Review Summary: Very fun, emotional album. Atmospheric and vocally solid.
To start off, I just want to say that this was my favorite band until they recently went on hiatus. I'm a fanboy. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the review. This album is a concept album loosely based on the classic novel 1984 by George Orwell. The basic idea of the lyrics are about waking up one day, and not having any belief system, and you have to figure everything out on your own.
This album is very atmospheric and experimental. In my opinion the most impressive part of this album is the vocals. Some people compare frontman Ryan Randall to Circa Survive's Anthony Green. This album is very well organized in my opinion. It starts out very energetic, then calms down, and then one last build up. Now let's get to the songs.
In the End: This song is instrumental, and somewhat a tribute to the guitarists' influence in old school rock. It is a nice way to start off the album, and leads well into the next song.
Redefining Automation: This song is probably the most energetic song on the album. It is high tempo, and blends singing and screaming really well. The lyrics on this song are some of the best on the album.
Question Everything: Great tapping from guitarist Pete Reyes on this song, nice blend of guitars all in all especially in the verse. The chorus is quite boring in my opinion, but gives Ryan a chance to shine.
Through the Light Darkly: This is one of my favorites on the album. It has a great pattern of tempo changes, and has one of the heaviest parts of the album in it. One of the more atmospheric songs on this cd.
Transcendental Weather: Interlude song with clean guitars and singing. Beautifully written song.
Ascension: Interlude song with clean guitars only. Has some great tapping, and isn't incredibly boring for an interlude.
Eulalia: This is the "love" song of the album. This is just a feel good song, everything about it, the lyrics, the build ups, it's fun. This is a fan favorite.
Awake: This song has backing vocals from Kevin Christensen, also known as "Elton" on it. That is my favorite part of the song. This is also another feel good song, it starts out calm and then builds up.
We All Seek the Truth: I really like this song, but they never play it live, so I don't think the band does. This is kind of a lyrical based song. I love the line "we hide inside our homes and act like we're out saving souls, because we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't." This song has a very heavy chorus and outro.
Kissing Tigers: The most atmospheric song on the album, it's very catchy and epic. It has a guitar guitar solo, and clapping section, makes for a fun time live.
...And the World Will Know: I want to call this the best song on the album, but I just can't. It is my favorite though. This song has the most incredible bridge I have ever heard in my life, and no other song has given me chills more than this song. The most aggressive and powerful song on the album.
In the Beggining: This is a piano spin off of "In the End", but it also has singing in it. Lyrically caps off the album, and provides the listener with a sense of closure.
This album is very awesome. If you don't listen to the full thing, at least listen to "...And the World Will Know."
