Review Summary: A guilty pleasure, perhaps.
I See Stars are a synth-core/post-hardcore band that has recently gained much more popularity, though they've been around since 2007. Though they've grown heavier these days, their 2009 full-length debut is an enjoyable foray into the eye of the hurricane of post-hardcore. Led by a duel vocalist approach, crunchy riffs, and autotune/synth, there's not really any surprises here, and the metal purist will still hate
3D. However, heavy music fans willing to have an open mind may find much to enjoy in
3D.
Clean vocalist Devin Oliver has a fairly high-pitched voice not unlike Saosin, and though he's severely autotuned at times, he sings passionately and some natural talent does show (check out "Project Wakeup" for some of this talent). Screamer/progammer Zach Johnson isn't overly talented or amazing at harsh vocals, but they fit the record and complement Devin's cries well. As for his programming, it fits with other decent records of the genre. Sometimes, the snyth fits, and sometimes it doesn't. I will say that some of the album's heaviest moments (parts of "The Common Hours") may have benefitted without the out-of-place synth. Guitarists Jimmy Gregerson(rhythm) and Brent Allen(lead) are major album highlights, as their chemistry is palpable and stronger then most in the genre. Drums and bass are pretty standard for post-hardcore, and don't really do much to be noteworthy.
Opener "Project Wakeup" tears into the listener and shows he/she how well ISS can balance calm and choas. "The Common Hours" sounds like a much-improved upon "Stick Stickly" and does so much better blending a heavier beginning with a more melodic ending. "3D" is incredibly poppy for most of the track, but is extremely catchy and fun despite the autotune. There's also a sweet breakdown both in the middle and the end that shake things up a little. "The Big Bad Wolf" contains great interplay between bashed power chords and picked arpeggios, while "I Am Jack's Smirking Revenge" contains multiple creative leads that blend very well with the synth, and another breakdown at exactly the right moment. "Comfortably Confused" is a nice pop-rock track containing jittery guitar, calming piano, and the best drum performance all album. Finally, "What This Means To Me" manages to close the album out with the same caliber it was opened.
However, despite the amount of positives, there's some negatives. "Save The Cheerleader, Save The World" would surely be a standout if not for the unnecessarily long and boring intro. "The Ocean" is a sound-alike filler track that could easily be skipped. In all honesty, there's only one
bad track. "Where The Sidewalk Ends/Sing This" sounds more like a Breathe Carolina/Owl City ripoff, complete with horrendous lyrics, a horrendous rap, and a lack of real instruments. This whole song just sounds like an afterthought and an attempt to gain more popularity. Think of the snyth break at the end of "Stick Stickly" as a whole song.
Lyrically, don't expect amazing. There's the typical lyrics about lost love, taking down traitors, etc. The only time the lyrics are truly bad is in "Where The Sidewalk Ends", since it's basically just a song about partying/having fun. This easily could've been replaced by a stronger-quality track. Well, there are pitfalls, but all things considered, this is an incredibly strong album. I know it's dated, and it may not be your first choice, but give this record a fair shot.
