 | Saosin In Search Of Solid Ground
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| | Full Review | Ratings (740) |
Give your Rating |
| 2.5 average | Matte | September 6th 09 |
First of all, let me say that I have no issue with Cove. I think that he is a great vocalist, and fit well on their Self-Titled. That being said, this album is nowhere as good as it could have been. Saosin have moved even farther away from their post-hardcore roots, and created a mostly generic pop punk album. While the catchy choruses and great vocals are still present, the musicianship has been severely dumbed down. Instead of the intricate guitar parts that Saosin fans love, the band often uses simple power chords that do nothing to set them apart from the ocean of other pop punk/post-hardcore bands. The best songs on this album sound like anything on their Self-Titled, and while these are mostly enjoyable, they show that the band has not progressed at all. Actually, the opposite is true. The majority of the album is much worse than anything the band has written before, and gives off a feeling of sloppiness and generally laziness. This album was definitely not worth the 3 year wait.
6 Bumps | Bump |
| 2.0 poor | ebay | September 7th 09 |
so here's the thing.... i didn't even think saosin was that great when i first heard the much-heralded debut a few years back. however, after awhile it really grew on me and i found myself singing along in my car at the top of my lungs to songs way out of my vocal range, and hopefully out the range of most guys out there. YOUR NOTTTTTT ALONNNNNNE THERE IS MORE TO THIS I KNOWWWWWW!!! oh.... oh so inspirational. but this???? this crap????? no..... this will not grow on me. i refuse to let this grow on me. i will not let it! please don't let me end up singing about fireflies and changing and anything else regrettably mentioned on this sorry excuse for an album. thanks for the three year wait say-it-ain't-so-sin.
3 Bumps | Bump |
| 3.0 good | henryChinaski | September 2nd 09 |
i like it. also i think cove does a good job while anthony green perfectly goes with circa survive. tastes differ.
2 Bumps | Bump |
| 0.0 | K. Prince | September 2nd 09 |
Most "true" listeners of Saosin have written the band off to a steadied descent into mediocrity ever since Cove Reber replaced Anthony Green. While I didn't find that to be true with their self-titled full-length, their sophomore release 'In Search of Solid Ground' undoubtedly works in the theory's favor. Playing more like a B-sides of the self titled, the record does far too little to differentiate itself from it's predecessor. 'Fireflies' is a self-indulgent "epic" version of 'You're Not Alone', 'It's All Over Now' is a rehashed version of 'I Never Wanted To' and songs like 'Say Goodbye' are much like any other upbeat song on the debut (minus the interesting riffs). The experimentation (screamed vocals in 'I Keep My Secrets Safe' or the shuffling introduction of 'Changing') is too far and few between to be laudable and solidifies 'In Search of Solid Ground's place as the essential step down on Saosin's journey of regression.
2 Bumps | Bump |
| 2.5 average | Barksdale | June 7th 22 |
Best Tracks: I Keep Secrets Safe, Why Can't You See, The Worst of Me.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | blueskysailor | July 16th 17 |
not their best but I really The Alarming Sound of A Still Small Voice and Fireflies and i guess the general feel of the album, even if the rest of the tracks fall short.
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| 2.5 average | G0atC0re | February 9th 17 |
While there are a few decent hooks on this album, overall this album is completely lacking all of
the elements that made S/T so great. It's simply missing that 'X' factor that the S/T album had.
Very disappointing.
Bump |
| 2.5 average | iGuter | May 25th 14 |
Saosin hits many highs and lows on their sophomore effort, which sadly isn't enough, but a little bit more than half of this album will have to suffice.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | paradox1216 | May 27th 13 |
I really think this is better than a lot of people make it out to be, but it's definitely less interesting and more samey than their previous releases.
