 | Tracklist:
1. Arrows
2. I was Born In The Dark
3. X's On Trees
4. We're Still Pioneers
5. Teeth
6. Oh, Why Can't We Start Old And Get Younger
7. Summer
8. Life Is Killing Me
9. I Am The Challenger
10. Paintings Of Paul Revere
11. I Locked My Time Capsule
12. The Wild Bunch
| Ranking: #150 for 2011 | |
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On 27 Lists
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| Summary: More to offer than their own confusion? Just barely. |
2 of 3 thought this review was well written
As closely and as innocently as Gospel tends to resemble Michiganian pop-punk ensemble Fireworks’ debut LP, All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion, the deciding factor of the release is yet to come-- the reception. Why? All I Have To Offer was an intensely likable affair, seemingly loved by all factions of the pop-punk world (a damn divisive one, at that). With jubilant melodies out the wazoo and obvious songwriting skill to carry them, Fireworks exploded onto the scene with just enough edge to keep the quintet off of Guilty Pleasure Island yet enough catchiness and playability to keep little sisters everywhere entertained. Gospel is a well-executed replica of the album that garnered them a fair amount of fame in the first place, and it will be interesting to observe whether the energetic anthems about girls, nonchalance, and lots of nostalgia have worn out their welcome.
Then again, who can ever really have enough songs about girls, nonchalance, and nostalgia? It would be ridiculous to assert that Fireworks, of all bands, sing the songs that finally send this ship plummeting underwater. Gospel has a lovable punchiness to it. Sudden start-stops and unexpected gang vocals are all over the record, adding a depth to the album that keeps it from becoming too one-dimensional. The group sidesteps another pitfall by spreading out the highlights (which don’t wear too thin, mind you). “Arrows,” “We’re Still Pioneers,” and “Paintings of Paul Revere” serve as obvious centerpieces on the always-ebullient record, and they’re placed at the beginning, middle, and end, respectively. Furthermore, besides the slow-tempo, predictable inclusion of “I Am The Challenger,” Gospel doesn’t have any outstanding duds. Most of the lyric material is cheesy, but not to a glaring fault. Take closer “The Wild Bunch”-- a raucous song about being part of a “weird” group of friends that sounds like it belongs in a subpar Glee production. Eh, really Fireworks? It’s not quite Justin Beiber material, but it’s enough to make one yearn for the more literate qualities of All I Have To Offer.
Good enough to get by, sure. But now that we know Fireworks are capable of All I Have To Offer..., it’s hard not to wonder if that’s really all they have to offer, because Gospel doesn’t prove any differently.
This tends to be the general theme of Gospel. Enjoyable on its surface with unequivocally infectious melodies, it should provide initial enjoyment. Under the surface though, there’s little there besides the catchy potency -- more of the same, even if the same is nice and comfortable. Besides being just about the least badass thing you could treat your ears to besides Taylor Swift, there’s not much on Gospel that’s particularly defining, or interesting, for that matter. Still, Fireworks are good for yet another shallow, delightful listen, let’s just hope that this formula doesn’t wear out its welcome too soon, because then they may be in trouble. For now, might as well sing along to “We’re Still Pioneers,” and hope that Fireworks still have it in ‘em to craft the lovable pop-punk we know they’re capable of, and be pioneers, too.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
whats up guys not much just gettin' overshadowed by Xeno's review you know the usual
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Haha, nice though review man, sorry to "overshadow," if that's even possible!
Digging: Suis La Lune - Riala Digging: Suis La Lune - Riala
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
I recommend you see this band. so much passion in the set.
Digging: Grimes - Visions Digging: Grimes - Visions | | |
haha nah xeno it's just that you posted a nice review of a much-anticipated release seconds after i posted this and I know you tried it
and I dunno andcas I don't really go to shows ever I'll take your word for it
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"Besides being just about the least badass thing you could treat your ears to besides Taylor Swift"
THEN WHY IS IT UNDER PUNK BUT THE CURE AND JOY DIVISION ARE NOT!?!?!??!?!?!
| | | Album Rating: 3
Yeah this wasn't as good as I was hoping =(
Digging: The Flaming Lips - The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends | | |
Love this band so much. Although i like their last album better.... And i agree, see them live. Drunk
| | | Album Rating: 4
Great band, good review. Can't wait to hear this.
Digging: Kate Miller-Heidke - Nightflight | | |
yeah nice review sea, i was a bit disappointed by this
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Great review. I seem to like it just a bit more than you.
Digging: Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today | | |
considering the rating for this was like a 4.2 before I posted this review I was expecting a bit more dissatisfaction! oh well
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CUZ BABY YOU'RE A
Digging: Mount Eerie - Clear Moon Digging: Mount Eerie - Clear Moon
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This is so shamelessly poppy. I like it for the most part, but some parts can be a little much.
| | | Album Rating: 3
yeah i seen them a while back with make do and mend and save your breath. they were awesome but this album is a bit of a letdown compared to their last.
Digging: You Blew It! - Grow Up, Dude Digging: You Blew It! - Grow Up, Dude | | | Album Rating: 4
I ended up loving this. Arrows is perfect.
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This is sorta on my radar
| | | Album Rating: 4
At first I didn't like the album, but after a few more plays I like it so much more than all their previous albums. I felt like in All I have to offer.. the songs kinda flowed together and they all sounded similar. I felt as they tried to drift away from that making each song sounding completely unique. As for The Wild Bunch, I must say that's my favorite song. and I don't think they were going towards the direction you thought in that song. I felt like that's what they truly feel/felt about their current life situations.
All in all, it was a good review. Although I feel as if you need to listen to it a few more times until it truly does sink in.
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this is really growing on me. first and last track are totally awesome.
Digging: Crosses - EP Digging: Crosses - EP
| | | Album Rating: 3
im gonna give this another listen tonight. i still don't think it will hold a candle to their first release though that album was ace.
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finally ordered this 'cause it rules.
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