The Menzingers - Hello Exile (October 4, 2019) Album • Page 51

Yeah hoping they don't work with Yip next time. I think I'd like this a lot more if the vocals weren't so buried.

I also think the Bayside album coming out the same day might effect my opinion since that album is beautifully produced and sounds so crisp.

 

Last to Know into Strangers Forever somehow makes the latter pop even more than before.

 

I like what we got with Yip on these two albums, but a new producer is definitely needed next time to freshen up the sound.

But I don’t feel like thinking about the next album. I have this!

 

After first listen I thought this was great. Time will tell if it ends up competing with ATP as my fav Menzos album.

Portland, and Strain Your Memory were my standouts

 

Standouts for me on first listen were "Portland" and the closer, but the whole thing was really solid and enjoyable. I did find myself feeling like I was straining to hear the vocals at a few different points, but other times everything sounded fine.

 

The guitars all sound perfect on this. This is definitely an album that's going to click with people at different times and as time goes on.

For an album full of mid-tempo stuff it sure does go by fast.

 

I was a little underwhelmed on my first listen but it already grew on me a ton by my second and third. Definitely love Farewell Youth, my favorite on this by a lot.

 

I am also in the underwhelmed category after first listen. Or maybe overwhelmed by Bayside. Or both. Maybe I’ll never know lol

 

Not a fan of the production so far. Sounds flat and the vocals blend in with everything else too much. Kinda reminds me of the production on the last couple Wonder Years albums. Same producer?

 

Last to Know is sickkkkk

 

The title track! Ah!

 

My two favorites so far

 

After my first listen:

Definitely put me in the camp with the people who are pretty stoked about this record

Production/vocal production only bothered me the slightest bit once or twice. I probably have more production gripes with OTIP and RW than I do with the two Yip albums.

I wouldn’t have minded a 4th or even 5th Tom song. His vocals sound the best they ever have, and his songwriting has come so far imo. I think the parallels between No Penance and Strawberry Mansion are probably intentional.

I’m not going to compare it to the rest of their discography yet, but I definitely don’t think this isn’t Menzos by the numbers. They sound fresh, energetic, and inspired. I also don’t think it’s nearly as mid-tempo or pulled back as a lot of people are saying. It’s more reserved than ATP, sure, but it still pops off in a little of places

My standouts that aren’t singles are probably Last To Know, Hello Exile, Portland, I Cant Stop Drinking, and Farewell Youth. So... a lot of the album (if I include the 3 singles, which I would) Overall I really love this band and I’m excited to get to know this album more and add it into the rotation.

 

Greg and Tom like the production and guitar tones.

 

Standouts: Anna, High School Friend, Last to Know, London Drugs, Farewell Youth.

I love the album, just wish I could make out what they're saying. It's almost a shame the production is all over the place bc these songs are bangers. Vocals need to be clearer and the guitars need to be turned up.

High School Friend live will be a fun drunken singalong though !!

 

I was in love with After the Party after my first listen, whereas this one seems like it will take me some time to truly appreciate. I like it a good bit, but it definitely seems like it’ll be a grower. High School Friend and Farewell Youth both really hit me in the gut though.

 

Farewell Youth is just too damn real

 

First listen through this right now, loving it.

 

London Drugs is fantastic

 

Finally got to give this a full listen - the last 3-4 songs is such a great run. In context of a whole album the vocal effect doesnt seem that bad when you listen to a bunch of songs in a row. I think london drugs is my favorite non pre release track. Anna is just so good. Thematically this feels like a direct follow up to ATP, with a lot of songs dealing with getting older and realizing your youth or “the good old days” are way behind you. As someone navigating the 30s, its a very real mindset. Looking forward to way more time with this.

 

I'll throw my hat in here and agree with all of this. Comparing the production on the vocals on both these records is pretty glaring.

 

When listening to Farewell Youth, I got that same feeling that I felt the first time I listened to Casey and Gates. Hits you right in the feels.

 

Phenomenal guitar tones

 

I Can’t Stop Drinking and Farewell Youth are incredible tracks

I went to the album release event in Philly and it was so sick. The songs sounded great in acoustic and Tom complimented my Say Anything shirt, so what more could I ask for?

 

Bought the vinyl after work. Skips so bad. Bummed