I’m probably the only one here to care about this promising post-hardcore band. Maybe it’s partly because no one seems to know them, and maybe partly because no one wants to know them. Anyway. At least now you’ll know.
Originate from San Diego, CA, Before Today was formed in December 1998. But their debut album, a celebration of an ending, have only been released in 2004 on EqualVisionRecords. Formerly known as Early Times, they decided to change their name for Before Today due to copyright issues. Before Today was the title of one of their old song witch they felt related to their previous name.
A celebration of an ending is a great debut album. Both refreshing and aggressive, melodious and powerful, Before Today brings a new sound to the post-hardcore music. You can also feel throughout the album a loud punk influence, interweaved with complex vocal melodies and catchy guitars. Generally speaking, this album is pretty catchy, combining harmoniously various influences and elements. The rhythm section is very energetic and the songs are solid lyrically and musically. Victor’s voice is sublime, going from bewitching back vocals, to a palpable emotions singing, for then scream in a sulfurous voice. Put together, the whole thing is really interesting, and got a sound who distinguish itself from the other band of the same genre. This band is very easy to listen to. You can also feel a very personal touch in their sound, because this sound is their own and I sincerely believe that this band worth to be discover by people who enjoy post-hardcore/punk music.
The back vocals effects are really pleasant to listen to, like on Sight To frame, who’s the introduction of the album. Some other songs vibrate of explosive energy with their biting riffs like in Roots beneath ideals. Pierce the veil distinguish itself by its remarkable transitions. The process of losing and gaining is an amazing song with a delectable progression. The short et repeated breakdown in Failure is relative lead to a catchy chorus. There are some softer parts in the album like the « so how long, how long does it take for offers to be made, long » where guitar comes clean in Shallow pockets. The well of tradition is a real gem, with its brilliant clean guitar intro and its influences as various as marked. The last track of the CD, Color your world is an instrumental song and also a great contrast with the rest of the album, with a notable Latino influence. The lead guitar is performed by Victor’s and Michael’s father, Victor Fuentes Sr.
Before Today is the successful marriage of various influences, skillfully expressed by the instruments and by Victor’s so communicative voice. Although most of the transitions and of the progressions are great, some patterns come back practically in the same form from a song to another and it lose a bit of your interest. But it is nevertheless the case that this album is an incredible mix of energy and of musicality, coloured by a sound unique and peculiar to this band who, I believe, can only improve itself as it’ll gain more maturity.
Tracks worth listening to :
*Pierce the veil
*The process of losing and gaining
*The well of tradition
this is my first review so please, don’t be too harsh and if you could tell me what to improve, it’ll be nice !
Before today- a celebration of an ending
Members:
Victor Fuentes – vocals, guitar
Joe Tancil – guitar
Mitchell Ballatore - bass
Michael Fuentes – drums
http://www.beforetoday.com
http://www.purevolume.com/beforetoday
