On April 3, 2020, All Time Low released their eighth studio album, Wake Up Sunshine. I don't think this could have come at a better time, especially given the name. This is truly a welcomed bright spot in today's world.
To recap, they released the first single, "Some Kind Of Disaster" with a music video in January of this year and slowly released a handful of other songs between then and now. "Sleeping In", "Trouble Is", "Melancholy Kaledescope," and most recently, the title track. This album had me extremely excited because I was into it from the first couple of verses of "Some Kind Of Disaster." Curiosity built very quickly for Wake Up Sunshine as the singles were released, the only one I didn't love was "Melancholy Kaledescope", and even that I have no doubt will grow on me over time. I didn't care for their last album, Last Young Renegade, which even front man Alex Gaskarth said was an offshoot from their usual sound. This feels like a slightly more mature version of the All Time Low we all have already known and loved for the past fifteen years. If you're looking for that classic All Time Low sound, I'd say you're not going to love this album. I'd say only a couple of the songs have their true sound, such as "Sleeping In." But if you're in it for stories of growth and love, with a touch of their classic style, you'll be happy. There's a lot of of lyrical depth in this one, you can really tell something very personal inspired almost every sound. Given the name of the album, I was actually pleasantly surprised with what this album presented me with. I was actually expecting a lot of light hearted fun stuff, but the title is actually semi deceiving. There's still some bright spots, such as "Favorite Place", featuring The Band Camino. That one is an absolutely adorable love song that I have no doubt will become the song many couples deem "their song." "So, can we close the space between us now? It's the distance we don't need. Yeah, you're everything I love about the things I hate in me. So come on, come on, come over now and fix me with your grace. 'Cause I'm not too far and you're my favorite place." I honestly could say something about every song on the album, there wasn't a single song I disliked really. Even the ones I didn't find myself really into, I know will grow on me. This whole album tells the story of love, depression, growing apart, and learning to deal. You can tell that there was a real story behind every single song, none of it was a work of fiction. I was trying to figure out a song to give honorable mentions to, but honestly, I'm having a hard time picking just one. "Basement Noise", though somewhat simplistic, and not something I find myself turning on randomly, really took everyone back to the early days of All Time Low. Back when they were just kids playing music in the basement. Just learning, just growing, just becoming who we all know today. I will say this is probably is my least favorite song on the album, but I appreciate the story it tells. I sat here for a good ten minutes trying to pick a favorite, and honestly, I couldn't pick one. Ask me again in a couple weeks, because right now, I don't know. I'm appreciative of the entire album, and am most familiar with the first five songs because they were already out prior to the release of the album. Hopefully this album gives someone some comfort, or a bright spot, or something. We all know these are trying times, and everyone needs a bright spot. Go check out the album, its available now wherever music is sold, Spotify and YouTube. Also, if you're feeling into it, go check out All Time Low's official website. Obviously they are unable to tour right now, but they have a ton of merch for Wake Up Sunshine, and will be hitting the road as soon as they're allowed.
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Hey, self isolation, how are ya? With all the events going on in the world, I'm sure I don't need to tell you that things are very overwhelming and I think we all can agree that the cabin fever is entirely real. I'm currently on day ten of this, and have been absolutely climbing the walls, going completely insane. With that, and no set end in sight, I'm trying to do all that I can to keep myself occupied. With that, I keep telling myself now is the perfect time to check out some bands that I have been meaning to listen to but just haven't gotten around to it. And if I'm doing that, might as well actually review what I find, right?
