Album Rating: 5.0

Right exactly. Didn't understand that argument then and don't get it now either. There's also still plenty of folks over on the band's reddit that act like Deja is their classic, TDAG is a runner up, and Daisy is a major disappointment that falls short of YFW. It's a strange climate to say the least.

Just finished Living Hell on my first listen. This thing is so close to being an exceptional album if they would let these songs burst the way they so desperately want to. There's a lot of tension, but that tension gives diminishing returns if you know that it isn't gonna go anywhere every single time. Part of the reason devil and god works so well is that sometimes it explodes and other times, it plays things closer to the chest and you don't necessarily know when things are gonna take a turn even if most songs have a soaring climax. Those sort of memorable moments make devil and god an all time classic and for that reason, this is probably just a very good one. Definitely a huge step up for Seahaven though, who have always been a band that I liked but didn't think they were capable of darkness like this. Feeling like a 4ish

Album Rating: 5.0

Can definitely respect that, and I don't necessarily disagree. This definitely holds itself back from what feels like a natural inclination to explode, but I wonder if said perceived inclinations are just programmed into our minds because of TDAG and other records that tried to emulate it. I respect this album going in a different direction in an attempt to blaze its own path. I agree that this path isn't quite as memorable or epic though - with that said, it's so much my sort of thing that it isn't even funny (dark, brooding, mysterious alt-rock), hence the 5 anyway lol.

Album Rating: 3.5

"There's a lot of tension, but that tension gives diminishing returns if you know that it isn't gonna go anywhere every single time. " [2]



nailed it, I think this explains a lot of the back-half complaints. It's just the point at which the trick wears thin

"I tend not to change my review ratings as albums grow on me. It would too often require me to rewrite aspects of the review to fit the new score and that's too much work."
fair point.

Album Rating: 3.5

I love Lose more every time I hear it, sneaking up my SOTY list

Album Rating: 5.0

That reminds me, I don't think I've ranked this yet:



1. I Don't Belong Here (5/5)

2. Void (5/5)

3. Lose (5/5)

4. Eraser (4.5/5)

5. Dandelion (4/5)

6. Harbor (4/5)

7. Moon (4/5)

8. Living Hell (3.5/5)

9. Bait (3.5/5)

Still figuring out how I feel about the whole thing, but "I Don't Belong Here" is definitely hitting those BN vibes for me. Sowing's the reason I got into Brand New 6 years ago, glad to see you still won't lead me astray ;)

Also, first comment in years, maybe I'll make this a trend

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

Hell yeah Sowing, Void and Lose are 5/5 for sure.

Album Rating: 5.0

@elcrawfodor: Awesome to hear :-) (threefold: that I got you into a great band, that you're enjoying this so much, and that you'll be sticking around!)



@feather: Yeah those tracks absolutely rule. I Don't Belong Here is still my favorite though. It's just perfect in every way.

Album Rating: 3.0

I know there a few Brand New comparisons here, but parts of it remind me of San Fermin in a big way.

Album Rating: 5.0

Moon gives me an ever so subtle Matchbook Romance - Voices vibe. Bait has really grown on me. I can really relate to the lyrics

Album Rating: 5.0

Gotta bump to a 5, this has continued to grow by the day.

Album Rating: 5.0

It's such a huge grower. The vocals were the biggest obstacle in the beginning but once those clicked everything else fell into place. The songwriting is outstanding.

Album Rating: 5.0

Agreed. This is one of the few albums since [Untitled] that has just gripped me more with each listen, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Album Rating: 5.0

Yeah, why the hell not... 5'd!

Album Rating: 5.0

Anyone else find Eraser to be a weird sort of heartbreaking? I can't relate to a specific verse as they're all sort of ambiguous/abstract, but I get this sinking feeling of loss every time. It's emerged as one of my favorites here.

Album Rating: 5.0

Definitely has quite a "tone" to it!

Album Rating: 5.0

Still jamming this on a nearly daily basis. It's impressive how they achieved so much intensity without any screaming and such a sense of artistry/experimentalism with little more than your standard guitars/drums. It's a testament to their songwriting. Definitely one of the best of 2020 if not AOTY outright.

Album Rating: 5.0

I would say with a lot more time with this, it's definitely my album of the year.