IN HER OWN WORDS
Brand New Me EP
[Unsigned]
Verdict: 7/10
RIYL: A Day to Remember, FOUR YEAR STRONG
It’s always interesting to watch the development of a subgenre. The most well-known in today’s music scene is the “djent” scene, which really has seen bands come out by the hundreds, so sifting through the mélange of music becomes tedious. Luckily, “easycore” hasn’t risen to that level of ubiquity yet. Featuring heavy-hitters like A DAY TO REMEMBER and FOUR YEAR STRONG, the mixture of pop punk and melodic metalcore was fresh, interesting, and downright too much damn fun. The only detriment to the new sound was that it often wasn’t heavy enough for metalheads, but it was too heavy for punk fantatics. One of the newer bands to step forward in the genre is IN HER OWN WORDS, which features all of the hallmark sonic elements of “easycore”: catchy-as-hell choruses, punk energy, and hardcore breakdowns. If all of this sounds like just a boring, copycat listen, that is because in theory it is, but in execution, it’s really good. Album opener and lead single “Brand New Me” is an easy highlight, with its great chorus, solid guitar riffs, and energy. In fact, most of the album follows suit, with song after song of solid execution. The biggest problem with the album is that while everything is good, the EP is front-loaded, with the first four songs being better than the later two songs. This could speak to the problems with a young band in general, as the songwriting practice just isn’t there. No matter the case, fans of “easycore” have a new band to keep a watch for in the future. – By Nicholas Senior
>> Recommended Listening: “Brand New Me”
>> Guest Features: James Teyler of Worthwhile on “No Suits, Just Shants”
>> Release Date: October 10, 2011
>> In Conclusion: Those that enjoy the mixture of melodic pop punk and metalcore should certainly enjoy the debut EP by the band. There’s enough catchiness to keep coming back to the album, again and again.
Tag Archives: four year strong
Music Review: FOUR YEAR STRONG – In Some Way, Shape, Or Form
FOUR YEAR STRONG
In Some Way, Shape, Or Form
[I Surrender / Decaydance / Universal Republic]
Verdict: 7/10
The first couple times I gave this a spin, I really did not like it. This was mostly due to the focus shift to hard rock. Having been a big fan of the band’s last record, I found this different formula quite disappointing and lacking in the zest from before. However, the more times I played through In Some Way, Shape, Or Form, the more I liked the songs as I learned them. The first three tracks definitely came out as my favorites, while the remainder of the album is harder to pick apart. It’s not that it runs together, but I just couldn’t get into it really. The faster, punk/hardcore influences of Enemy of the World are mostly absent this time around, making In Some Way seem less impressionable. “Fairweather Fan” is one of the few that sounds right up the alley of what I had been expecting from this record, so more numbers like this would have definitely reeled me in easier. The vocal work on “Sweet Kerosene” sounds pretty good, while the overall track brought to mind Rise Against at times. Ultimately, I kept finding myself thinking the same things: Why the hard rock foundation this time? Where’s the passion of before? At least, you can say that Four Year Strong didn’t make the same record twice, because they definitely did not. Some fans will probably love this shift, while others (like myself) will find themselves yearning for the older material. Still, In Some Way is still a good time despite its flaws. – by Nathaniel Lay
> Recommended Tracks: “The Infected”, “The Security of the Familiar, the Tranquility of Repetition”, “Stuck In The Middle”, “Fairweather Fan”, “Heaven Wasn’t Built To Hold Me”
> Bottom Line: The punk/hardcore influences of previous releases seem to have taken the bench for the latter of In Some Way, Shape, Or Form. Instead, Four Year Strong seem more interested in the hard rock and radio friendly sound this time around. This will either sorely disappoint or pleasantly surprise.
[REVIEW] Boys No Good – Never Felt Better
BOYS NO GOOD
Never Felt Better
[Indianola Records]
Verdict: 9/10
Not that they sound familiar, but Never Felt Better reminds me of how I felt when rocking out to This Will Be The Death Of Us by SET YOUR GOALS. I’m not entirely sure why this is, but I know the overall large punk/rock sound of it all is a big (obvious) reason. Both albums are incredibly catchy, fun, and easy to get lost within. BOYS NO GOOD is kind of appearing from nowhere, but they definitely have the potential to blow up just like SET YOUR GOALS did. The combination of gruff and soaring vocals work magnificently, keeping that punk/hardcore there at all times. Even when the band is coming off very melodically (which is pretty often), the heart of those genres is still evident and clear. The lyrics are one aspect to examine. A lot of hardcore acts (“true hardcore” acts, as some people I know call it) are built on the foundation of friends and family, getting along peacefully, and that sort of thing (despite usually having an angry sound to them). The whole theme around the focus track, “Bold City Tigers”, is friends and family. The song returns to such lines as “There’s no place I’d rather be than hanging with my friends” and “Nothing feels better than being here with you / All of you” frequently. It’s not only catchy as hell, but it’s a great message for any listener. While this track is definitely my favorite (it’s so damn memorable), there are plenty of other awesome songs to be found on Never Felt Better. Other favorites include the short and sweet “Buried At Sea” (with its repeat of “Now we’re leaving / It’s over” becoming contagious), “Jeremy Drinks Bleach” (one of the more melodic and anthem-like tracks), and “Cut Your Heart Out” (fueled by a fun rock vibe). As a complete work, Never Felt Better is a great debut from BOYS NO GOOD that is easily memorable. Think of these guys as a mix of SET YOUR GOALS, FOUR YEAR STRONG, and POLAR BEAR CLUB; there’s plenty of fun to be had when playing Never Felt Better. – by Nathaniel Lay
[REVIEW] Take Action – Volume 10
TAKE ACTION
Volume 10 (2011 Tour)
[Hopeless Records / Sub City]
Verdict: 9/10
The last Take Action compilation reminded me of the recent Warped Tour discs in the sense that they were composed mostly of already released tracks. This made them mostly uninteresting and unworthy of purchase. However, this year’s Take Action volume is quite great and deserving your attention. Why? Well, a good 75% of these songs are previously unreleased or remixed, making them new to the listener. Amongst the brand new tracks, you’ll find Silverstein, Bayside, Four Year Strong, Chiodos, I Set My Friends On Fire, Former Thieves, Amely, Sparks the Rescue, Andrew Jackson Johad, Aficionado, and Fake Problems. Even better is that each of these new songs are great! Then, for those electronic lovers, you have a bevy of remixed tracks. If this is your sort of thing, then turn your attention to the remixes of Circa Survive, I See Stars, and Woe Is Me above the others. Amongst the acoustic version of older songs, you’ll find The Dangerous Summer, The Ready Set, We Are The In Crowd, and a couple others. The only real odd moment on this compilation comes from the cover songs. All Time Low chose to record an acoustic cover of “Alejandro” (originally by Lady Gaga), which seems like a strange choice. However, it came out great. You will also hear The Wonder Years cover The Weakerthens on the second disc of this volume. Overall, this is an excellent compilation that has a lot of cool stuff to offer fans of multiple genres. And, of course, the money spent purchasing this will go to a good cause, so bonus! – by Nathaniel Lay