I decided to start with Hands Like Houses, as a friend showed me a song or two from them while on a road trip last month. I don't remember the song he showed me, and definitely don't recall the album it was on, but I know I liked what I heard. So, I did listen to a few songs on YouTube before looking into albums, and made a discovery. At some point I downloaded their 2013 album, Unimagine. I don't remember doing this, I assume I got it with the intentions to review it but never did. Or at least, if I did, I can't find it now. I was actually going to start with their newer songs, as I know that's what I heard on YouTube recently, but since I already have this album, might as well start there, right? So, my discoveries showed that it was released on July 23,2013, and apparently they debuted the first single, "Introduced Species" whilst on tour with Pierce The Veil and Woe, Is Me. Its a very catchy song, so choosing to debut that live probably was a smart move. I could see this one being a great one to get the crowd moving and hyped up. What I discovered while listening to this first album at least was I like their sound, but I didn't find their lyrics to have a ton of depth. Or at least, they didn't hit on a personal level for myself anyway. A few songs did stand out though. "Weight" was pretty powerful however. Its all about feeling burned out, and overwhelmed, but trying to come back from it all. You feel the weight of the world, but you're not losing hope. "Shapeshifters" actually is very sweet, and meant to be a love letter of sorts. Just speaking to someone close to them, more or less saying you can face everything together. "If I'm the ship you're the shore. If I'm the solider, you're the war. If I'm the soil, then you're the seed. If I'm the puzzle, you're the piece that completes the picture. The safety in the storm, the color of the rising dawn as the mountains kiss her. We will be unbreakable." Its actually rather poetic. Over all, I honestly did enjoy the album, I can easily find myself turning it back on, but I really don't feel like it had a lot to it. It feels like a very solid first album, but I'm interested to see how much they've grown since then. Stay tuned, I'll probably be looking into them further over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Hands Like Houses have a brand new song called Headrush out now and do have some upcoming tour dates that are still scheduled as far as I'm aware. Check out "Headrush" on YouTube by clicking here, and check out all their upcoming tour dates on their official website. Also, we're trying to get more active on the Facebook page, so please be sure to follow us over there, and leave suggestions on bands or albums you enjoy! I have a lot of time on my hands right now, and am hoping to motivate myself to use this time wisely, and get back to a level I once was with Immortal Music. Hope you all are holding up alright. Please stay safe! On February 22 of this year, The Word Alive released their sixth studio album, Monomania. I actually pre-ordered this album, and have been very interested ever since the title track was released. However, adulting gets in the way, and while this album stayed at the front of my mind, I am only just now getting a chance to do a review for it. Better late than never, right? That's what I'm telling myself, anyway.
Anywho, so I listened to "Monomania" as an attempt to prep to see them live with Escape The Fate and Falling In Reverse. I listened to most of their discography, and reviewed two of their albums in preparation. If you want to check those out, you can do so by clicking here and here. In order, those are Real and Dark Matter, for those interested. Now, I admit, I have not loved everything I've heard from The Word Alive. I haven't out right hated any of it, but very few songs have been something that really held my attention. Every album had at least one song I could leave behind, but this one was shaping up to be a bit different. Out of the three singles released, "Monomania", "Burning Your World Down" and "No Way Out", I loved all three. I have found myself playing all three songs daily for several weeks now, so of course I was extremely curious for the new album. I could see this album growing on me fully, but for now I will say I didn't feel particularly attached to most of it. The singles still held my attention the most, though I definitely can see a lot went into this album. I feel like writing the lyrics for it was rather therapeutic, and that's something I certainly support. Some of the album hit on a personal level for me, as this one clearly was written while recovering from a break up. You see a lot of the stages that come with recovery, grief, anger, regret, ect. Its powerful, don't get me wrong, and style wise, I love it. Song wise, only a couple really stood out to me, for now that is. That would be "Thank You", and "Greatest Almost." "Greatest Almost" is clearly reflecting on a relationship that's ended, and seeing that you were being blamed for how it all ended, just to realize it wasn't all on you. Its when you reach the point where some memories still sting, but you're done missing that person. You're finally able to deal with it all and finally move on. Then you're getting some of the clarity you needed. "And all the time that I wasted feels so long ago, I'm so glad that I faced it. Lesson learned, won't change it. Sometimes our hearts get the best of it. Sometimes we chase the lust, and it gets the best of us." Now as for, "Thank You." In essence, its basically a "fuck you" to anyone who's trying to tear them down. But instead of actually saying that, you're thanking them for basically just adding fuel to the fire. The style they chose for this is really powerful, and I have no doubt its the type of song a lot of people could use to hype themselves up in many situations. Over all, I do think the album is worth your time. Go get Monomania wherever music is sold, or stream it on Spotify. They just got off tour with Falling In Reverse and Escape The Fate, but will be heading back out on the road this summer with Starset. For more information, head on over to their official website! On March 18, 2016, The Word Alive released their fourth album, Dark Matter, and it was actually co-produced by Matt Good,formerly of From First To Last And D.R.U.G.S. I found that to be an interesting fact just because I enjoy his work.
