One doesn't exactly have to go out of their way to find reasons to hate Chunk! No Captain, Chunk!. Their band name says it all, and their music is often just as frustrating. However, somehow the French “pop-core” band have actually managed to improve on their sophomore effort Pardon my French. Granted I didn’t dislike their debut as much as some, but it certainly didn’t leave anything to be desired for their next release. So the mere fact that this time around they actually expanded their sound rather than treading the same familiar water is a welcome surprise. That’s not to say it’s anything spectacular (and I don‘t think anybody thought it would be), but the band are making slow progress as they take two steps forward, and one step back.
For every well executed idea on Pardon My French, there is also an anchor of sorts that seems to drag it down. It’s unfortunate because they’re obviously making some improvements but their past mistakes have returned to haunt them. The lyrics, while slightly better than their debut, are still pretty bad at times. The title track starts with an unnecessary cheesy line of “Go *** Yourself” before the been-done-before breakdowns and vocals begin. In fact, they drop F-bombs constantly throughout the album, only proving their lack of lyrical creativity, or maybe it’s just pure laziness.
One noticeable improvement, however, is heard in the punchy guitar-work which steals the show on songs like ‘Hater’s Gonna Hate’ which has a definite New Found Glory vibe. It may be a terrible song name, but it has one of the most soaring choruses on the entire album. It’s able to flow the way it does only due to the newfound confidence in the vocals. They sound much less grating this time around as Bertrand Poncet’s French accent is still apparent, but he doesn’t sound nearly as awkward as he did on their last album. In fact, he sounds better than ever on ‘Taking Chances’ which is easily the most enjoyable song of the band’s career so far with its bouncy guitars and healthy mix of clean and heavy vocals.
While Pardon My French is definitely better than I was expecting, it’s certainly not worth getting excited about. It’s one of those albums where I can see myself returning to a few of the standout tracks, but all in all it’s anchored down by obvious flaws. It’s kind of aggravating because their potential to improve is apparent, but they still haven’t figured out how to craft a consistently solid release. However, if their newest effort proves anything, it’s that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
One doesn't exactly have to go out of their way to find reasons to hate Chunk! No Captain, Chunk!
I feel like it would be better to say something like "It's not difficult to find reasons..."
Granted I didn’t dislike their debut as much as some, but it certainly didn’t leave anything to be desired for their next release.
should be a comma after granted, probably
However, somehow the French “pop-core” band have actually managed to improve on their sophomore effort Pardon my French.
This sentence just rubs me the wrong way for some reason. Maybe it's the "actually," maybe it's the "somehow," I don't really know. I just don't think it flows particularly well as a sentence.
In fact, they drop F-bombs constantly throughout the album, only proving their lack of lyrical creativity, or maybe it’s just pure laziness.
After a really solid second paragraph, this is just not a good conclusion. I'd rewrite it something like: "Their constant f-bombs suggest either a lack of lyrical creativity or pure laziness."
the punchy guitar-work which steals the show on songs like ‘Hater’s Gonna Hate’ which has a definite New Found Glory vibe.
The last bit of this sentence is kinda unnecessary.
It may be a terrible song name, but it has one of the most soaring choruses on the entire album.
I feel like "Terrible song name aside..." would be better
However, if their newest effort proves anything, it’s that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
The "It's that" is kinda unnecessary
Overall really good job, these are mostly phrasing nitpicks for better flow. Your ideas are always really solid, if at times expressed in a questionable way, and I think that within a little bit you'll be able to improve even that as well.
Ironically, my opening sentence was originally pretty much what u suggested lol not sure why I changed it.
As far as the sentence where I say they "actually" improve I use that word because I feel like nobody would have expected this to be any better than their debut. Perhaps the combination of somehow and actually is what irks you?
This was actually my first 2.5/5 review so it was hard to write lol but thanks again for the criticism will do some edits when I get to work in a bit
A lot of amateur reviews that are technically written well still read a little disjointed or stilted to me making it hard to really give advice. There isn't anything really wrong with them per say it just has a bad tone or flow. I thought this flowed rather nicely tbh. that being said double it in length and I might have a different take on it altogether. ;-)
well thanks either way man. like i mentioned before it was my first 2.5/5 review so was kinda hard to gather my thoughts on this one. It's so much easier to write about an album you love lol
I somewhat enjoyed What Separates Me From You. I wasn't as much of a fan of the two before it though.
The harsh vox are kind of weird sounding. The cleans seem like pretty standard of the pop-punk variety. All in all, it wasn't too bad. Sounded like something that could have been on For Those Who Have Heart.
