is a record for anyone that believes that you can simply boast your energy level with music. This record is for anyone that enjoys heavy, brutal, and music that will rip you apart with each song, but by the end of the record, put you back together as a better person.
Track Listing:
01. Following A Path To Grace
02. Our Faults, Our Failures, Our Lives
03. The Goodbye And The Morning After
04. A Question; A Promise
05. No One Dies Without Deserving Less
06. Untitled
07. Being Torn Apart Through Self Realization
08. Looking Within The Heart Of Man
09. A World Caving In On Itself
10. In Hopes That Day Will Come
Stream The Mars Volta’s New Album
You can now stream The Mars Volta’s new album, entitled “Amputechture” on their myspace.
The Stiletto Formal
Everyone should check out The Stilletto Formal. They are a band from Arizona and I saw them at Warped Tour and I was blown away. There is a keyboardist and a cellist, among the rest of the instruments. The music is extremely different and it offers something new and unique to listen to. The songs catch you off guard with their multitudes of musicianship. This is a band to check out, just listen to them out here.
The Classic Crime – Albatross
Artist: The Classic Crime
Album: Albatross
Label: Tooth & Nail
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 23, 2006
Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.5
The Pacific Northwest has given birth to bands that are rich with creativity and never forgotten throughout the years (such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and etc). The Classic Crime is the next big thing to come from this region of the United States. Signing to Tooth and Nail Records, the band seems to fit in with their unique sound and positive/hopeful lyrics. The Classic Crimeâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s debut record “Albatross” was a hit in the first week amongst fans and is still going strong. The songs are constructed of riveting guitars, pounding drums, catchy vocals, upbeat chorus, and hopeful lyrics. Every song on the record can become the anthem, the soundtrack to your life. Whether you are going through a breakup, or struggling with an identity crisis, each song serves as metaphorical backdrop to your situation. There is a connection created between the band and the fans, and that is something that is rare to see in the music industry these days.
The first song on the record, entitled “The Fight” is one of the best songs in the record. It starts off with a repetitive drum beat with is joined in by the guitar works of Justin Duque and Robbie Negrin. The song is catchy and will leave you humming it for days. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s different, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s cheerful, and it proves that The Classic Crime is a band to keep your eye on.
There is a wide range of styles of songs on “Albatross”. Some songs are fast paced, some songs are slow and poppy, other songs are just so amazingly written that they will leave you listening to the record over and over again.
One of the aspects that stands out the most from The Classic Crime is Matt MacDonaldâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s vocals. You could strip away the music from each song and just leave the vocals and still manage to have a great song. He doesnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t just sing, his voice is harmonized and has itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s own catchy beat to it.
Overall, this is a great record that will still sound unique even if youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve listen to it twenty times. The Classic Crime will breath hope into your life and ease the hearts of those that think that every band sounds alike. The Classic Crime is something sincere, something positive, and something that you will grow to love from the minute “Albatross” is started.
Track Listing:
1. The Fight
2. Flight Of Kings
3. Who Needs Air
4. Blisters And Coffee
5. The Coldest Heart
6. All The Memories
7. Say The Word
8. I Know The Feeling
9. Warrior Poet
10. Bitter Uprising
11. We All Look Elsewhere
12. Headlights
The Fall Of Troy Interview – June 24th, 2006
Andrew: That is like the smallest fucking recorder I have ever seen. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s cool.
– Haha, yeah. State your name and position in the band.
Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m Andrew, and I play drums in Fall of Troy.
– Give a brief history of the band and the origin of the name.
We just flipped through a history book and picked, like we had a name before that and thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s how we did that. So, letâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s do it again.
– What have been your best and worst moments of this tour?
Just like any show, where kids are having a good time. But like the worst, our trailer axle broke, people had some personal problems (not related to the band) that effected our motivation as far as playing shows. This has probably been the most stressful Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve ever been on.
Good thing itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s almost over.
I mean, it sucks though because I love everyone on the tour, like everything that has happened has been, not related to music or anybody in the bandsâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ relationships. So itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s just really frustrating. But itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll be alright, weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll fucking play some new songs or something.
– What elements do you try to bring to each show to set you apart from the rest of the bands?
Just try to fucking, like a bunch of people paid a bunch of money to come see you, you should probably show them that you are at least trying to work and give them a good show. I just try to play as hard as I can, fucking rock out and let kids get into it.