At the time of release, Tyler Smith said that this was some of their most in-depth writing and recording ever, causing it to be their most dynamic and expansive album to date. "This record completely defines and expresses who we are, and where we are going, taking the listener to the darkest and most honest places our band has dared to venture." I can't help but wonder if they still feel the same way about the album, given the fact that close to four years have now passed since the release of this album. That being said, I think most people who listen to this album will take something to heart from it. I absolutely imagine that this was incredibly therapeutic to write, and I have no doubt a lot was going on at the time. The entire album speaks of your usual struggles that we all go through, whether its not feeling good enough, feeling lost, or looking back on lost love, this album has a bit of all of it. One of the songs that stood out the most to me was "Face to Face", which actually has one of the most powerful lines I've heard in quite some time. "I hope you always remember that you were the sacrifice that gave me a better life." Honestly, that's probably one of the classiest ways to tell someone you're better off without them, and essentially "fuck you", that I have ever heard. You know the lyric is good when you hear it, and just sit there going, "Damn", just saying. The other one I really wanted to bring attention to was "Insane." Given the name, I was expecting something really heavy, kind of hateful, and probably geared toward another person. What I was met with was anything but that and actually really surprised me. Instead, it was a bit reminiscent of an ideal brought up in Alice In Wonderland. That all good people are insane in some way. Though they worded it more poetically by saying everyone's insane in their own beautiful way, and that it can be used for good. "Now let our voices be the change, so we don't all end up the same. I can't help but feel this way. Let's raise our flags to the new age. We're all insane, in a beautiful way. We won't change until the tide comes, and pulls us all away." I absolutely loved this song, I was very, very surprised. I definitely see a progression happening with their work. As I previously stated, I have heard most of their early work, but none of the newer stuff. Somewhat recently I did a review of their previous album, Real and decided I wanted to hear more of their work. I see a slow progression with their style that I quite like. Who knows if that'll reign true from now, but I will say I am loving what I've heard so far for Monomania which comes out on the 21st of this month. Stay tuned, I plan on doing reviews for that and the most recent album, Violent Noise very soon. For anyone interested, you also can catch The Word Alive on tour with Falling In Reverse and Escape The Fate, starting in just a couple days. That will be on February 8, and we will be at the February 12th date in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Tickets are on sale now, and you can get them on their official website now. While you're there, you can also pre-order Monomania, which we highly recommend doing. While you're at all of this, please go ahead and let us know what your favorite songs from The Word Alive are, and we will speak to you very soon. On February 8, The Word Alive is embarking on tour with Falling In Reverse and Escape The Fate, and Immortal Music is actually going to one of the first stops on that tour. We'll be at the February 12 date in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and something dawned on me. I have never really listened to The Word Alive very much. I have only heard their first two albums, Deceiver and Life Cycles, and even then I've never really gotten into them. So, in light of the fact that I will be seeing them live in just a couple more weeks, I felt it was only fitting to go through their discography and get to know them just a little bit more.
With that, felt it was only fitting to start with the first album to be released that I was unfamiliar with, Real. Real is their third studio album, and was released on June 10, 2014, and I was honestly wondering why I never reviewed this or any of their early work. I was also wondering why I was not interested in them much, despite knowing who they are basically since they began. Listening to this album, while I did discover some songs I genuinely liked, I did discover why that was. They, at least on this album, were very heavy with the screaming, and its only been in recent months really that I've been into that. Back when this came out, and prior, if it was mostly screaming, chances are- I was not going to like it much. Not because I didn't understand them, or didn't like the style, I just preferred a balance of singing and screaming. I still do actually, but I have gotten somewhat recently where I've felt a pull toward some of the heavier screaming. Maybe that's some pent up aggression, or something. I don't know, maybe its not even that deep, and its just because tastes change. A couple of the songs that stood out the most to me were, "Broken Circuit", "Lighthouse" and "Glass Castle." All three, I might add, would be incredible live. Or at least, I imagine so, I picture a lot of mosh pits for those, so you will catch me watching that from a safe distance. "Broken Circuit" and "Glass Castle" have very similar vibes to me. Very much so the type of song you turn on when you're just trying to take the day, and are determined to take shit from no one. Making it perfectly known that you're not going to give up, just because someone else was trying to beat you down. I particularly loved the one line in "Glass Castle", because it perfectly depicts how some people do treat you. "Have you had enough of me? You act like I'm something you can throw away." Give them hell, kids. As for "Lighthouse", I can guarantee you some people will find it totally cliche', but I am a big fan of most inspirational songs. I