The Chorus Music Club Society • Page 220

Great review. I really enjoyed the one he put out last year. I need to check this out.

 

Yeah that’s on my list to check out when I find some time.

He also produced Melodrama by Lorde which was one of my favourite releases last year.

 

@JediMasterKevo182 amd @Larry David the Senses Fail and Beatles reviews are going to have to wait till tomorrow now. I’ve got a pounding headache and I need to be up at 5 for work.

Have a good afternoon/evening everyone

 

Two bands you don’t see in the same sentence often

 

Maybe you don't see them in the same sentence often

 

You do?

 

Love these guys, this album really helped me during a difficult break up early last year. Fantastic live band too, seeing them at 2000 Trees last year was incredible. Glad you enjoyed this album, it's a shame they don't seem to quite be catching on as they should really. Their music would sound fantastic on the radio.

 

Okay so I started writing out my feelings on my first recommendation and will probably post it tomorrow.

 

Alright ladies and gents, its time for me to hand in my reviews from the past week. I was lucky enough to get albums from both @bachna84 and @ugman_2000 , and only 3 albums for once this week! So without further delay, allow me to present to you my write ups, first up is @bachna84

Thursday- No Devolucion

This is an album that @bachna84 had already planned to make me listen to under another circumstance of legal contracts; though when we were partnered in CMCS this past week he shifted this album over to this. Thursday is a band that needs no introduction around these parts, being one of the bands that are commonly praised in the threads of Chorus. I admittedly had not listened to much by these guys, so I had no idea what to expect except with my last exposure to them, A City By The Light Divided, which I absolutely loved. So how does this album stack up to that one? Well, from the moment this album began I could tell sonically it was going to be vastly different from the previous one I had heard, as this almost sounded like a whole other band. This is not the scream/post hardcore act I had heard on the last outing, and this was something much more evolved. There was no going back (or return, which is what the album title means in Spanish).

This album is very atmospheric. The album has a persistent tone through its entire 12 song, 53 minute run. Its quieter, more focused on the feelings and the environment the music puts you in as opposed to the traditional sounds this band used on the other album I had listened to. This was clear on 'No Answers', which incorporated synths into its beautiful intro before guiding you through a melodic, dark journey of echoing vocals lost within a sea of effects and eerie guitars. I loved the pure energy of this song and the immense feeling of dread and emotion this song had; you almost literally felt the air around you become heavier while listening to it. 'A Darker Forest' is the same way, and could almost have been an 'A Perfect Circle' song in its musical composition if you subbed out the vocals for Maynard. This somber song has layers that would make many bands drop their jaws, meriting repeat listens with headphones in to try and pick apart the different effects and instrumentals being used. You have songs like 'Magnets Caught In My Metal Heart' that musically has a lot going on as well, and has these dark and emotive lyrics that sink into the music and fit so well with the tone the song is setting. This song was a personal favorite of mine as well, and one that I returned to often; with a very nice melody and beat to it, smooth sounding music that calls your attention with gently plucked guitars, and dark lyrics. 'Empty Glass' was another huge stand out, starting the song with a beautiful organ for an intro; and be prepared when you listen to this song..you will catch the feels. This song is the epitome of a song about a love life destroyed and being hard broken; this is a song about a man that has lost it all and is wallowing in his sadness. The music fits the lyrics of this theme to an almost too real feeling sound, and the lyrics are definitely going to pull at your heart strings. Its an absolutely beautiful song, and it clearly comes from the heart. This song was devastating to listen to.

Thursday really explores this moody, landscape sound on the album with very few diversions back into their older sounds. There are songs on here that break this mold though slightly, like 'Turnpike Divides', that almost sounds like a deftones song. This album is a very different beast than the one I heard on the other album, but my word do they pull this sound off beautifully. I loved this experience, as this is a wondrously crafted album without a bad song on it. This album will have you on an emotional roller coaster, but its a ride you won't mind being on because it just sucks you in to it. Heavy, fast, slow, melodic, elegant; this album has all of the sounds you want, and they are great. Stand out tracks are: 'No Answers', 'A Darker Forest', 'Magnets Caught In My Metal Heart', 'Empty Glass', 'Turnpike Divides', 'Stay True'.
8/10

Emery- The Question

Emery is another band that doesn't really need an introduction, as they are another well known band around this website. For those of you who don't know, they are a post hardcore/alt rock band that incorporate melodic and powerful guitars along with emotional vocals; both clean and unclean. I had heard some of the band's discography, but somehow I managed to miss this album completely. In my research of the album, I learned 'the question' the album title refers to is on the back of the physical album, 'Where were you when I was...' and then the song titles complete the questions. So how does this album play out?