– If you could pick one show that made you feel accomplished of everything you have done, which would it be and why?
Um, playing Bamboozle was really cool. 7 or 8 thousand people there and that was like, insane. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve never played for anymore than 1500 so that was weird. I mean, it blows my mind that Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m fucking in Virginia and there are people here that know who we are. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s weird.
Is this the first time you guys have played in Virginia?
Nah, weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve played at the Peppermint.
Yeah, with Spitfire right?
Yeah, I think we played with some local bands. I canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t remember, I think it was on the Number Twelve tour. I like Virginia, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s fun man.
– When starting this band, what were your goals and how have they changed?
I mean, we were just having fun and challenging ourselves. Like the music we played before this wasnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t very challenging, it was very poppy. Just play music with people we like, hopefully other people will like it too.
(Tim Ward from Fall of Troy opens the driverâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s door of the van)
Tim: I wish I was tough like Russians. Russians are fucking tough.
Andrew: Haha, this has happened with like every interview.
Tim: I want some goddamn boy Russian friends and I want a Russian girlfriend.
Andrew: Dude, remember that guy we met from Russia?
Tim: Yeah, man.
Andrew: We met him in New York and he was like â┚¬Ã…”(speaks with a Russian accent) Hi, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m from Russia, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m moving here for the summer.â┚¬? Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m like â┚¬Ã…”Dude, thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s awesome.â┚¬? Then heâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s like â┚¬Ã…” Russia likes you guys, why havenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t you come there?â┚¬?
Tim: His name was Uri or Alexia or Vladimir.
Andrew: Anyways, Russia was our inspiration, haha.
Tim: Russia is intense. I just read about that shit man. People get drunk off of cologne.
Andrew: You just drunk off of like 2 or 3 packs of Blue Ribbon.
– What hardships did you encounter when starting the band and how did you get through them?
Um I mean, just like at first just getting shows. We didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t even think about playing a show for like 3 or 4 months.
I read somewhere that you guys were 17 years old when the band started.
Yeah, I was 16 and so was Tim and Thomas. We used to have another guitar player and he was 17. It was just like â┚¬Ã…”Hey, how are we going to get our gear from so and soâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s house to practice.â┚¬? As it moves on, we obviously want to put on a good show and try to make stuff work with us, like personally because itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s tough. We were friends before this actually, we tried to make it into a business, so I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know. Shit has gotten mixed up, but itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s cool.
– Are there any plans to go into the studio and recording the next record?
Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re going to be writing for like the next two months, as soon as this tour is done. We have like four songs right now, weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll hopefully be recording in September or October, to be out like January. I know people want to hear it.
– How would you compare and contrast how the band sounded in the beginning and how it sounds now?
I think we got tougher. I mean, the melody is still there and stuff. I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know, I think weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve just become more of ourselves.
– In your opinion, which song on the last record best defines the band the most?
Um, probably off the last record, â┚¬Ã…” The Holy Tapeâ┚¬? or maybe â┚¬Ã…”Macaulay McCulkinâ┚¬?. One of those, weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re just fucking weirdos.
– If you had to quit this band and join another one, which one would it be and why?
Um, thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s tough. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢d love to be in He Is Legend, thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll be fun, they have good songs. I really donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know, I mean if we are talking about anybody anywhere, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll probably say The Beatles. The songs arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t too hard but theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re still fun to play. They had a lot of success but that kind of ruins, I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know, success isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t really everything, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s kind of weird.
– If you could overhear people talking about the band, what do you think you would hear?
I hope I would hear, â┚¬Ã…”Man that was fucking crazyâ┚¬? or â┚¬Ã…”I didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t expect that.â┚¬? I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m sure people would, thereâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s haters and thereâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s lovers. Everyone is going to have their own opinion, kids probably say that every song has a guitar solo, but whatever, you can also say that you like that.
– In your opinion, what is the biggest current issue people are overlooking?
With everything?
Yeah, just in general.
I wish people would be more aware of what our country is doing and like putting us, regardless of what you think when the U.S. does something, it reflects on everybody else. I mean, no oneâ┚¬Ã‚¦I mean, I wish people would stay up to date with current events more, and itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s kind of stupid for me to say that because Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m on tour and itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s really hard, like I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t see the news everyday. I mean, get over retarded stuff like gay marriages and fucking try figuring out whatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s really important.