really like how this one is not personalized to Tyler Smith, but instead includes any person that's listening. "We will shine on." I am picturing this live, and just thinking it will be completely beautiful to hear a thousands of people singing something like that. Over all, I think this is a decent album, and I could see how someone would love it. I don't think its going to be something I find myself listening to in full often, if ever though. Its possible though that I might turn on a handful of songs here and there though. Stay tuned because I do plan on reviewing their other two albums, Dark Matter and Violent Noise. I also probably will review Monomania once it comes out on February 21 as well, as I am fully curious about that one. So far I've liked both songs that have been released. If you're interested in pre-ordering the album, or seeing them on The Drug In Me is Gold tour with Falling In Reverse and Escape The Fate, head on over to their official website. Please comment down below or over on our Facebook page with your favorite songs from this album, or any of their work for that matter. I look forward to hearing from you and I will be back soon with another review. On November 8, 2019, All Time Low released a completely revamped version of their 2009 hit album, Nothing Personal. To celebrate the ten year anniversary, they wanted to revisit it all and update it in the mind sets they are now, with a new style. I was incredibly excited for this, as that was the first album to be released after I discovered them. My first song from them was "Poppin' Champange", if that tells you how long I've been a fan of these guys. They made an interesting first impression, I might add.
From day one, I've always loved "Weightless", "Lost In Stereo" and "Damned if I do Ya, Damned if I Don't." But as I got older, I also loved A Party Song, Therapy, Walls. I frankly did not understand how sexual A Party Song was in 2009, and it amuses me so much to this day. Ah, the innocence, its something unique. I woke up this morning to a message from a friend gushing over the album, so I hopped onto iTunes and bought it up immediately to do a review. Barely even spoke to my mother first -sorry, mom. The hype was too real. I was a little unsure how I would feel about this album, as I actually didn't love Last Young Renegade. I didn't hate it, and there were a few songs I did enjoy, but it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. What I was met with was interesting, because when you've been listening to these songs for ten years, you're used to that particular sound. So anything else is weird and different, almost jarring. I think most of it is going to grow on me, as I don't dislike any of it at all, but it fresh so its an adjustment. What I will say though is what I absolutely loved, and that was "Weightless." That has been one of my favorite songs ever since the original came out, and this version is so similar to how they do it live. It borderline gave me chills, which is not something I get often. I love the vocal style Alex took through the entire album, over all the music as well. It all flowed very well, and was extremely well produced. Ironically though, the one I was the most excited to hear didn't actually do it for me. I was most excited for "Lost In Stereo", because of the screams teased in the trailer. All Time Low will include the screaming once in a while in concert, so I was intrigued to realize it was included on the album, but in reality it felt slightly random for the most part. I think it was because the tempo was still on the pop side, not the heavier side. It felt really out of place, except in the chorus. So that surprised me, I fully expected to love that. Another thing I really loved was something incredibly minor, but I like that they didn't censor themselves in "A Party Song (A Walk of Shame)." In the original song, the lyric says, "Nothing more than a casual folk." Which obviously implies a casual fuck. In this version, he actually says it correctly. Its a small thing, but that made me happy. I'm sure they were told to censor it back in the day, and were not told to do the same this time. I honestly could keep going on and on, and I guess that comes from being a fan of the band for the last eleven or so years. I might actually elaborate a little more over in the blog section, when I talk about the documentary they uploaded onto YouTube. But the last thing I wanted to actually talk about was "Therapy." The fact that they managed to take an already incredibly deep and emotional song, and make it even deeper astounds me. I immediately picture that live and know there will not be a single person in the venue not in tears. Its powerful, and beautiful. All Time Low, incredible job, I applaud you on this. You can tell it came from the heart, and that you just wanted to revisit it for the fun of it. Its a very cool concept, more bands should do the same. If you're interested, it is available everywhere music is available, including iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. They're also performing the album in full at several sold out locations next month, and have some merch special for the album. Its all on pre-order now over on their website. Go check it out, and let me know what you think about the album. Do you like the changes? Or do you wish they would have never done this? Let us know down below, or over on Facebook. If you want to hear a random story and me ramble as I watched the documentary that went with the album, please click here. I had a really good time watching and writing, and it kind of brought me back to why I started this in the first place. On October 25, 2019, Saint Asonia released their sophomore album, Flawed Design. This album was so long waited that fans were beginning to get skeptical if it was ever going to be released. A lot of things were the cause of this, including front man Adam Gontier going back to rehab for drugs and alcohol, as well as him having a newborn son.
