Review Summary: Buddy Nielsen steals our hearts in Senses Fail's magnum opus.
Senses Fail is 5-piece post-hardcore quintet from the United States of America. Their lineup at the time for the best post-hardcore record in recent memory since Hawthorne Heights or Saosin was:
Buddy Nielsen: Lead vocals <3
Dave Miller: Guitars
Garrett Zablocki: Guitars
Mike Glita: Bass guitar
Dan Trapp: Drums
Let It Enfold You was definitely the right album at the right time when the country was still recovering from the 9/11 disasters and the Clinton/Lewinski debacle. The on point lyrics from "Choke On This" and the moving story found in "Buried A Lie" is more endearing then The Notebook. Nielsen is the grand storyteller in this album, and the listener has ears to hear. His storytelling skills improve, as proven on the next album in tracks "All The Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues" and "The Priest And The Matador". Let us look into each individual track to grasp the true athiestic values of Nielsy.
"Tie Her Down"
Song begins with a cool riff, then Buddy begins to rant beautifully about his distate for a particular woman. She seems like a real sour bitch for him to say these things. Near the end of the song, a slower passage begins, ensuing the listener into an aura of dissonance and beauty. Catchy tune overall. 4/5
"Lady In A Blue Dress"
Starts a bit slow, the song would be hard to pit mosh at their shows. Song doesnt really stand out much on an instrumental level, but lyrically? A whole different level.
"You said, said you want respect
Well then you've been tainted, suffer yourself.
Cause all that I see right now,
Is someone whose lost and insecure."
***ing inspirational. 3.5/5
"You're Cute When You Scream"
Song kicks off pretty fast, definitely a song to jump around to on your bed. Around the middle, Dan Trapp says "I'll take it from here!" and lays down an infectious drum fill. Song is a banger. 4/5
"Buried A Lie"
Beautiful riffing at the beginning by Zablocki and Miller. This is one of the more mellow songs on the LP. The lyrics tell the touching story of a boyfriend whose girlfriend was murdered. The Niels delivers a surefire beautiful story once again and the listener immediately falls in love. Catchy catchy catchy catchy catchy catchy catchy catchy. Did I mention it was catchy? :P 5/5
"Bite To Break Skin"
A fan favorite and one of the best songs ever made, the song begins with a fun riff and some inspired shredding from the guitarists. Throughout the song Mike Glita lays down a smooth bass line that keeps the vibe. Keeps the vibe good. The vibe is inviting. The chorus is great, definitely a part to yell in the shower.
"So, follow me into the sun
And I will bleed the poision dry"
The ending breakdown is a bit harsh, but completely necessary for the full loop of completion for the song. 5/5
"Rum Is For Drinking, Not For Burning"
The first song I ever heard from Senses Fail, and it is probably my second fav. The whole song is immensely great with amazing contributions from everyone in the band. The riff at the end is infectious as could be. The song is also about the pirate life...who doesnt like pirates?? 5/5
"Slow Dance"
Song is chill, and is definitely a slow dance of a hardcore song. Nielson's harsh melodies still find their way to soothe the body, mind, soul, and spirit. Even though he is an athiest. A mini breakdown ensues at the end and all of the bros are ecstatic. The lyrics are full of passion and emotion pours from Buddy's mouth. 4.5/5
Choke On This
One of the funner songs on the album with harsh lyrics dealing towards a bitchy woman. What is there not to love about this track? The lyrics are great and cutting edge, Trapp lays down a solid backbone on the spine of the song, the guitars are interesting, and the bass is there. Probably the most radio friendly song on this record. (I mean have you even heard "Calling All Cars"?) 5/5
"NJ Falls Into The Atlantic"
The song starts off with some Emmure-like guitar work and Buddy doing his thing. Odd song title. Very radio friendly song as well. 4/5
"Let It Enfold You"
One of my favorite songs from the album, Dan Trapp's intricate drumming stands out on this track for sure. The lyrics are great, and the song title is actually the name of a nihilistic poem. Interesting. Especially considering Buddy is athiest. The bridge of this song stands out, and Niels takes center stage once again. Mellow strings are courtesy of Dave Miller and Garrett Zablocki. Amazing song. 5/5
"Irony Of Dying On Your Birthday"
Cool riff at the beginning, and Buddy screams as if he is being anally violated. Which is perfectly fine, because it sounds great. Catchy chorus, and the guitarists and Trappmaster are constantly at each others throats competing for top spot on this song. Behind Buddy, of course. It would be ironic to die on your birthday wouldnt it? :P 5/5
"Angela Baker And My Obsession With Fire"
Odd song title, very The Devil Wears Prada-ish. Trapp's drums reach another high on this song, almost as high as ***ing Mt. Fiji. According to the lyrics, it would seem that the person is attempting suicide. I really hope it isnt Buddy, but it is probably just another great story! 4.5/5
"Martini Kiss"
Potentially my favorite song on the LP! The opening riff is very sinister, almost seems as if you are in the ocean and a shark is chasing after you. Constant riffing throughout the song, the riffs are prevailing and conquering Glita's pussy bass. Trapp does another excellent job as usual, laying out the framework for an A+ effort by Senses Fail. Buddy's work in this song is extensive and glorious. A fitting end to an amazing album. 5/5
Senses Fail released this in 2004. It is now 2012. Things have changed, I can be openly bisexual and people are fine with that. Bands like The Fray and Coldplay are getting more attention then genre pioneers such as Senses Fail. Undeservedly. The greatest post-hardcore LP of our generation, take a bow Senses Fail. 5/5
