Review Summary: Touch gloves and come out swinging.
2 of 2 thought this review was well writtenIn the realm of fighting the Cruiserweight class nestles its place between the Light and Heavy divisions. Given the humble reign of this pop-rock contender I can’t think of a more suiting name. Since stepping into the ring back in 1999, Austin, Texas’s gang of warriors became hometown heroes. The long lasting career made the scorecards of noteworthy victories but never truly got the deserved title shot. In a sense the members were a classic example of an underdog story that fell to the wayside but had too much heart to throw in the towel early even when faced against all the numerous odds.
The final full-length album
The Smith Tower is the equivalent of that surprise knock out performance that will forever be immortalized in highlight reels. The paced approach to a throwback style of champs Letters To Cleo plays up the crowd from weigh-in of “Witness” to the referee’s stoppage at “I Need You To Do Me A Favor.” Stella Maxwell’s spunky delivery packs a heavy-handed punch when hurling them at universally related experiences while the rope-a-dope musicianship sets the rest apart in a southpaw stance that catches the dazed listening opponent off guard.
In the self-promoted last hooray it takes a little bit to feel out the surrounding rhythm but by the infectious “Fourth of July” it’s nothing but a hail of flurries. The bob and weave beat of “Recharge” stuns while the bravado taunts of picking up slack echoes throughout the dance. When fully on point “Haven” counters with one of many secret arsenals in harmonized versed sections as sweet as vicious combo executions. The intense sparing matches with the likes of The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day, and the Rx Bandits has obviously taught them the masterful skill of crafting chorus haymakers.
Clocking in at fifteen rounds
The Smith Tower goes the distance and never tires in presenting entertaining showmanship. It’s the nostalgic drive that impacted these athletes to uncover the glory days sorely missing from the sport. The charisma offered is unrivaled by the slanted spiral in quality witness in most pay-per-views. In light of the decision to ultimately retire Cruiserweight went out on top to those lucky enough to be captivated by their presence. So let this serve as the inspirational music walking towards battle and cheer at the spectacle.
