Go Radio
Close the Distance


3.0
good

Review

by Atari STAFF
September 19th, 2012 | 51 replies


Release Date: 2012 | Tracklist

Review Summary: A good effort in itself, but unable to match the consistency of "Lucky Street".

When Go Radio released their first album "Lucky Street", they really hit the nail on the head. The debut was packed with 14 catchy pop-rock tracks and hardly any filler, making it one of the best alternative rock releases of 2011. So does the sophomore effort "Close The Distance" measure up to the outstanding debut? Not even close, but there are still some essential tracks here.

The obvious star of the group is vocalist Jason Lancaster who is best known for his previous work in Mayday Parade's older, and arguably better albums. He helps carry the album even through its weaker moments. The first two singles 'Collide' and 'Go to Hell' are rather underwhelming, but the vocals prove to be their saving grace. However, one aspect of the record that bothered me is it feels like the band are leaning towards a more radio friendly sound. This is apparent immediately after hearing the first track 'I won't lie' which has radio rock written all over it. Some may not find this to be a bad thing, but those who drooled over "Lucky Street" may have a hard time adjusting to the change in sound.

It's in the second half of the album where Go Radio really get a chance to shine. The band knocks the ball out of the park with songs like the beautiful closer 'Hear me Out'. It's one of the softest tracks on the record, but also one of the most impacting. Jason Lancaster uses his poetic voice to draw you into the song, then it builds and explodes into quite the emotional little ballad. With lyrics like "Watching as the leaves fall down / The colors where we used to run and play.", it's hard not to feel connected to your childhood. Other standouts would have to be the title track or 'The Ending'. Both songs are filled with huge chorusus and soaring melodies making them hard not to enjoy.

Sadly, that's about as far as my praise goes for "Close the Distance." It has it's moments, but it's not as consistent or as enjoyable as its predecessor. There are some outstanding songs, but the filler tracks in between keep it from reaching its true potential. Thankfully, due to Lancaster's unique vocals and the undeniably catchy choruses it's still an album worth checking out.



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user ratings (94)
3.4
great
other reviews of this album
DAKODA (4)
It's different from the Go Radio people might know but it's still incredibly good....

Brandon Taylor (3)
Go Radio begin closing the distance between themselves and mediocrity. Almost there!...



Comments:Add a Comment 
Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 19th 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

Too tired to look at this more right now but will edit in the morning.



Good album but not great. Favorite song: Hear Me Out.

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
September 19th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I was waiting for someone to review this... & review it well. Thanks Atari.



Apart from maybe some of the highlight tracks, I can pretty much back up everything the reviewer has said here. Definitely more radio-friendly, definitely safer & does not reach the heights of 'Lucky Street'. Way too many tracks have similar pacing & structures. I'm still deciding between a 3 & a 3.5, but anyone who is neutral towards Lancaster will definitely go the lower rating.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 19th 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

Thanks Davey. I don't feel like this is my best review but I appreciate the kind words sir. I should be asleep but might edit it some more lol.

joshieboy
September 19th 2012


8321 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Been waiting for someone to review this, although short, gets straight to the point and l agree. Lancaster still remains my favorite pop punk vocalist despite this being a level below Lucky Street. I still believe this deserves a 3.5 at least. I Won't Lie, Collide, Title Track and Lost And Found are my favorites. Good review Atari.

Tempertemperature
September 19th 2012


218 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I wish it had the same driving guitar and energy as Lucky Street did. Probably not gonna end up a 4 but for now..

henryChinaski
September 19th 2012


5083 Comments


I enjoyed 'Collide' when it was released as a single. Second single 'Go To Hell' is terrible in my opinion. Gonna check this out. Nice review.

DaveyBoy
Emeritus
September 19th 2012


22502 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I don't mind 'Go To Hell', but it's trying to be this album's 'Any Other Heart' and just doesn't have the meaning behind that song.

Sowing
Moderator
September 19th 2012


44414 Comments


Agreed with the rating and the review. This is decent but nothing out of the ordinary.

nononsense
September 19th 2012


3545 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Very disappointed by this album. I got bored very quickly with this album. Not as fun or catchy as the bands previous work. The only good thing I can find about this album are the fantastic lyrics and Jason's vocals.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 19th 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

Thanks guys. Didn't have a whole lot to say about this one. Gonna listen again though and see if anything else resonates.

LifeAsAChipmunk
September 22nd 2012


4852 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Haven't heard this yet, but Lucky Street was very boring imo.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 22nd 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

@chipmunk, you're killing me smalls. Lucky street rocked. Nah but seriously if u thought it was boring u won't like this one at all

LifeAsAChipmunk
September 22nd 2012


4852 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Do Overs and Second Chances is by far their best album.



Atari, I found it boring like when it came out: when I pretty much like any and all pop punk/rock I

heard not named simple plan, good Charlotte, etc.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 22nd 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

Isn't that an ep? I'll check it out. Do u like the older mayday parade that had the singer of go radio?

LifeAsAChipmunk
September 22nd 2012


4852 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

2 years ago, I wouldn't go a day without listening to a song on ALIR.



Yeah it's the 2nd EP. You should listen to it, far better than Lucky Street.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 22nd 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

yeah lesson in romantics is great. I'll listen to the ep but doubt I'll like it better than lucky street. (I thought Lucky Street was awesome)

JasonCarne
September 24th 2012


1184 Comments

Album Rating: 2.0

This was pretty boring and safe - they could definitely do a lot better.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 24th 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

agreed.

Sirob
September 26th 2012


2653 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

this is a 4 right now (mostly cause im a huge Go Radio and Jason Lancaster fan) but it may work its way down to a 3.



but anyways this album really doesnt compare to lucky street and it's in a little bit of a different style but overall id say that for being pop rock, its pretty top notch

Atari
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 2.6

Well I really liked some of the songs but there was too much filler.



Also if you like pop rock check out the early november in currents.



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