Album Rating: 4.0

tales, with the exception of one or two tracks, was composed entirely of a poor attempt at recycled medicore mainstream music or filler. memory and humanity is like a more consistent casually dressed, without the highs or the lows. nothing mind blowing here, but its good fun.

they arent that original but they write good tunes so who cares

Album Rating: 3.5

I don't mind the vocals and I pretty much enjoy the guitar lines. It's simple but it works.

it's cool if you like it, i'm just stating why i personally dont

Album Rating: 1.5

it's cool if you like it, i'm just stating why i personally dont

zippermouth why don't you like me?

Album Rating: 3.5

Haha. Robin, I can see why you think I am a "brit in spirit" as I seem to be unintentionally gravitating towards reviewing British bands for some reason. Plus, I am planning to be over there next May, so who knows...

Great question about my consistency comment Ross. It's the former alternative. There is very little that is crap here (although VheissuCrisis is correct that 'Charlie Don't Surf' is close), but there is nothing too sensational either.

VheissuCrisis also makes a good point that highlight tracks on this album will differ from person to person.

Kane, as flippant as Altmer's comment seems, I actually agree with him. There is something to FFAF that draw me in.

One thing I do disagree with you on is your comment of the guitar-work being "uninspiring". When i saw them live last year, Kris Coombs-Roberts blew me away with his work. While the dueling guitars have been reduced on the past 2 albums, they do pop in sufficiently on this album. The guitar-work on something like 'Roses For The Dead' (off of Hours) is amazing in my opinion. Actually, the drums & bass are also solid for mine (although bassist Gareth Davies left the band after this album was released).

As for AFI084's comment on 'Tales...', I won't be getting into that here if I can avoid it. I have a review of that album on this website, so people can read that and see my thoughts. I know I am well & truly in the minority on that album (with Altmer), but so be it.

ah Davey, I guess we can't agree on everything
i guess i'm just not a fan of this type of music tbh, it doesn't 'do it' for me

Album Rating: 3.5

Too true Kane. As you probably know, my preferences tilt towards the mainstream, hence why I may like FFAF who inject some accessibility into their post-hardcore.

yeah man, and that's cool dude. most music i like isn't really all that mainstream, and most of what i really don't like is mainstream so you could say i'm pretty prejudiced against it. saying that i won't just write off a band because it is chart topping/popular or whatever just to make that clear

Album Rating: 3.5

I'm glad you added that last bit Kane because I really do feel that some peoplke act that way.

As for me redirecting people to my 'Tales...' review, it seems that was a bad move since someone just went over there & randomly negged it without leaving a comment!

i also hate it when people like a band and then that band gets mainstream attention and they go on to claim the band are sell outs and so no longer like them.
and gah, what a cheeky wanker

OK, well as long as there is little in the way of bad songs then I can see myself checking this out. If I can find a couple of songs that interest me I may look into this band further, although I will admit that I had passed them off as borderline-emo crap until not too long ago.

Album Rating: 4.0

Good review Davey! It was an enjoyable read and I agreed with just about everything you said. I'm usually pretty skeptical when I read reviews for my favorite bands but this one was solid.

Album Rating: 3.5

Ross, if you do give them a listen, let me know what you eventually think. They are a tricky band to get into though and I can almost assure you that nothing will astound you a great deal upon first listen of this album . The thing is, will you (or any listener for that matter) be bothered being patient with the album. In a sense, I suppose I don't really blame anyone who is not.

Ahhh AmericnZero02, long time no chat mate... Good to see you drop in as if anyone on this webiste has the most similar musical tastes to me, it may well be your good self. Thanks for the positive feedback on this review. As for your current dig, I'm still allowing 'Appeal To Reason' more sinking in time, so I'll get to that some time in January. It will most likely be a 4 from me for that album.

I still maintain that their best song is the one they have on the Masters Of Horror soundtrack...Lazarus in the Wilderness or something...that song slays...
And what the crap Davey you have yet to comment on my new review and you almost always pop into my reviews haha

Album Rating: 3.5

I know the song you mean Brent. It did have something just that bit different about it which was indeed likeable. By the way, I think its official title is Lazarus (Into The Wilderness).

And hold your horses mate... I will get to your review & will most likely leave you a comment as well. I try to read as many as possible in order of posting & I am just a little behind today. Don't you hate it when you have to work... At work, no less!?

Work...AT work? That's just ludicrous man...

Album Rating: 4.0

No kidding, it has been a while. I've been busy as hell lately with school. I actually really like Appeal to Reason. I'd like to see them revert back to their sound on The Unraveling moreso than the direction they're going now but they still sound great IMO. Most of those midtempo tracks that people here are calling filler like "The Strength to Go On" I enjoy quite a bit.

Yeah Davey, I'll definitely tell you what I think when I eventually make up my mind. I have only listened to a few tracks so far so no solid opinion has formed yet.