Bump |
| 0.0 | macadoolahicky | January 18th 12 |
In Search of Solid Ground shows that Saosin are just continuing to be what people thought of them as since the release of their self-titled debut back in '06: a band that makes weird music in comparison to the rest of their contemporaries in the post-hardcore business. In fact, the group seems to be subltly edging away from the wild post-hardcore elements distinctly present on their prior releases and settling down with a more progressive / alternative rock-esque sound (ex. "Changing", "The Alarming Sound of a Still Small Voice"). In the end, the final product is really good. Though "In Search of Solid Ground" lacks some of the powerful moments both Translating the Name and Saosin have, the album is quite possibly Saosin's most consistent release to date. Nothing wrong with that.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | raggedragamuffin | November 9th 11 |
God I loved Saosin. "It's Far Better To Learn," "They Perched On Their Stilts," "Bury Your Head"? Yes please. Even if they did see a slight dip when Anthony Green left, their self-titled was still great. I still love every track on that album, and whatever Cove's failings may be live, he was great on the record. When I first listened through In Search of Solid Ground, I almostd it from my library immediately. No redemption on this album, I thought. Fortunately, I kept it and it grew on me, and I do like it now. But it's just light years away from what they had done before. Only "I Keep My Secrets Safe" really came close. I felt bad for the drummer, considering he was the only doing an above average job on the album. Everything else just seemed pretty uninspired. I can only hope we see a return to form with whoever comes on to permanently replace Cove.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | AlexTM510 | October 20th 09 |
Chances are, if your looking for the Saosin you found on their debut album (like I did) you would find In Search Of Solid Ground rather disappointing. But if you can get past the initial bitterness of the taste there are actually some very solid cuts. How? well for one Saosin didn't precisely water down their sound-rather they wrote in a more straight forward predictable manner (which could be one in the same for some). In essence, ISOSG functions like it states: it experiments into different kinds of alterna-rock and slightly draws farther away from their post-hardcore roots. The songwriting and (especially Cove's vocals and lyrics) have matured. Unfortunately in this process the adrenaline excitement found from their debut album has been cut a bit from the sound as well.rThis ultimately feels like a transitional album: that their ready to push away from their roots. Unfortunately, in their attempt to expand their fanbase it has seem to cut low at previous listeners hoping for their old sound. Which is a shame considering that ISOSG isn't as bad as most people make it to be. It is a more straight-forward rock album that really showcases Cove vocals, and when it calls for it-some solid musicianship.
Bump |
| 2.5 average | ivantoar | September 15th 09 |
It gets boring time to time. I hope they will release a better record.
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| 3.0 good | Mordecai. | September 15th 09 |
Ok, while this is definitely regressive instrumentally, Cove's vocals and lyrics have improved. His vocal melodies are powerfully unique, and it seems he has finally stepped out of Anthony's shadow. Vocally, the only thing i found dissapointing were his screams on the opening track. The EP version of 'Keeping Secrets' featured fantastic screaming, similar to Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath, while here they sound forced and overproduced. It's a shame that the songs on The Grey EP were 'dumbed down' for this, as they were excellent. It also should be noted that the drumming is still some of the best in the genre. To sum things up, the technical guitar lines found on previous releases are almost non-existent here, but Saosin still offer a solid punk/post-hardcore experience.
Bump |
| 2.0 poor | MCalle451 | September 15th 09 |
i can't believe people would rate this as a 5 (classic) . this album was a disappointment. it was boring and not catchy what so ever. i actually tried listening to the whole album two more times and still nothing.
Bump |
| 1.5 very poor | Apollo | September 10th 09 |
This album was a real let down...they could have done so much more instrumentally. That being said there are some decent songs which make this an average album.
Bump |
| 2.0 poor | lastingimpression | September 9th 09 |
What happened? I think there's reason to believe that Saosin could do fine without Anthony (as in make listenable music, however trite and dismissible it may be), but this is quickly becoming a one-sided argument. It seems they've lost the passion and tricks from previous, stronger releases.
