Review Summary: Chasing Ghosts is a amazing release , one of my tops of 2012 . It has everything a post hardcore fan could ask for , it hits with sincerity and earnestness not many bands are capable of . The Amity Affliction hit on all cylinders showcasing the talent fan
1 of 7 thought this review was well writtenFor many Fans of TAA Youngbloods was there crowning achievement , i might be in the minority here but as good as youngbloods was i think Chasing ghosts is even better . It takes everything youngbloods was a steps it up a notch and even expands on there already amazing sound .
The album starts off with the title track witch is surprisingly one of the heavier tracks on the record with a rare and well executed breakdown and Joel Birchs improved howls . What makes TAA stand out above all is there amazing clean vocals performed by Ahren Stringer , he is the crown jewel in this band and there secret weapon . His cleans add depth to the songs and in contrast with the screams really stand out . For anyone who is a fan of there older music Ahren has got even better . Another thing id like to touch on real quick is the lyrics , there all written in some form about suicide and its implications from different perspectives . Be it first person , from the eyes of a friend or loved one , even in hindsight . Moving on the track 3 RIP Bon witch might be a reference to Bon Scott of AC/DC fame is a song about the guilt of a friend who didn't do enough to stop the suicide of a friend and how they wish they could of helped . The chorus is great and the instruments do a very good job of giving each other room to breath and not over crowd one another , witch might go to how well the record was produced . Track 4 open letter is my personal favorite and holds the distinction of being the catchiest and heaviest song on the record . Starts off slow with a symphony type electronic but not for very long . Soon it hits you like mike Tyson , brutal heavy verse and double bass drums defiantly the type to get a pit started but before you know it the chorus starts and if it dosnt have you singing along after a few listens then your in the wrong place . Its ear candy at its best fans of Youngbloods will soon forget about dr thunder once hearing this . The record dose a good job of pacing itself and each track has something that stands out besides maybe the i hate track witch is pretty genetic . Flowerbomb has great double tracked vocals in the chrous and fantastic ending with the symbols really shining . Paps Blue ribbon has a amazing bridge and vocals all around are excellent with the rest of the band taking a step back . The record ends with bondi blues and its a fitting end to the record bring everything the band has to offer to the track .
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All in all this is just a fantastic record and i suggest anyone whos a fan of post hardcore or whatever you want to call it these days to check it out , besides a few small flaws this record is golden and stands out head and shoulders above most other releases from the genre . Fans of there older stuff do not fear it is a fitting follow up to youngbloods .
Thanks for reading .
