Review Summary: A new vocalist, and what sounds like a new band
Secrets, originating from San Diego is a post-hardcore band that was signed to Rise Records and released the average debut, The Ascent. Nothing was really ground-breaking or fresh, however bits and pieces of the album showed that this young band had potential to be something more than another teen chug fest craze. The clean vocals of Richard Rogers were very well executed, and coupled with ex-lead vocalist Xander Bourgeois they showed a very powerful vocal performance. Bourgeois's departure led to new vocalist Aaron Melzer, July 23rd hits and here we have the new Secrets.
Album opener "How We Survive" is the best way to show the new sound with pin-point accuracy. The vocals are stronger, the lyrics are more creative and the instruments have been improved upon greatly. Starting with a slow riff, the song breaks right into Melzer's low vocals, which fit the band much better then Xander's. He has more of a darker tone, which is contrasted by Rogers' more light higher singing. After a faster chorus, Melzer yells out "I hear these voices in my head over and over and over again they keep telling me you're better off dead" which is fueled by his emotional vocals, and lower-tuned guitars. The song repeats the chorus, and leads into leading single, "Ready For Repair". This song is the exact opposite of "How We Survive" in the fact that it wraps around Rogers' powerful clean vocals. The more pop-punk influenced track is easily one of the most enjoyable on the album, and while repetitive save for Melzer's few parts, it has more power then the previous track.
"Forever and Never" is nearly the same as Ready, but with much more melodies within the song. The lyrics are also stronger on this one track more than any on the album, and show a much more mature Secrets. The lyrics are much more meaningful, and show's potential in the verse, which is nearly a chorus, and the chorus is soaring and easily the most enjoyable on the album. After a few metalcore tracks, another pop punk track, "Maybe Next May" comes up, and on a personal opinion is my favorite track on the album. The song is about a pair of lovers the band portrays to have broken up, and the male is confused on what he wants to feel, and what the girl feels. It leaves a very emotional impact on the listener and is while not as emotional as Forever and Never, is very powerful in the emotional feel, and shows Rogers' at his absolute best. The title track isn't really too strong in any aspect, saves for the chorus in the beginning, nothing is really too stand out.
The one thing Secrets hasn't really changed is atleast one song is the generic "my girlfriend broke me apart" song, which is found in "Live Together, Die Alone". While much more elaborate and less childish then "Genesis" from The Ascent, is still very immature both instrumentally and lyrically. The album ends with acoustic track "Sleep Well Darling" which is an acoustic song, that is very well done and can actually bring a tear to the eye. The lyrics are deep, the guitar fuels Rogers' voice and the lyrics hit home in a deep thought kind of sense. This track is something note-worthy, and shows Secrets has potential in an acoustic field.