Bump |
| 2.5 average | jredmond | September 7th 09 |
A very safe, contrived, and structured album that yields an overall lame listen.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | LemonZeppelin | September 7th 09 |
It's not bad, but I have 3 issues with it:
1. After hearing Keep Secrets, I Keep My Secrets Safe is a massive disappointment.
2. None of the lyrics really get to me, like in the debut album.
3. The best song You Never Noticed Me is a japanese bonus track, so I'll have to import it.
I'll be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with this album. It's not terrible, it's just a bit average.
Bump |
| 0.0 | chambered89 | September 2nd 09 |
Been trying to give this chance after chance, but with no Anthony Green and songs that don't really capture any feeling, these guys are doomed to an average career at best. There's really nothing here that sticks. Saosin misses you Anthony; for now I'll stick to some Juturna.
Bump |
| 1.0 awful | doom. | July 15th 24 |
| 2.5 average | btrfs | November 8th 23 |
| 3.0 good | haley | May 31st 23 |
| 2.0 poor | Timmy | January 14th 23 |
| 3.0 good | damon r. EMERITUS | November 21st 22 |
| 3.0 good | Zeist | January 18th 22 |
| 3.0 good | Sowing STAFF | October 27th 21 |
| 2.5 average | Grandpa | February 13th 21 |
| 2.5 average | Oobaloo | January 3rd 21 |
| 4.0 excellent | eljonny | November 19th 20 |
| 2.0 poor | Joe92 | October 23rd 20 |
| 3.0 good | Mabbitt | September 25th 20 |
| 1.5 very poor | Skiiddz | September 25th 20 |
| 2.5 average | bSmith | April 6th 20 |
| 2.5 average | benny06 | January 29th 20 |
| 2.0 poor | RedBol | January 16th 20 |
| 3.0 good | kodama | October 18th 19 |
| 3.5 great | tomr4 | August 28th 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | josh | June 10th 19 |
| 3.5 great | Adamn | May 8th 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | murphA | January 18th 19 |
| 3.5 great | Josh | November 5th 18 |
| 3.0 good | YuckFou | September 11th 18 |
| 2.5 average | AriDoe | May 16th 18 |
| 3.5 great | Poxy | March 9th 18 |
| 1.0 awful | Skoop | February 27th 18 |
| 2.5 average | nbats | December 14th 17 |
| 2.0 poor | tlatla | August 24th 17 |
| 2.5 average | heck | June 28th 17 |
| 2.5 average | elry2k | April 12th 17 |
| 4.0 excellent | Nbehre11 | December 31st 16 |
| 3.0 good | Adamrk | December 16th 16 |
| 2.5 average | El Olam | December 11th 16 |
| 2.5 average | Snide | June 28th 16 |
| 2.5 average | furpa | May 15th 16 |
| 2.5 average | ATTA | April 29th 16 |
| 3.5 great | IVIII | April 24th 16 |
| 3.0 good | jesper EMERITUS | March 16th 16 |
| 3.5 great | mirak2 | March 4th 16 |
| 2.5 average | Henry | February 14th 16 |
| 3.0 good | dvd0bvb | September 21st 15 |
| 1.5 very poor | JGreeb | August 28th 15 |
| 3.5 great | ToddDC | February 20th 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | ADNIS | January 17th 15 |
| 2.5 average | A257U2 | November 18th 14 |
| 2.5 average | Lassie | October 15th 14 |
| 3.5 great | B888IE | August 16th 14 |
| 3.0 good | Roman | April 25th 14 |
| 2.5 average | TJM1992 | February 17th 14 |
| 4.0 excellent | Sebe | February 3rd 14 |
| 2.5 average | Skoj | January 19th 14 |
| 3.0 good | t1gxrs | December 24th 13 |