As soon as you listen to first song, you know this album is going to be dealing with some pressing matters of humanity; which goes along with the question of the album. The first song deals with the twisted way we see love, spouting lyrics like "How quickly lust can pretend it's love… We're just the boys and girls who think they always know. With answers for the world, the ambiguity shows… Always trying what I can to be a child and not a man. My hands across your clothes. And me without a plan." as the song plays out with a mixture of shredded guitars, quietly strummed guitars, amazingly catchy sung vocals and powerfully belted screams on key moments that never feel out of place. This song was a great way to start off the album, and it set in mind what you were going to be getting. The songs have a raw emotion to then, such as with my favorite song on the album 'Returning the Smile You Have Had From the Start'; this song starts off extremely heavy, and turns into something melodic and catchy, intertwining the two sides of Emery nicely. Lyrically, like with many songs on this album, the songs deal with the twisted and dark sides of humanity. There are very few glimpses of light in these songs, and each song from 'Studying Politics' to 'Listening Freddie Mercury' and the immensely bitter and lamenting 'In A Win Win Situation', this band does a marvelous job of executing this passion and emotional rawness into the music and the lyrics. These guys pack a punch, whether its in the clean or unclean vocals, the amazing backing vocals on songs like 'Studying Politics', and the use of amazing guitar work and effects. There is an overlaying theme of relationships wrecked on this album, and musically they portray it with a skill and earnest that is hard to find. Each of these songs paint mental stories, and the characters the main character deals with are far from innocent; but in a sense neither is he.

This album has everything you would want from this genre, with sounds reminiscent of Silverstein, Anberlin, and Emarosa. There are heavy punches pulled on this album lyrically and musically, and if you are a fan of post hardcore and alternative rock, you probably have already heard this album. If you have not, I highly recommend it. This album was a treat to listen to, and its more accessible than some of their other work. This one is filled with talent and raw emotion, with each of the songs being loosely linked together by the overall arching theme of the album. This is a very well done album, and I suggest you check it out from front to back, as its a smooth ride from first to last track. My standout songs are:
'So Cold I Could See My Breath', 'Returning the Smile You Had From The Start', 'Studying Politics', 'Listening to Freddie Mercury', 'Miss Behavin', 'The Terrible Secret', 'In A Win Win Situation'
8.5/10

And now, the album @ugman_2000 gave me.

Nervus- Everything Dies

I had never heard of this band, period. Let alone this 2018 release. So when @ugman_2000 approached me to trade it to me, I was skeptical; especially when he described them as a british Alkaline Trio. I would be remiss if I didn't say that didn't also catch my attention. I like me some Alkaline Trio, so of course I was curious to see if these statements were true. At 10 songs and only 38 minutes, this was not a hard album to tackle; it actually goes by a lot faster than you would expect. This album faces a lot of social and emotional issues, such as the judgement of gender roles in modern society. The first song, 'Congratulations' touches on this as the lyrics "“On your first breath the expectation rests: who you should lie with in bed and exactly how you’ll dress." are some of the gems hidden within the lyrics. Musically, I could hear the Alkaline Trio influence he had described, so I eagerly dove in.

Musically, this album kicks. There is everything from chugging guitars, wonderful riffs, pianos, smooth bass lines and everything in between. 'Sick Sad World', which contains one of the catchiest choruses I have ever heard this year, contains all of these features; especially the piano, smooth twangy bass, and roaring guitars. I have to had it to Em Foster, she knew what she was doing on this album. And then it could switch the tone up and head on to a song like ' Recycled Air', which starts with soft bitterness and continues it at a much more somber sound than the songs before it. A lot of this album, lyrically, has a lot to do with battling who you are on the inside against what you feel like is acceptable to those around you and the stigma that it could contain to show your true face; such as on the song 'Skin' where the song starts "I am safe in my own skin, though my armor is paper thin". These songs are dealing with eventually coming to the realization that darkness inside of you is who you are, and that letting it out is a strength not a curse. This is Alkaline Trio with an indie twist musically, and these sounds will get caught in your head and pass on a powerful message with great sung lyrics. Songs like 'Skin', which are fast and catchy, can be followed up with a slower and heavier track like 'Medicine', and pulled off very nicely. These songs are a whirlwind of optimistic viewing of living and a cynical outlook on the world around you; and balancing both sides of the coin. 'Fall Apart' is a great demonstration of this, containing all of these themes with a beautiful and captivating piano, and chugging bass line and a nice riff of guitars.

