Review Summary: From A Second Story Window changes for the better on this release, and absolutely destroys the competition.
From A Second Story Window most definitely came out of left field with this full length, as it is drastically different than their previous releases. That being said, I also think that this is above and beyond anything that they have done before. The term metalcore is one that has become synonymous with the words stale and uninteresting, but the transition of FASSW's music from a spastic grindcore to a more structured metalcore was a great one.
Conversations has very tight musicianship throughout the record; the drums are relentless and the guitars have an overall interesting tone to them. Though it is very technical, the members also possess the ability to slow down and play to the mood of the particular song. That is something that not many aggressive bands have the ability to do, and it adds an element of surprise in the songwriting. I have heard some other reviewers compare them to that of Between The Buried and Me, and while that is a bit premature, they are certainly impressive on this release. The great thing about it is the musicianship would truly stand out even if there were not amazing vocals backing the songs, which of course there are.
Will's vocals are, quite simply, very well done. He has a great range, favoring screams that are a bit higher but also showing that he is very proficient at growls as well. A new addition to this release are the clean vocals, and they add a great texture to the songs. There is a superb transition from screams to singing, and I truly believe that the clean vocals could stand alone.
For fans of From Autumn to Ashes, Bleeding Through, and The Human Abstract.