| 2.5 average | djken97 | December 2nd 13 |
| 3.0 good | Hansol | November 3rd 13 |
| 2.5 average | zmol | August 11th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | BeeRyan | April 16th 13 |
| 3.0 good | kmace | April 5th 13 |
| 3.0 good | CK | February 28th 13 |
| 3.5 great | kvasha | February 7th 13 |
| 2.0 poor | Minus. | January 9th 13 |
| 2.0 poor | Lenix | December 31st 12 |
| 2.5 average | Shimana | December 19th 12 |
| 2.5 average | ZoneOut | November 17th 12 |
| 3.0 good | Claub | October 31st 12 |
| 2.5 average | Pndi | October 31st 12 |
| 2.5 average | Ada | October 12th 12 |
| 3.0 good | sacc87 | September 2nd 12 |
| 2.0 poor | TH3FU | July 12th 12 |
| 3.0 good | Kaz64 | July 6th 12 |
| 2.0 poor | Tonger | April 20th 12 |
| 2.5 average | ANJ45 | April 18th 12 |
| 2.5 average | MTTS | February 5th 12 |
| 2.5 average | udopian | January 19th 12 |
| 1.5 very poor | mttgry | January 19th 12 |
| 2.0 poor | Coast | January 17th 12 |
| 2.5 average | Veldin | November 23rd 11 |
| 2.0 poor | xxxzzz | November 2nd 11 |
| 1.5 very poor | mhp2 | October 19th 11 |
| 2.5 average | TT | August 22nd 11 |
| 2.5 average | ILJ | August 20th 11 |
| 3.0 good | AdamK | July 22nd 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | iliek | July 18th 11 |
| 3.0 good | bc013 | June 9th 11 |
| 3.5 great | Cryio | May 18th 11 |
| 3.5 great | lucho | May 4th 11 |
| 2.0 poor | Trebor. EMERITUS | March 31st 11 |
| 2.0 poor | zzzxxx | March 29th 11 |
| 2.0 poor | pixmpy | March 24th 11 |
| 3.5 great | Jere581 | February 26th 11 |
| 2.0 poor | Thef | February 18th 11 |
| 2.5 average | Eswin17 | February 13th 11 |
| 3.0 good | Mauler | November 21st 10 |
| 2.5 average | mrnic3 | October 19th 10 |
| 1.5 very poor | Hep Kat | October 16th 10 |
| 2.5 average | DeskmaN | September 29th 10 |
| 2.5 average | IN64 | September 25th 10 |
| 2.5 average | JackMEB | September 23rd 10 |
| 2.5 average | FACT | September 7th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | JayB | August 23rd 10 |
| 2.0 poor | ziimo | August 2nd 10 |
| 2.5 average | BlueW | July 5th 10 |
| 2.5 average | Kleur | June 24th 10 |
| 2.5 average | Mace | June 14th 10 |
| 1.5 very poor | vakuola | June 13th 10 |
| 3.0 good | Manon | May 18th 10 |
| 1.5 very poor | Pneuma | May 6th 10 |
| 4.5 superb | pattyy | April 20th 10 |
| 2.5 average | Valle | April 4th 10 |
| 3.5 great | musick | March 26th 10 |
| 2.0 poor | Yordy | February 17th 10 |
| 3.5 great | DaveyBoy EMERITUS | February 4th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | atx639 | January 26th 10 |
| 2.5 average | toto1 | January 16th 10 |
| 2.5 average | ThePove | December 31st 09 |
| 2.0 poor | Ripped | December 11th 09 |
| 2.5 average | JWT155 | November 23rd 09 |
| 2.5 average | Mixhail | October 29th 09 |
| 2.5 average | Ricven | October 15th 09 |
| 3.5 great | TTrent4 | September 30th 09 |
| 2.0 poor | sneasy | September 21st 09 |
| 2.5 average | ziroth | September 19th 09 |
| 3.0 good | webster | September 10th 09 |
| 2.5 average | rustic | September 8th 09 |
| 2.0 poor | Sconza | September 6th 09 |
| 2.5 average | roofi | September 6th 09 |
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