Review Summary: Anticipation can be a fans worst enemy
Anticipation can be a fans worst enemy, sitting in your basement wondering what an upcoming release holds for you can drive one insane. Such was the case for me with old crows/young cardinals. Being a fan of
Alexisonfire since their self-titled debut LP. I was very anxious for OC/YC to finally arrive, even seeing myself pre-ordering a CD for the first time. Thankfully what arrived in the mail was possibly their best work to date.
The album begins with one half of the title of the album in "Old Crows". Starting with a very nasty bass tone Chris Steele sets the pace for the rest of the album. The album continues with its very in your face attitude, showcasing the bands ability to create solid rock songs.
Alexisonfire seem to be growing up as musicians, shedding their scremo/post hardcore skin and donning a more Hard Rock attire.
George Pettit the bands resident screamer, has also changed styles for the album, choosing to use more of a gruff singing voice than a scream. This may throw some fans off from the album, but after a few listens his new style starts to digest nicely. Dallas Green and Wade MacNeil also perform quite well on the album, creating interesting melodies and harmonies with one another. The guitar work done by both men is not quite as technical as some of their older works, but it works extremely well in the context of the album. Drummer Jordan Hastings also seems to have donned a more straight ahead rock sound, choosing to stick with straight ahead beats to keep the songs moving to their completion.
Tho Old Crows/Young Cardinals is a very good outing for the Canadian born five piece, it isn't without it's faults. The album continues to be in your face in its entirety, this can become tiresome for the listener. Choosing to create only fast paced rock songs has left the album without its peeks and valleys which make most classic albums classics. This however, is a very minor fault on the album, and the quality of songs that
Alexisonfire has created more than makes up for this gripe.
Old Crows/Young Cardinals is reviving a fair bit of recognition in Canada, being nominated for this years "rock album of the year" at the juno's. If you are a fan of the band you are in for something new from them, and if you are a new listener you are sure to find something you can enjoy in the album.