Exactly, people are worrying about that when there is so much crap going on in every city.
Yeah dude, people are getting tortured, there are people that in this alley tonight that needed help and people are arguing about two guys getting married; fucking get over it.
Yeah, they arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t hurting anyone, so that’s not an issue.
Yeah, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s notâ┚¬Ã‚¦Ãƒ¢Ã¢”š¬Ã‚¦haha this could be a long night. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s all good.
– If you could choose a writer, dead or alive to write the lyrics for the next record, who would you choose and why?
Um, alive I would pick this guy, Mark Danielewski, he wrote this book called â┚¬Ã…”House of Leavesâ┚¬?, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s just terrifying. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s cool, we have some song titles from it. Dead, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll probably pick this dude named Richard (couldnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t make out the last name). He wrote really simple but he had great ideas. Yeah, either one of those.
– If you could choose one quote to be written on your tombstone, what would it be and why?
Fucking, umâ┚¬Ã‚¦.I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know, thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s a tough one. Right now in my life, if I died right now, it would be â┚¬Ã…”Play Harder, Play Faster.â┚¬?
– What are the best and worst aspects about being in a band?
The best is just traveling and meeting people and doing shit like this. Like a variety stuff on life, when youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re touring you get to see something different everyday. But the worst part, I mean, I live in a van and I have for the last year. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s ok, I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t really mind it.
Yeah, you get by.
Yeah, fucking like, whenever I get bummed out, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m like â┚¬Ã…”No one I know is doing this, how can I beâ┚¬Ã‚¦
Yeah, people are just at home doing nothing while youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re touring.
Yeah, exactly. Like everyone I know from high school is either in one place, like going to college or at home. No one I know is doing this so itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s special and itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s something that I wanted so, I have to put up with some bullshit and realize that itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s actually cool.
– Anything else you want the readers to know.
Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re not breaking up, the album will be out soon.
Yeah, I read about that on your myspace about people thinking the band is going to break up.
Yeah, I mean I can totally understand, like this tour has been a messed. Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve canceled a bunch of shows and I know kids are pissed off, it sucks but just bare with us weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll come back. Like Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m sure youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve had days where you didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t go to school. 99 percent of people miss days from their life and it sucks but you get over it. Just stick with us, weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re not dead.
As Cities Burn Isn’t Breaking Up
I’ve been away in Puerto Rico since July 6th, so it’s been hard to keep up with a lot of news and such. To my latest knowledge, As Cities Burn was breaking up and I was really upset because they are an amazing band. Today, I sent a text to Colin, the guitarist for As Cities Burn, saying how I hope to see them before their final show. He sent a text back saying that they aren’t breaking up anymore and to read the site for the full details.
This is the greatest news I’ve gotten all week. This is the statement made about the issue on the band’s website:
Thank you all so much for the emails, and conversations you have shared with us throughout the past month. It is because of the overwhelmingly positive response we have received from each of you, that As Cities Burn has decided to stay together, and record another record. None of us are joining any other projects, TJ will remain in the band, and weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll be writing a new record this fall.
To clear up any confusion, here is whatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s going on:
We decided at the beginning of March while we were on tour with The Bled that As Cities Burn would be over at the end of August. T.J. was getting married and had decided to move on with his new life and settle down. We all decided we could not replace such an important part of the band, so we started making preparations to end the band, deciding a final tour was our best way to say thank you, and goodbye to all of you. Morale in the band was at an all time low at that point, and we had completely lost sight of what we were doing, and the purpose behind it. We had become worn out by seemingly endless time on the road and the struggles of trying to maintain some kind of normal life while touring. We were tired and weary; no one had the strength to pull the band back together.
Now, months later, after being on our headlining tour for a couple weeks, we have had many opportunities to talk to you all about how As Cities Burn has impacted on your lives. Conversations we have had with many of you have been overwhelmingly touching and encouraging. Through all of this we have realized how much of a blessing this band is in our lives and the lives of many of our supporters. It has become clear to us that ending As Cities Burn right now would be extremely pre-mature, as there is much left for us to do as a band. We canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t even begin to express how thankful and blessed we are by all of you that have encouraged and supported us over the past 4 years, and we are so excited to be continuing on to do another record.