He spoke up about this regarding one of the singles released just prior to the album's release, "This August Day." He did not go into details about the drugs, but given his past, its safe to assume it was a prescription drug, Oxycontin. He actually said he was unfortunately across the country dealing with the recovery process at the time of his son's birth. I admit, hearing this information, while I felt horrible he had to go through that, it did bring up some hope. If you've been around for a while, or just know me, you know Three Days Grace when Adam was in the band, was my absolute favorite. They're the whole reason I got into rock music, so I was extremely excited when Saint Asonia came on the scene. However, despite what I said at the time of the album's release, I was not the biggest fan of the first album. I hardly ever find myself turning on anything from that album, and frankly felt like it was all a complaint about the departure of Three Days Grace. I looked back at the review, and I spoke highly of it then, but the album had only been out one day. Its been four years now, and frankly I'm over it. I honestly think I only spoke highly of it out of excitement and it was in the middle of a very busy time for Immortal Music, so I may have rushed a bit. Because of all this, I was a bit leery of this album. Hearing that there had been some turmoil that had happened, gave me some hope that the song writing would improve. That being said, I wasn't impressed with the first single, "The Hunted", it just didn't hold my attention. Nothing about it stood out to me at all. There was absolutely nothing special about it, not even that it features Sully Erna from Godsmack. I solidly procrastinated on listening to this album, hence why its been out four days and its been open on my laptop this entire time, yet you're only just now hearing about it from me. I went in not expecting great things, which frankly I felt horrible about. I wanted to love this album, but I just have to be blunt here -this is not a great album at all. They tried, I can see the effort through out the album, but frankly the only song I think I truly liked was "Beast." ITs about holding on and staying strong even when the beast inside is trying to get you down. I presume that 'the beast' is referring to anxiety or depression, but it also could be referring to the drug addiction. I could see me turning that one on from time to time, but there is one thing that carried through the entire album that really stood out to me. The production of the album was so inconsistent, and frankly sloppy. I don't quite understand it, because it was not self produced, and even if it had been, I know Adam Gontier at least is capable of decent production. He released some solo work while in between the two bands that was crisp, and very well done. One song in particular really showcased an example of that, and that was, "Sirens." "Sirens" features Within Temptation's front person, Sharon den Adel, which was a nice surprise I admit. You don't see her featured in much. But you get up to the first chorus and it sounds like the instrumentals are above the vocals, and it all feels drowned out. Then after the first chorus, it gets much clearer and I just can't help but wonder how that wasn't caught before it was released. Though that at least did have a stand out lyric, "Another brick in the wall, we were born to resist it if it falls. Come with me, we will rise." Over all, I'm really sorry to say but this is one of the most disappointing albums I've heard in a while. I really wanted to like it, I wanted to be pleasantly surprised. But unfortunately, this just did not cut it in any way for me. What do you guys think? Do you feel like they nailed it? Or are you with me on thinking they came close to doing well, but still missed the mark. Please let me know in the comments, or over on the Facebook page. Also, if you're interested and in the area, Saint Asonia currently has one show coming up in Minneapolis, MN on November 21. For more information, merch and more, head on over to their official website. The world famous pop band, the Jonas Brothers, recently made a comeback after being broken up for nearly five years. On June 7, 2019, they released their fifth studio album, Happiness Begins.
