Review Summary: Hits the right notes, but falls short of expectations
"Future Hearts" is by far the band's most experimental album, but don't let that word turn you off. Bands like Paramore, blink-182, and Bring Me The Horizon have alienated fans by using that word to describe their most recent albums. Experimenting is excepted from artists, so before you go and judge an album based on comments that a band is "experimenting" just listen. For more of my reviews go to inspiredbyreviews.blogspot.com
Lead single "Something's Gotta Give" finds a pop punk buddy in the very "Don't Panic" esc "Cinderblock Garden" (it reminds we of "If These Sheets Were States"). The only other notable song is the in your face "Kicking and Screaming", a sure setlist staple. "Kids in the Dark" is a arena ready anthem, echoing recent work from Fall Out Boy. The two singles don't disappoint. Unfortunately they're carrying most of the weight from this album.
"Satellite is a great song, but it doesn't seem to belong in the "Track 1" slot. As a listener, you expect the opening track to blow you away, and be something that will make you want to listen to the rest of the album. Putting a more ballad like, arena track in the top spot? Bad marketing decision. "Kicking and Screaming" should have been the opener. It's everything the opening track should be; loud, attention grabbing, catchy, and something that makes you want to listen to the rest of the album.
The acoustic collabs with Mark Hoppus ("Tidal Waves"), and Joel Madden ("Bail Me Out") are what really kill this record. The collaborations themselves are pretty decent, but the vibe doesn't fit in with the other powerhouse rock songs. The same goes for the middle track "Missing You". It has a very, "you'd play this song during a beach montage in a teen movie" vibe. In fact it's so acoustic and lovey dovey, it's almost too cheesy even for ATL. It's got a certain country edge to it that makes me wonder if Rian's girlfriend, Cassadee Pope, had a hand in writing. Again, alone these tracks are solid work for the band, but belong on a separate acoustic EP, not this anthemic arena album.
The acoustics aren't to blame alone though. Some of the other songs can come off as the unwanted demos from FOB's latest album (which isn't all that good either). Not trying to knock the producer, but the band was clearly better off without him. "Dancing with Wolves", is a rhythm driven alternative piece, and the title track "Old Scars/Future Hearts", sounds like it was taken directly from a FOB album. Bands can branch out and try new things, but in this case it appears ATL have branched out and started nudging their buddies in FOB for ideas.
You have to wonder how much of a hand producer John Feldman had in the acoustic tracks. As with the new SWS album, the mixture of stripped acoustic tracks and energetic alternative rock pieces doesn't meld. Is this a decision on the band's part, or is the producer driving the band to record something. So far he has produced two of the most divided albums of the year, from bands whose albums are typically cohesive.
Summary -
After all is said and done, this is still an solid album for a debut or EP, but not for All Time Low. The positives: The lyrical content is serious enough to know the band is slowly growing up, but if you see these guys live, you'll know they're still the same goof balls everyone loves. The negatives: The creativity and catchy songs that came from their previous release couldn't be duplicated here, save for a few tracks. But considering how many other bands flunk out by their 6th release, and after 10+ years in the music business, you have to give the ATL guys a pat on the back.
Favorite Tracks -
Hands down, "Cinderblock Garden" and "Something's Gotta Give"