It was not our intention to be indecisive or deceitful through all of this, we deeply apologize for our inconsistency. Sometimes it seems that it takes a drastic situation to realize what is most important in our lives. Thanks to all of you for coming to our shows, and continually supporting us. Hopefully we will be seeing more of you as we finish out the summer and prepare to write a new record.
We love all of you so much, God bless.
-Colin, Cody, TJ, Pascal and Aaron
Underoath – Define The Great Line
Artist: Underoath
Album: Define The Great Line
Label: Tooth & Nail / Solid State
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: June 20, 2006
Overall: 10
Music: 10
Lyrics: 10
Production: 10
Bands are criticized by their musical captivity on their records, their live performance and stage presence, and their overall interaction with their fans (the most important group of people in the music industry). There are some bands that excel only two of the three with excellence, then there are others that only focus on perfecting one and leave the others blank. It is rare to find a band that is outstanding on recordings, intensely driven with stage presence, and sincerely devoted to their fans. When it comes down to thinking of such a band, there is only one that comes to mind that has captivated each essence with perfection.
Underoath was started when the members were in high school and they just wanted to start a band to pursue their love for music and faith. The music in the beginning was heavy, filled with guitar work and destructive vocals by ex vocalist, Dallas Taylor. The band throughout the years has evolved into one of the most respected rock band that is also changing the way we view music. Underoath has stated that they never make a record twice; they enter the record studio with an open mind and set themselves up with no limitations. Never has a statement been so true then with Underoathâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s last record release, Define the Great Line.
Define the Great Line is Underoathâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s finest works and can easily be considered one of the greatest records ever to grace human beingsâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ ears. In a quick summary, the record is an eleven song compilation of their other records added with a new sound never heard before. The record has the guitar works and overall brutal sound from Cries of the Past and Act of Depression. The record has the instrumental aspects and keyboard usage of The Changing of Times. Lastly, the record has the catchy parts of the song that fans can sing back to the band from Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Only Chasing Safety. Underoath has also managed to bring something new to the table with their ability to experiment and see music with no limitations.
This epic record begins with â┚¬Ã…”In Regards to Myselfâ┚¬?, which sets the listener to what is to come from Define the Great Line. The song begins with the sound of an old fashioned projector being turned on. The projector is interrupted by a catchy guitar part and is joined by the highly impressive screams of Spencer Chamberlain. Throughout the song the listener will begin noticing the heavy yet synchronized guitar work that is an improvement from Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Only Chasing Safety. Spencer vocals have also improved and the listener is able to notice is wide rage from highs, deeps, and mids. As the song is only getting heavier, drummer and vocalist, Aaron Gillespie breaks free and sings in with a catchy chorus that is overtaken by Spencer, than once again sung by Aaron. The song continues with its heavy essence until it slows down and you hear the perfectly sounding singing of Gillespie. â┚¬Ã…”In Regards to Myselfâ┚¬? is a perfect way to open up the record. It sets the listener up for intensity of the record, the catchy singing of the record, and the honestly written lyrics. With such lines as â┚¬Ã…”What are you afraid of?â┚¬? and â┚¬Ã…”Pull yourself togetherâ┚¬?, it is obvious that Underoath is set with a message to showcase to the world.
â┚¬Ã…”A Moment Suspended in Timeâ┚¬? has less heavy guitar work and brings the listener back to the sound of Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Only Chasing Safety. The singing and screaming is equally used throughout the track. The song has its slow parts that you can sing along to and it also has its energy boosting moments. Overall, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s a great song that showcases Underoathâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s talent and experimentation with the keyboard.
â┚¬Ã…”There Could Be Nothing After Thisâ┚¬? starts out with Spencer with a faint scream with a repetitive guitar rhythm behind him. The song is broken into full force after Spencer says â┚¬Ã…”You want to see me disappear, well so do I.â┚¬? Afterwards there is a catchy, dancing type beat with Spencer screaming in the background. The chorus is split between Gillespie and Chamberlain and catchy like any other Underoath chorus. The song stops 30 seconds before the actual song ends and a soft instrumental begins with the soft sounding, non-distortion guitar and piano keys. Overall, a great song that is slightly progressive from TOCS.
