CLOSE TO HOME
Never Back Down
(Artery Recordings / Razor & Tie)
I remember when I first picked up this band’s EP, Standby, at my local Hot Topic a couple years back. At that time, they sounded more like a cross between older FROM FIRST TO LAST and MATCHBOX ROMANCE. While I never found their next EP in stores, I did stream it for review a year or so ago when it went online. With it, I found that CLOSE TO HOME were experimenting more in the screamo department. With this slight shift in their sound, I really wasn’t sure what to expect from their label debut, but I was excited nonetheless. Never Back Down definitely surprised me when I got the chance to finally hear it in preparation of an interview with the band. This twelve track selection is boasting with different genres successfully blended together. There are songs here that will appeal to fans of A DAY TO REMEMBER (“Days Of Our Lives”), CONFIDE (“Count The Ways”), and even COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (“Sink Or Swim”). While they mostly stick with the hardcore/punk rock formula, CLOSE TO HOME do prove more than once on this album that they have the ability to take on new genres at the drop of a hat. Of course, the best part of this all is how well the band pulls it off. While not all of it will get stuck in your head, a good chunk of it will. From start to finish, Never Back Down is above solid work and never falters. There’s a lot to love here, and due to the array of sounds incorporated, it’s hard to recommend this one to fans of specific bands. It would be easiest for me to just suggest you give it a shot despite your tastes. And don’t just sample one track — you’ll need to play a few to get a well rounded opinion. (NL)