If you know me at all, which some of you do, some of you don't, you will know I was a hardcore Jonas Brothers fanatic growing up. I do apologize greatly to anyone who knew me in my teens, as you more than likely heard way too much about these boys. Once a fangirl, always a fangirl, I suppose. I got extremely excited upon their announcement, but I must say I've had my reservations regarding the new album. I am not the biggest fan of modern age pop, though I try to keep an open minded. Deep in my heart though, these are my boys and will always be my boys. So reservations aside, of course I pre-ordered the album. Originally I did plan on writing this review the day of its release, but being an adult got in the way and I unfortunately did not get a chance to do so. This is the first Jonas Brothers album since 2007 that I have not heard on the day of its release. I didn't forget that fact once, just really wanted to sit down and dedicate the time to the album it deserves. Oh no, my fangirl is showing again. Pardon her, old habits die hard, don't you know? Happiness Begins has a very obvious theme, of well, happiness. But also love, as all three of the Jonas Brothers are all now married, and this album was heavily inspired by their journeys to get to this point. I'm not going to lie though, and this is extremely foreign for me, but I really wasn't that into this album. I can't make up my mind if its because its just so far from my usual style these days, or if I'm just not in the right head space for lovey-dovey stuff right now. I genuinely don't know, but I am feeling a bit disappointed. A lot of it felt very generic to me, and even musically didn't hold my attention. I found myself resisting to press the skip button repeatedly through out the album, which is something I would have never expected to happen. None of the songs felt like they had a lot of depth to me, and again, that could very well be my head space right now. So maybe I picked a poor time to do a review of the album, I just really wanted a raw reaction for it. Your head space makes a big different in the music you're drawn to, we all know that, and right now lovey-dovey stuff is about the opposite of what I've been feeling. I can't just leave this review open ended though, and I can't say its bad. Its clearly thought out, just isn't speaking with me. I didn't find myself questioning the meanings, or what even inspired most of the songs. A couple did cause that, but I only had a handful to say about one, and that is "Strangers." "Strangers", I solidly believe is an older song that they had not previously released. Because it has a vibe that is not featured at all on this album, but was featured on their previous album Lines, Vines and Trying Times. That one is still all sweet and romantic, and describes that feeling when you just meet someone but click with them instantly. "I just saw the lightning strike. Knew it right then when I looked in your eyes. And I said to myself, 'It's no surprise we ain't strangers'. Strangers tonight. Must be from a different life. Been here before and it just feels right." I genuinely actually like this one. As I mentioned, there were a couple other songs, but honestly the only reason it stood out was because it felt very topical to some stuff going on currently in my life. I'd go into details, but this is about the Jonas Brothers, not me airing out my dirty laundry, so I would rather opt out of that. I will say the other song is, "Used to Be", which was clearly written post-break up, and is all about reflection on the relationship. You still care despite the changes, but in the end, someone else's demons can exhaust you and sometimes you cannot help that. Due to the topic, it is highly different to honestly anything they have ever written. Over all, I'm a bit disappointed with this album, I was expecting a lot of depth, and emotion behind the lyrics, and honestly don't feel my expectations were met. If you felt differently, or even if you agreed with me, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts. You can get Happiness Begins wherever music is sold, as well as see them live on tour starting on June 13, so just two days a way from the time this was posted. Tickets are on sale now, you can hit up their website for more details. I also highly recommend their documentary, Chasing Happiness that is on Amazon Prime video. Even if you're not a fan, I do sincerely think its worth a watch. I'm curious to see what else they might bring out in the future, but unfortunately, this former fangirl was a bit disappointed. I might revisit it one day when I'm in a different mindset, but for now, that's how I feel. Lately, I've been absolutely loving Beartooth's most recent album, Disease. Previously, I would not have said I was a fan of Beartooth, but I got hooked on one song in particular on the album, and delved right in. Now I own all their albums, and am thinking I would like to do a review for each one, just because I can. Obviously I am late to the game, as none of their albums are new at this point, but when have I ever been on time for something? Its happened, but its incredibly rare.