â┚¬Ã…”Ever So Invitingâ┚¬? begins with the hard hitting screams of Spencer Chamberlain with honest lyrics to go along with it. The beginning of this song is filled with catchy singing, keyboard, and more of an upbeat feeling to the essence of the song. The keyboard is strongly used in this song and gives the song an overall upbeat feeling that is not only catchy, but uplifting. This song clearly shows the improvement of vocals from Aaron Gillespie, which isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t really needed, being that his vocals are some of the best in the music industry already.
â┚¬Ã…”Salmarnirâ┚¬? is the first song Underoath released to the public from Define the Great Line, and an interesting song it was to release first. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s slow, and mostly instrumental until you hear spoken word in Russian (at least it sounds Russian). This song is relaxing and serves as an intermission from Underoathâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s energy driven songs filled with every aspect that is the band. It gives off an uplifting essence and leaves the listener reflecting on their thoughts.
â┚¬Ã…”Returning Empty Handedâ┚¬? begins with a constant drum roll but is broken by Spencer Chamberlainâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s screams. It is easy to see that this song is going to be on the heavy side. The guitar work is outstanding and fast paced and something never seen in Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Only Chasing Safety. Spencer showcases once again his amazing wide range vocal ability. The song is slowed down and singing sets up only to be pushed aside by screaming. This song is beautifully written and makes the listener realize how impressive this record is so far.
â┚¬Ã…”Casting Such a Thin Shadowâ┚¬? starts off instrumental, soft and relaxing for the beginning three minutes and forty seconds. The music builds up along with a faint scream from Spencer. This song has more of an epic feeling with the less intense fast paced music but with the brutal screams still echoing inside your ears.
â┚¬Ã…”Moving For The Sake of Movingâ┚¬? starts off faced paced from the beginning and starts off with a mixture of screaming and singing. The song possesses of all the elements of their last two records. The catchy singing, the keyboard beats, the sincere screaming, the beautifully written lyrics.
â┚¬Ã…”Writing on the Wallsâ┚¬? begins with singing from Aaron Gillespie backed up by keyboard beat. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s easy to figure out why this was Underoathâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s first single. This song is the most from Define The Great Line that sounds like their odd stuff from Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Only Chasing Safety. Overall, a great track that balances every aspect that Underoath has to offer, which is a lot.
â┚¬Ã…”Everyone Looks So Good From Hereâ┚¬? is possibly one of the heaviest tracks on the record, filled with fast paced guitar work, pounding drum beats, keyboard beats, and a breakdown that is rarely seen in Underoath. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s a short song, but one of the most brutal and guts wrenching.
â┚¬Ã…”To Whom It May Concernâ┚¬? is the last song on the record and it begins instrumental with everything from drums, guitars, and piano. Afterwards, there is chanting sounding singing that is uplifting and hopeful with lyrics such as â┚¬Ã…”So hold your head up high, and know, itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s not the end of the roadâ┚¬?. This part of the song is motivating, inspiring, and enough to have chills running up your spine. The singing stops, the instrumental slows down, and the screaming and heavy aspect of Underoath breaks free. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s not as fast paced as the other songs but the heaviness is still there and the intensity and still echoing your ear drums. The screaming is stopped with the last lines screamed â┚¬Ã…”Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s not the end of the road for youâ┚¬?. The instrumental part from the beginning enters and so does the chant singing more uplifting lyrics, such as â┚¬Ã…”At the end of the road, youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll find what you are looking forâ┚¬?. This is a perfect way to the end the record. It consists of everything Underoath has brought to the table with this record and it is also one of the most hopeful songs you will ever hear.
Define The Great Line is a record that isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t made up of eleven singles but made up of eleven songs that compliment each other and only when you listen to the record as a whole, will you begin to understand everything. This is such an epic record that after listening to it twenty times, you still want to listen to it another twenty times. This is one of those records that will never get old. The record is about life and the struggles we face but also how we manage to pull ourselves through the struggles and know that there is always hope for us. From the first track to the last, you are strapped in for a journey that will leave you a different person in the end. The vocals can be taken away from every song on this record and the record will still be outstanding.
Underoathâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Define The Great Line is one of the most beautifully created and talent showcasing records ever released. This record is everything everyone made it out to be and so much more. If this record isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t already in your CD collection than I highly suggest you go out and by it. You will find yourself listening to it constantly and finding truth and hope in the lyrics. Congratulations Underoath, you have created the record of the century.
Track Listing:
1. In Regards to Myself
2. A Moment Suspended in Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. You’re Ever So Inviting
5. Salmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such a Thin Shadow
8. Moving for the Sake of Motion
9. Writing on the Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good From Here
11. To Whom It May Concern
Ligeia – Your Ghost Is A Gift
Artist: Ligeia
Album: Your Ghost Is A Gift
Label: Ferret Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: March 21, 2006
Overall: 9.4
Music: 9.3
Lyrics: 9.2
Production: 9.8
The pounding sound of drums are introduced to destructive screams and later reunited with synchronized guitars. The music is fast paced, the screams are brutal, the breakdowns are murderous. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Ferret Recordsâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ debut album from Ligeia, â┚¬Ã…”Your Ghost is a Giftâ┚¬?. Emerging from Massachusetts, Ligeia enters the music scene with one of the most honest records of the year. The lyrics are straightforward and brutally harsh, yet appropriate in the society we find ourselves living in. The music is fast paced and heavy at times, and catchy and melodic at others. While listening to this anticipated debut, you are introduced to the singing aspect of this band. The perfect harmony between singing and screaming is enough to satisfy the needs of all music lovers.
Each song on this record has its own message, its own catchy chorus, and its own impressively written heavy breakdowns. The heavy aspect of this record makes you turn to it when you arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t up to par with your emotions and you feel a sense of anger building up inside. The catchy, singing part of this record makes you turn to it whenever you want to listen to an impressive debut record from a band that is taking the industry by storm.
One of the greatest aspects of this record is the fact that Ligeia possesses qualities of every genre but still has a distinctive sound to call their own. Listening to this record gives me the desire to jump in my car, drive to the nearest place Ligeia is playing and exposes myself to this intensely driven, emotionally honest band. I suggest you jump in your car (or your bicycle, whatever suits you) and pick up a copy of this record. This record is the equivalent to an energy drink. It will start off slow and when you least expect it, it will kick you in the face and boost your energy to an all time high.
Track Listings:
1. Beyond A Doubt
2. I’m Sorry You’re Ugly
3. Heart Attack
4. Judas Complex
5. The Blackout
6. Household Stereotypes
7. Makin’ Love To A Murderer
8. Swollen Eye View
9. Always, Forever
10. Dead Man’s Bride
11. Wishing Wells
Standout Tracks:
– The entire CD
The Acacia Strain Interview
This interview with The Acacia Strain was originally done at their show at Alley Katz. Due to my recorder running out of batteries in the middle of the interview, I wasn’t able to get the answers from the interview. Therefore I sent the same questions via e-mail to lead vocalist Vincent. These are those answers.
– State your name and position the band.
My name is Vincent Bennett, I am the lead vocalist.
– Give a brief history of the band and the origin of the name.
We got together just for fun, and it turned into a serious thing. Prosthetic picked us up and surprised us all. We have changed members from time to time but all member changes have been for the best. The acacia strain is a disease spread by insects that breed in the acacia tree in Africa.
– What are some pros and cons of this tour?
We arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t on tour right now, but there are pros and cans to every tour. It feels good to get out and play in front of an audience who may have never seen us before, or play in front of kids who have been waiting to see us forever. It just feels good to get up on stage and play in front of a crowd of people who care. We get to see the country, get to meet new people, and get to experience things that most people our ages canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t even think of. But everyone once in a while, the road can take its toll on you. Sometimes we get sick, and touring with a cold or the flu is the worst feeling ever. Every once in a while we get homesick, and talking on the phone isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t the same as talking to someone in person
-What is the best and worst city you have played? Why?
There are so many good cities; Anywhere in So. Cal is amazing, Boise, Idaho is surprisingly fun, Kansas City, Fredrickburg, VA, and we canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t forget our hometown of Chicopee, MA. Everyone experiences bad shows in shitty towns, but I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t want to talk trash just because we had a bad time this one show. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s not fair.
– In your opinion, what makes you walk away from a show feeling accomplished?
When people will come up to me and tell me they had a blast. When I look out into the crowd and everyone is having fun, I know we are doing our jobs as musicians. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s all about having a good time!
