I quit caring about what others think of the music I listen to a few years ago. It doesn't get rid of those awkward moments in the car when you're forcing everyone with you to jam on something they either don't understand or appreciate, but it keeps a certain part of credibility alive within me. The now widely proclaimed opinion that music taste is entirely subjective (an opinion on an opinion, let's see the humble community try taking a crack at this one) might possibly be true. However, it does not diminish the pride one feels when finding something great that few have heard. It can breed a sense of elitism. It can make it seem okay.
Aficionado don't do anything new with this release. If you can imagine Cursive, thrown together with some Thrice, and a little bit of Circle Takes The Square, than you understand their root sound. Recently being signed to No Sleep records, they fit the description many of the acts on the label already convey to their fans. The most important - and obvious - decision No Sleep seems to make when deciding on an act to sign is the passion shown within the music. Image isn't important. Style and influences are completely irrelevant. A love for positively affecting their audience is definitely required.
The blend of post-hardcore with indie is pretty popular right now and the band has somewhat capitalized on it. Personal lyrics relaying the importance of strong relationships, family, good communication, and striving to better oneself hold their sound together. A majority of the vocals are done by the lead male vocalist, but sometimes he exchanges verses and harmonies with a supporting female vocalist. They don't have the strongest voices in the industry, but that isn't the point. He has a more recognizable vocal approach (this is where the listener will think Cursive right off the bat), but her vocals are pretty unique. And when she's not singing, she's creating the artwork and playing the flute on the album. The addition of the flute shouldn't distract the listener from checking out the album because it fits well within the context of the music, and creates some individuality for the band.
The rest of the band plays material that's going to be straightforward for anyone familiar with this style of music. It's not really an issue for the band: they're proficient and know the sound for which they're shooting. And it's only their debut album. The group already has the passion they're trying to share with everyone, and as long as they continue to experiment and move forward as musicians they should continue to grow and improve. However, their passion must remain intact. It's what makes their sound loveable and their small fan base grinning. And we all know that can be the toughest part of all.