I recommend anyone who likes this genre of music to check it out, especially if you are looking for a quick 2018 release to add to your collection. These guys know what they are doing, and are a very fun listen with some powerful messages of acceptance and living with the hate in your life by being yourself. There are some great moments on this album, with my stand out tracks being 'Congratulations', 'Sick Sad World', 'Recycled Air', 'Medicine', 'Fall Apart'. This is only their second release, and I would be interested in seeing where this band from across the pond goes from here.
7/10

 

Nice reviews!!! All 3 albums are really good, in my opinion :)

 

Yep, Nate and I agreed to do a second bonus trade!



blessthefall: Hard Feelings

This is their brand new album (out last Friday), and I heard a couple tracks from it before we agreed to our second bonus trade. I really enjoyed what I heard and I also liked the fact that it was supposed to be "lighter" than what blessthefall usually puts out (though I have only heard a couple tracks from their previous albums) - that fact increased the likelihood that I'd find a lot to enjoy in this album.

The instrumentation was awesome. Lots of great guitars and drums - basically just what I'd expect from a band in this genre. I also heard a bit of synths and piano!

I have yet to really pick up on the lyrics, but the ones I did hear were enjoyable. I also was really impressed by the melodies. The "clean" vocals were very good (the vocalist reminds me of someone - maybe Chester from Linkin Park), and the screaming was okay for the most part.

As is the norm for me, if I have to find something I could do without, it was the screaming (in some places). I found it to work well for me on certain tracks while being distracting on others, but it wasn't too over-the-top either way.

"Wishful Sinking" kicks things off with some awesome guitars and drums! Once the vocals start, there's a really catchy melody with a bit of screaming. "Find Yourself" also starts off really strong with a powerful instrumental introduction, followed by a much calmer verse. Each time the chorus appears, if picks up the pace quite a bit, but I find the verses to be the star of the show - they're really gorgeous. "Melodramatic" really hits the ground running and reminds me of Cities/New Surrender Anberlin in places (for some reason). There was quite a bit of screaming, especially in the bridge, but it didn't wear out its welcome for me. It fits the tone of the song. "Feeling Low" starts out almost at the end of the chorus (I'm a sucker for that effect), and then calms down a bit for the verses. I really love this track - it might be my top favorite from the whole album. The melody seems really familiar, though I haven't yet placed it. "Cutthroat" is the most intense song on the album - the majority of the vocals have screaming, and the track hardly lets up for the parts with "clean" vocals - with the exception of the bridge. The guitars are fantastic throughout the track, though! "I'm Over Being Under(rated)" has such calm verses and a strong chorus (with a bit of screaming). I really love the dichotomy here. This track really reminds me of Linkin Park (a very good thing). "Sleepless in Phoenix" starts out with a bit of piano and then moves into the guitar-heavy verse, followed by a very strong, catchy chorus. The bridge is a real highlight of this song for me, as are the lyrics I was able to pick up, especially toward the end of the track: "I hope that you're hopeless too." Who doesn't know that feeling? "Keep Me Close" has a really calm verse and a gorgeous melody. The screaming was a bit distracting in this track for me, though. "Sakura Blues" starts out with some wonderful synth and then the huge guitars join in, only to let up a bit for the vocals. Another pretty calm track, this one has been inching up my favorites list since the first time I heard it. The melody is fantastic, and the chorus is so catchy. The track ends the way it started, with some piano/synth. "Welcome Home" has some cool syncopation in the rhythm of the verses, and the drums were especially great on this song, too. The bridge also has some awesome guitar work! It's a stellar closer to a fantastic album.

Verdict: 9/10

Favorite tracks: Wishful Sinking, Find Yourself, Feeling Low, I'm Over Being Under(rated), Sleepless in Phoenix, Sakura Blues, Welcome Home (yes, over half the album again)

Reminds me of: Linkin Park, Anberlin (in places)



(Thanks for another great recommendation, Nate! I enjoyed this a lot, and I look forward to hearing which direction they decide to go the next time around.)

 

Great reviews @JediMasterKevo182 I'm glad you got on well with Nervus Kev

 

Love seeing Nervus being repped on here, Em is a fantastic lyricist and a really funny person online. Seen them live recently an they are a lot of fun.

 

Wow! I’m impressed! I’m really glad you liked it and great review!

You actually rated it higher than me and I am a huge fan of them.

 

Thanks, Nate!

I guess that might be due to the fact that it's closer to my wheelhouse than yours, perhaps? Since it's lighter than usual.

 

Last week @Patterns in Traffic and I traded and they gave me the following:

Civil Twilight - Civil Twilight (Wind Up; 2010)

Civil Twilight is a indie/alt rock band from Cape Town, South Africa and I was assigned their eponymous debut record. I had heard the band name before and was generally aware of their style but I had never heard a song or full length record. The album opens with "Anybody Out There" which felt like a relatively straightforward alt-rock song which lived up to my initial impressions of the band. Singer Steve McKellar's falsetto on this track and throughout the record reminded me a lot of Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace's early days. "Soldier" follows with a reggae-ish vibe that reminded me of a modern day Police song. Track three "Next to Me" brings in a piano rock song that felt like a song Keane would right. From about here on the record began to blend for me. The band begins the record testing out a few sounds before nestling into either a stand alt-rock sound or piano-focused indie-rock.