– What can the fans expect from your upcoming record?
Ha ha, most people have already heard it via download, but the people who havenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t stolen it from us can expect one of the heaviest records they have ever heard. It isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t just breakdowns, there is thought put into every song on the record.
– How is your new record different and similar to your previous records?
This record is still heavy, but itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s more thought out. We worked really hard on all of the technical aspects of all the music. We worked on transitions and tried to make it a little more metal.
-Which one of your songs stands out the most to you and why?
I like â┚¬Ã…”Demolishor.â┚¬? I had a blast writing the lyrics and I love singing them live. I loved recording that song more than any of the other ones because of the lyrics. A lot of the songs on the record I wrote under pressure, and this was no exception. I canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t wait until kids know the song so we can play it live.
– How would you sum up the band to someone that hasnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t heard anything about it?
We are heavy. We try and stray away from bullshit. We get a lot of criticism saying that we are nothing new or whatever, but we arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t trying to re-invent the wheel. We want to play good, heavy music that people can groove to and have fun with live.
– Which main theme can fans find in the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s lyrics?
I sing a lot about deviant sexual behavior, and I leave it kind of open ended so that people can attach their own meanings to any song they want.
– In your opinion, what has been the biggest achievement in the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s history?
Just getting signed and getting a booking agent as amazing as the Kenmore agency behind us is a huge achievement for us. We never thought in a million years that we would be touring the country playing in front of people who WANTED to see us. That itself is a huge accomplishment for me.
– What has been the biggest disappointment in the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s history?
All the member changes were kind of disappointing, but in the long run they are all for the better.
– How has the band changed and matured since the first day it was started?
We have all gotten used to each other musically. We have had our ups and downs but we all feel very close to each other. When Dan L. joined the band, he was like 15 so he has definitely matured more than anyone, but we have all grown up a whole lot. We have also all gotten used to life on the road. Our first tour was like 3 years ago and it was only 10 days, it felt like forever. Now we leave for months at a time and it barely phases us.
– What is the importance of setting your own opinion and having meaning to life?
An opinion is what separates us as human beings. People who donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t have their own opinions and do whatever they are told might as well be dead. That is the focus of the new album â┚¬Ã‹Å“The Dead Walk.â┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ It doesnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t matter if your opinion matches with someone elseâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s, you donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t have to be the most original person in the world, but as long as the opinion is YOURS â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s all that matters.
– Which trend and aspect of the â┚¬Ã…”sceneâ┚¬? annoys you the most? Why?
Most trends annoy me period, because it involves people not thinking for themselves. I hate girl pants on guys, I hate girl haircuts on guys (follicle feminitis) and I hate makeup on guys, and I hate when 90 pound kids act like they are hard asses. Sleeping around has also become a trend. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve noticed that a lot of girls come to shows just because thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s where the cock is. So many people have shared partners itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s disgusting.
– Which record in your CD collection would people not expect you to have?
I own Hilary Duffâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s â┚¬Ã‹Å“Metamorphosis,â┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ which I am damn proud of. Anyone who wants to make fun of me; listen to the disk first and tell me you wonâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t be tapping your toes.
– Has there ever been any moments when you doubt being in the band?
Every once in a while we get a shitty tour and no one comes to the shows. We all get on each others nerves and hate each other. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve almost quit the band like 8 times, but the feeling always goes away. This is the best time I have ever had and Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢d never let it go.
– If this band didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t work out, would you have continued to try to start another one or do something else?
I probably would try doing another band. I know enough people who play instruments that would love to start a band, and Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m currently working on about 5 different side projects so keep your eyes open! I have a college degree, I might consider going back to get another one. I want to be a college television production professor â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ or even a grade school teacher.
– What effect do you hope your music has on the fans?
I just want kids to read the lyrics and understand what the songs are about. Also I love when people come up with their own meanings. I want people to stop fucking each other. And I want kids to come to our shows and have the time of their fucking lives, let loose and do whatever they want.
– If you could have any historical figure play a part in the band, who would you choose and why?
The Boston Strangler for two reasons: 1. Then when people ask if we are from Boston we could say yes, and 2. He could take care of some hookers for us.
– Is there anything else you want the readers to know?
BUY THE RECORD. DOWNLOADS ARE FOR SUCKERS!