Set Your Goals-Demo 2004
Set Your Goals emerged in the hardcore scene early of 2004, shortly after that Demo 2004 was released. Set Your Goals combines hardcore and pop punk to create a flavorful sound. Although the demo is relatively short, it provides songs that can be listened to multiple times.
The demo starts off with “Reset”. “Reset” is an intro of sorts with no vocals. It provides a build up for the following song. Interestingly, it sounds a lot like “Oh, There’s Legwork” by None More Black.
“How ‘Bout No, Scott?” is my personal favorite song off Demo 2004. The choruses are positioned perfectly in this song, as is the structure of the song. Right when the vocals break out you can tell the song is going to be a great song to sing along too. When the chorus sings “We just can’t fail forever, someday we will set it straight…” it gives off such a positive feel to the song. This to me is what hardcore is all about, being positive.
“Goonies Never Say Die!” is a pretty melodic track. The song starts out with a couple guitar slides that sound pretty sweet. The rest of the track is mostly sung vocals, save a few parts. The best part of the song is the breakdown. The lyrics and music break open at this point. That is the climax point of “Goonies Never Say Die!” The rest of the song is similar to the beginning.
“Sharptooth” is great song that really makes use of two vocalists. The vocals go back and forth and makes for quite an interesting song. Unfortunately, it is the shortest song, checking in at 1:11.
“Latch Key” closes off Demo 2004 and in my opinion is the most emotional song on the album. It is also the longest song on the demo (3:03). My favorite Set Your Goals moment is the vocal harmonies when they sing “I wish you were dead”. It sounds so amazing.
Set Your Goals are making some pretty amazing music. Combining elements of Pop-Punk and Hardcore they create a unique genre that is not done well by many bands. Currently I know they are working on an L.P. and had a demo release for 2005. I have yet to pick it up but I doubt I will be disappointed. All in all, Set Your Goals is and will be one of the best hardcore bands of today, and the future, and they started with Demo 2004.
First review.
