Review Summary: Conditions return with their strongest, most powerful release to date.
Conditions are a now four piece alt rock band in the vein of Cove Reber era Saosin. Conditions put together a very solid debut full length entitled "Fluorescent Youth" that hit the alt rock scene hard with standout tracks like 'Better Life,' 'When It Won't Save You,' and 'Keeping Pace With Planes.' Where Saosin failed with the horrendous sophomore slump "In Search of Solid Ground," Conditions excel with their superb sophomore record, "Full of War."
"Full of War" is a cohesive release that hints at more of a mainstream rock sound on songs like 'Walking Seperate Ways' and 'Love Elusive,' but overall Conditions give us an album that is simply brilliant and is damn near perfect. Gone is guitarist/vocalist Jason Marshall and with him go the dual vocals that gave the band that extra push on "Fluorescent Youth." Instead, the band make up for Marshall's absence by pushing the driving guitar and steady rhythm section to the forefront. Vocalist Brandon Roundtree, who was formerly the lead vocalist of metalcore band Scarlet, continues to be the backbone of the band as his vocal soar through all 11 songs and even show signs of improvement as pitch problems have been present on past releases. 'Skeleton' showcases the band at their best; the chorus really amps up on top of the driving guitar and vocals from Roundtree. 'Every Day Is A New Life' and 'Not Giving Up... Not Yet' follow suit and turn out to be the two best songs the band has ever released. The intro in 'Best Mistake' is an obvious rip off of The Offspring's 'Gotta Get Away,' and the chorus seems to be on the safe side, while the horrible synth ruins the song and proves to be the worst song on the record. Conditions really have a knack for making their choruses absolutely massive, case in point: lead single 'Love Elusive.' Although coming off as a radio rock song, it has a very solid chorus that will make you take a double take to make sure you aren't listening to an Anberlin song. The song effortlessly switches back and forth between normal tempo and a fast, anthem like chorus. "Full of War" has no filler, save for the aforementioned disaster, 'Best Mistake.' While not quite on par with Saosin's Alex Rodriguez, the drumming remains solid, the production is as clean as ever, and the lyrics continue to be some of the most powerful lyrics this side of Jimmy Eat World.
Conditions have truly returned with their strongest, most powerful release. The future looks bright for Conditions who are very quickly beginning to rival Anberlin for the top of the alt rock totem pole.
Recommended tracks: All of them except for 'Best Mistake'