Overall, Civil Twilight have a very professional and put together sound which is great if you are looking for a rock solid indie/alt-rock band. Steve McKellar's vocals are deserving of the Thom Yorke comparisons. The band's detriment is that their songs sound a bit too plain and polished. I'd like to hear them stretch out their sound and try some different musical paths like my favorite track on the record "Quiet in My Town" which has an almost singer-songwriter feel. This was a pleasant record to listen to but I don't see myself returning to it anytime soon.

5.5/10

Standout Tracks:
Next to Me
Quiet in My Town
Letter from the Sky

 

Great review. I need to check this out.

 

The Beatles - Revolver (1966)




So obviously I know The Beatles but I’d not really sat down and listened to any of their albums in full before so @Larry David gave me their album Revolver to review. I’d heard just under half the songs on this album previously from the compilations I had of theirs over the years so was looking forward to hearing the rest.


This album was their 7th Studio album and found the band maximizing as much technology for the production. They also brought in all kinds of instrumentation and even a choir in to experiment with their sound on this album further.


There are a few big hitters on this album that I was familiar with like Eleanor Rigby, Yellow Submarine, Taxman and Got To Get You Into My Life. Apart from Yellow Submarine I’ve always loved these songs and they really have some great pop sensibilities on these, particularly GTGYIML. What I really enjoyed on this album though was delving into their more experimental tracks like Love To You, She Said She Said, I want To Tell You and especially Tomorrow Never Knows. These tracks see them bringing in a whole psychedelic sound experimenting with all sorts of sounds.


Obviously it goes without saying how influential The Beatles were to future generations, especially in Rock and Pop but one thing I didn’t realise is how much Tomorrow Never Knows influenced the 90’s electronica scene. The whole drum and base looping on that song I’ve definitely heard used before, especially in artists like The Chemical Brothers.


Anyways this has been a fun listen delving into the album this past week and I’m glad @Larry David recommended it to me.


Favourite Tracks: Tomorrow Never Knows, Got To Get You Into My Life, Taxman and Elenor Rigby

RIYL: It's The Beatles you all know what they sound like

 

Nice work! I can't imagine reviewing The Beatles or even Pink Floyd for that matter. You did it justice!

 

She Said She Said is a top 10 beatles track, maybe top 5. Revolver is ridiculous

 

So glad you appreciated how incredible "Tomorrow Never Knows" is. Easily a top 10 Beatles song

 

Yeah that track was easily my highlight from that album. I really enjoyed the whole thing though, it was awesome being able to go in on such a classic band.

 

Letter Kills - The Bridge (2004)

Alright guys here's my first review of two albums @Patterns in Traffic gave me. So, Letter Kills is a band whom is no longer together and it appears this was the bands only album, I've heard of this band and heard some pretty cool things about them. The album starts off with a banger called " Lights Out " and I completely found myself just tapping my foot to the song. This song was bringing me back to my childhood days when I would go to Warped tour and these guys were apart of a couple of the line ups that I attended too, the song is super catchy with a rad little solo. Now the next song that came on was called "Don't Believe " and it's another catchy tune, as I kept listening the first thing I said to myself was that I heard this song before ! I found myself singing along to it and the guitars sound outstanding on this track as well. " Brand New Man " is another killer track on this album. This is a track where the vocals and drums really shine, and I got mad MCR vibes from it so that's a win ! I can honestly say this isn't a hit or miss album, every song is solid and catchy. The production on this album is outstanding as well, it's loud but not overbearing and musically everything sounds amazing, between the rhythem section, the vocals and guitars. This is a band for it's time who really sounded great and it's a shame they didn't stick around. If I would have known who they were than you would have caught me right away on the barricade jumping around and singing along.

 

Nice review, though I actually recommended their second album, Holy Weather. I think you hit the nail on the head with this review, their debut is pretty straightforward alt/indie/radio rock fare. I'm not a huge fan of it beyond a couple of songs to be honest. Holy Weather is on another level, one of my favorite albums of the last few years and it sounds like an entirely different band IMO. I'd encourage you to check that one out as well even if you weren't crazy about this one!

 

Nice review! This band is very Warped Tour 2004, but I think their stuff holds up for the most part. My friends and I were obsessed with this album back when it was released and I remember them getting some buzz but they never really gained the notoriety I expected and never released a follow-up. I look back on this one really fondly.