 | Taking Back Sunday New Again
On Taking Back Sunday's 4th LP 'New Again', the hooks are a little more subtler than usual, making it less immediate than their previous releases. Yet, it is also a sign of the band's songwriting maturity, which makes this undoubtedly their most consistent album to date. While some may find the middle section so-so, the closing trio are strong, with the catchy guitars & memorably biting lyrics of 'Capital M-E' a highlight. The M.V.P of the album however, could well be the rhythm section, which lays an impressive foundation right from the very beginning of the terrific title track. Recommended Tracks: New Again, Capital M-E, Carpathia & Swing. | 3.5
11.20.09 |
 | Short Stack Stack is the New Black
Not too dissimilar to the likes of Metro Station & Forever The Sickest Kids, Short Stack are Australia's addition to the latest fad of immature electro pop-punk. Their debut LP 'Stack is the New Black' begins with it's energetic 4 singles, all of which carry annoyingly infectious - yet one-dimensional - hooks. Clearly aimed at teenage girls, the album is occasionally misguided in its dark lyrical content, while a genuine surprise comes in the form of a few half-decent slower cuts. The album is over-produced for its own good, since anything here verging on raw is rather horrible. Recommended Tracks: 17 & Shimmy A Go Go. | 2
11.20.09 |
 | OneRepublic Dreaming Out Loud
Breaking worldwide on the back of smash hit 'Apologize', OneRepublic immediately put themselves near the top of the pop-rock heap with the sufficiently consistent 'Dreaming Out Loud'. As with similar artists, some songs do stray into blandness, and that is not helped here by some overlength. However, lead singer Ryan Tedder's above-average lyrics and a real sense of musical & production ambition (which reminds of genre-leading Coldplay) means that this is a rather promising debut. Recommended Tracks: Apologize, Stop and Stare & All We Are. | 3
11.15.09 |
 | Emery ...In Shallow Seas We Sail
After ruffling a few feathers on 2007's 'I'm Only A Man', Emery do more than return to form on their 4th LP '...In Shallow Seas We Sail'... They deliver the album of 2009 & one of the finest post-hardcore releases ever! A much more mature & polished outfit than in their formative years, they craft each song with a strong attention to detail. Containing absolutely no filler, each track has multiple hooks, yet there is still a raw & passionate feel to it all. The dueling clean vocals & intricate yet melodic guitar-work is especially impressive. Recommended Tracks: All of them. | 5
11.15.09 |
 | Emery While Broken Hearts Prevail
On EP opener 'The Smile, The Face', Emery deliver a statement of intent. A powerhouse of a song, it is their best since 'Walls'; a perfect blend of aggression & melody that is memorable from the get-go. Thankfully, 'While Broken Hearts Prevail' is not a one track EP, as the next 3 cuts blend Emery's trademark characteristics without outstaying their welcome. There is still some work to do as can be seen on the slower closing duo that don't quite get the mix right, however Emery are very much back on track here. Recommended Tracks: The Smile The Face, Edge of The World & Say The Things (You Want). | 3.5
11.10.09 |
 | Emery I'm Only A Man
Looking to tap into any kind of popularity, Emery wildly mix it up on 3rd LP 'I'm Only A Man'. Everything from mainstream rock ('World Away') to immature electronica-infused pop ('Don't Bore Us, Get To The Chorus') is included. The band also add some trademark elements to keep fans on side, but it is all rather hit and miss & does not flow all that well. There will definitely be something for you here (maybe the tender 'What Makes A Man A Man', or the hooky 'Party Song'), but it won't be the entire LP. Recommended Tracks: What Makes A Man A Man, Can't Stop The Killer & World Away. | 3
11.10.09 |
 | Emery The Question
After their impressive debut LP, Emery unsurprisingly concentrate on their melodic strengths here on follow-up 'The Question'... The aggression has been cut back & the rougher edges have been polished up. This assists the energetic & catchy tracks (especially the hooky 'Studying Politics' & offbeat 'Listening to Freddie Mercury'), yet leaves other moments feeling a little sterile. Overall however, there is a likeable consistency evident, while the dual (sometimes tri) vocal attack is always an attraction. Recommended Tracks: Studying Politics, Listening to Freddie Mercury, Playing With Fire & The Terrible Secret. | 3.5
11.08.09 |
 | Emery The Weak's End
Beginning superbly with a multitude of (both musical & vocal) hooks, the opening 1-2 punch of 'The Weak's End' delivers an accessible & melodic brand of post-hardcore. The occasional screams only accentuate Toby Morrell's smooth vocals, while the slower passages that contain relatable lyrics are emotionally believable. A sense of inexperience sees Emery struggle to bring out the full potential of later tracks, meaning the 2nd half doesn't quite match the 1st, but this is still an excellent debut from a band capable of reaching great heights. Recommended Tracks: Walls, The Ponytail Parades, Fractions & The Secret. | 4
11.08.09 |