Today, I think I am going to start with the one I've been loving, which I already said is Disease. The album came out on September 28, 2018, and it is their third studio album. It made its debut with the title track on July 23,2018. Now I personally think I heard about this and skipped over it, but someone close to me began listening to it quite often not long after its release. So, I was hearing songs without knowing the titles for quite some time. Then one song in particular got my attention, one that was not a single, but is simply incredible if you ask me. That song is, "Believe." It stood out greatly to me, as it felt different from any other Beartooth song I had heard to date. This might not actually accurate, as I am still learning about Beartooth. It just resonated really well with me. Its mostly the beat, as it feels more upbeat than what I have ever been used to from them, but in a way it feels very empowering though its not meant to be. It actually says, "I'd give anything, anything to make me believe it." The 'it' in this situation is that everything will work itself out and be alright. Its not meant to be empowering at all, its more of a brain dump, but we all know its nice to have someone put your own thoughts into different words. There's a handful of songs I find myself playing often, and it does depend on my mood just a little bit. Those songs include, "Afterall", "Greatness or Death", and "Infection." I'm not going to talk about all of them, but I do want to talk about, "Afterall" for a moment. Have you ever been just trying to go through the motions and ignore any off putting feelings you might be having? Probably, and we all know eventually everything that was bottled up, comes out. Its like a carbonated drink once its been shaken, and in the moments after it happened, usually you're frustrated about it. You didn't hold it together, and you tend to beat yourself up a little bit for not being strong enough. That's not the case, and I wish the human brain wouldn't go that route, but this song acknowledges that its just happening because you're human. "I guess I'm just human after all." This song fully personifies the feeling of not being or doing enough, of the struggle that comes with life. The anxiety, the possible failures, all of it. And it just runs with it in such a heavy, yet up beat manner. Hands down this and "Believe" are my favorite songs on this album. If you're feeling angry and need some loud music to get your aggression out or even just get the blood pumping, this is the album for you. It also has a lot of relatable moments, so either way, you're getting something emotional and real. Sincerely, even if you've never been into Beartooth, I would recommend this album. I was never a fan either, but this album changed my mind on that one. I plan on checking out their other two albums in full very soon, so stay tuned for those reviews. And of course, be sure to check out Beartooth's music wherever you get your music. iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, you guys know where to get the music. To go with it, hit up their website to check out their merch store, as well as all the tour dates. They are playing many European festivals such as Rock Am Ring, Zeppelinfeld, Rock Im Park, Infest 2019, Download, and so many more. To see more information go to Beartoothband.com, and you can from there see all of their upcoming appearances as well as find links to all the festivals. I Prevail's second full length album, Tramua is set to come out March 29, 2019. The band hyped this one up extremely well over social media, encouraging fans to share as much as they could before releasing the first single, "Bow Down." They were met with a lot of sass in the comment section of their teases, but also had their exceptations met.
Since then, they've released three songs, all deeply thought out, videos included, and all vastly different from one another. Due to this the diversity, I was greatly curious as to what the second album from I Prevail was going to hold. What I was met with was nothing short of awesome. Without giving too much away, I want to say that you can tell every song had heart and soul poured into it. Its a very personal, dark in theme album, that's very real. Its recently been brought into the light that front man Brian, struggles with depression every day. I feel as if this album was written as almost a therapy session for him, as the over all theme is the demons and blanket in which depression often engulfs people in. Each song has their own vibe, however. Some are harder, some are slower, some have hip-hop or rap elements. One note I wanted to point out, before I get into my favorites, were I think they definitely are influenced by Linkin Park. On several songs, I got Linkin Park vibes, and I just wanted to say I think Chester Bennington would be honored to hear what they've done. It still has the true I Prevail sound, but some new notes to them. Now, onto my favorites. I think the entire album will become something I play all the time, just as I did with the first album for quite a long while. That being said, two songs stood out the most to me, and those two were, "Rise Above It", and "Hurricane." "Rise Above It" has the inner demons telling you that you can't win against them, but then I Prevail comes in and fully denies that. Have you ever heard a lyric in a song and instantly thought, "I need that as a tattoo immediately?" That's what I did with one of the lyrics. "I will stop at nothing, I was made to rise above it." The song does have a bit of a different vibe to it, with some rap-ish notes to it. Picture Papa Roach's Traumatic album, as an example. Where its rock, but also has a slightly different beat to it. This song was entirely empowering, and I cannot say enough good about it. "Hurricane" has the exact I Prevail vibe they've always had. Its a little slower, and calmer for the majority of the song, and truly lets the meaning speak for itself. Sometimes, as you find yourself sinking under the weight of anxieties or depression, you do begin to change, and sometimes people don't accept that. People change, whether or not mental illness is involved, and sometimes its hard to accept. This is a truly gorgeous song, to say the very least. Anyone out there that's excited for the new I Prevail album, know your expectations will not only be met, but more than likely, exceeded as well. If there's anyone out there that's curious, but not excited, perhaps new to I Prevail even, I have a recommendation. First go listen to their Lifelines album, you're truly going to love it. Second, give this one a shot. This album has elements that will speak to most everyone, especially those who have loud internal demons. Trauma comes out this Friday, on March 29, and you can get it in so many ways. I Prevail's official website, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, ect. Get excited, and pre-order it now. |
InformationAll reviews have the date they were written, the album title, and the band's name, with the exception of Life Starts Now by Three Days Grace and Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin. Those dates were guessed at, as they were written well before the website began. Archives
February 2022
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