Seven Ways to Scream Your Name, a compilation of sorts from Funeral For a Friend, is a combination of tracks from their first two EP's (Between Order and Model and 4 Ways to Scream Your Name). This disc (I'm going to refer to it as a disc because it doesn't really have the feel of an album, more like a compilation) is my personal favourite FFaF album, as it maintains more of a metal edge, anyways onto the important stuff...
Vocals:
The vocals on this disc are fairly varied, ranging from melodic, soft singing, to harsh screams (provided by drummer Ryan Richards.) There seems to be a formula to the vocals here, the verses feature screams from both Matt Davies (lead vocals) and Ryan Richards, where as the chorus' feature softer vocals, usually song, with Ryan's screams accenting the excellent melodies laid down by Matt. All in all, a good variety of vocals on this disc, good use of the screaming and great medlodies.
Guitar:
The guitar parts are what give FFaF their metal edge. Guitarists Kris Roberts and Darren Smith seem to love using harmonies...can you say Iron Maiden. I love the guitarwork on this album, with the leads and the harmonies, it definetely gives FFaF the edge that allows them to stick out from the rest of your typical emo bands. The riffs are freshand the guitarwork is very tight.
Bass:
Well, with the exception of one track (Red is the New Black) the bass seems fairly inaudible on this release. But from what I can hear, it seems to accent the guitar parts quite well, and adds some good depth to the songs.
Drums:
The drumming on this disc is excellent, Ryan Richards is not only very technically sound, he is creative and varies his beats alot. He doesn't stick to the typical punk beat, and nor does he rely on his double kick pedal like too many drummers these days do.
Pros:
Great guitar work
Good drumming
Nice vocals
Well written songs
Cons:
Bass is essentially inaudible
A couple tracks feel like filler
Doesn't really feel like an "album" but instead like a compilation.
Recommended Tracks:
The Art of American Football
This Years Most Open Heartbreak (easily the best song on the disc)
