Truth Or Sarah
Archive for October 2011
Currents, Self-Titled EP
Truth:
LA band, Currents, is slated to release their debut self-titled EP on November 1, 2011. The EP will be available to download for free for fans through digital outlets.
Sarah:
Very rarely does a “real” rock make an impact on the music world. Given, there are hundreds, thousands–maybe millions?–of bands out there. But few are as memorable or have the same potential of longevity as Taking Back Sunday, Alkaline Trio, and Bayside. Yet, with well-written lyrics and genius instrumentals, Currents seems to be nudging their way into the hearts of rock lovers with their debut self-titled EP.
With their first album, Currents is already makes waves. The EP was produced by Justin Powell (The Cab, Wayward) and Kyle Black (Pierce The Veil, All Time Low), promising a crisp sound and the versatility to fulfill the giant void of what truly defines alt-rock.
Currents introduced themselves with their first single, “L is for Lush.” The song perfectly embodies the abilities of the band; from the creative group vocals, to the heart-thumping drums, and elaborate guitar riffs, the single presents Currents as the band to keep on your radar.
Currents’s California inspiration can be heard in the track, “Chase The Sun.” While the inspiration may seem obvious from the title, the band also gives subtle cues that they were inspired by their home state, whether intentional or not. The ripples of the drums lay underneath the calm vocals, which sing of a torrential relationship. The guitar chords are chill, calming.
“Cause I’m a G” (**Parental Advisory**) presents itself to be a loud and obnoxious track, which is what you’d expect from a song where one claims to be a “G.” The apathetic and loveless lyrics are actually creatively and poetically written, as well as beautifully sung–you almost forget that they are singing about going through women with no regrets:
We weren’t designed to love (we weren’t designed to love)
We weren’t programmed, but
We knew it wouldn’t last forever
The truth is I didn’t care at all
When morning comes, you’re waking up alone
—-Currents, “Cause I’m A G”
Currents takes the story of the Big Bad Wolf and runs with it in “What Big Teeth You Have.” Without getting cheesy, the band manages to have playful lyrics, while staying pop-punk. The ingenious idea is carried out effectively, creating not only a great rock track, but the perfect storybook ending to the band’s freshman album.
Currents has the potential to gain fans of all types of rock music. The band doesn’t focus too much on staying within one particular rock genre, because they are skilled enough to accommodate all facets of rock–whether it be pop-punk, hardcore, or alternative. That said, they are not all over the place. With their debut EP, Currents is set to make their mark on the music world, and their music will resonate with many.
Learn more about Currents from their official website!
Song of the Day: Family Force 5 “Tank Top”
This song is on repeat. The lyrics are funny and the beat is catchy. You cannot not love this.
The Greater The Risk “Say What You Never Said”
Truth:
The Virginia rockers in The Greater The Risk have released their newest album, “Say What You Never Said.” The album can be purchased on iTunes.
Sarah:
It’s been over a year since The Greater The Risk has put out new music. But brainchild of lead guitarist Ashley Drewes hasn’t exactly been sitting around during that year of virtual silence. The band had lineup changes, were featured in a major music magazine, and probably had a billion other things going on. Now it’s October and the band has self-released the album, which features the new band lineup–except for the new lead singer, Dan Castillo–and upgraded sound.
“Say What You Never Said” is the perfect blend of pop and rock. The first track, “Friends and Foes,” opens with a crescendo into a pop punk explosion. While it sounds like the first EP, it’s apparent that the band took a couple of steps in a new direction.
The band was able to have the help of producer, Bryan Russell, who has worked with The Academy Is.., The Narrative, and Virginia band Safety Word Orange. The touch of Russell adds to the professionalism and quality heard in the EP.
“The Resolution” presents itself as pop punk gold with its infectious chorus in which former lead vocalist David Kaufman repeats in effortless falsetto, “Wait just a minute.” The guitar riffs in the track are memorable, and the mini drum solo towards the end adds to the drama of the song.
The EP’s title can be heard in the lyrics of “Pick Your Poison,” a pretty interesting take on an obvious breakup situation. The song itself is catchy and filled with the angst of a failing relationship–a topic that works with pop rock. That leads into “Count Me Out,” a song that is made memorable by its guitar chords and not-so-subtle drums.
The EP ends with “The Better or Best You Remember,” an appropriate ending to the high-energy album. The song is a slowed down pop rock track; almost like a ballad. The lyrics, vocals, and instrumentals mix together and stir up emotions of listeners. The breathtaking song rivals songs from pop rock royalty like Boys Like Girls (“Hero/Heroine”) and All Time Low (“Break Your Little Heart”).
“Say What You Never Said” is one of those albums that you have to buy in its entirety, or else you’d be scratching your head, wondering what else this band of geniuses can come up with. It combines all the ingredients of a successful pop rock album–from its breathtaking vocals, to the climactic drums, to the riveting guitar chords.
The Greater the Risk is currently on tour with We Are! The New Year, where they will be playing along the east coast. Click here for Tour Dates. In the meantime, you can show your show support for the band by purchasing the EP on iTunes.
***You can also get their song, “Braver,” from their self-titled EP for free on Purevolume!
Song of the Day: Goodnight Fellows “Lullaby”
It’s cute. And free. What more could you ask for?
Wayward “With Love”
Truth:
Wayward recently dropped their latest EP, “With Love.”
Sarah:
Wayward has done what they do best–made exciting and infectious rock music. “With Love” was made thanks to contributions from fans ($3000!), and every penny is seen–or heard–with every crisp chord and clear drum beat. The production quality of the EP is perfect, and the band definitely doesn’t skimp on quality lyrics and ideas.
The EP starts off with “Take All Of Me,” which was released for free on Purevolume. The track reminds fans of Wayward’s ability to immerse listeners in their lively music. The song features fun vocals, full guitar sound, and upbeat drums.
“Liar” is conceptually the best song on the EP. The song, lyric-wise and sound-wise, is somewhat like a Panic at the Disco song (circa 2005), but with more gusto. It’s got the same quirkiness but in terms of radio-friendliness, Wayward deserves a spot on the Top 40 playlist more than P!ATD (unpopular opinion?).
“Light It Up” is like one firework of sound. Literally. It starts off kind of slow and quiet and builds up into the Wayward that you love.
The final track on the EP is “To Infinity and Beyond,” which dials back the energy, but doesn’t dial back the talent. It’s a paradoxical song with a high-energy instrumental backing of rather melancholic lyrics:
So here’s to the sorrow, the hurt and the pain
We all face
The lonely nights are free
And here’s to the chances we all throw away
Everyday
So raise your glass with me
To one more day
It’s dark but optimistic, with them saying “I wouldn’t change a thing…there is meaning in the air.”
The short but sweet album deserves a round of applause, and the donations fans gave were given back tenfold. And if they can produce an EP like this with just 3000 bucks, just imagine what they could do with all the money they (deserve to) earn with this EP?
Song of the Day: Cady Groves “This Little Girl”
I’m in love with this quirky track by the equally quirky songstress, Cady Groves. As scary as the lyrics are, who can help but love the inocent “little girl” that is Cady Groves?
Nathan Darmody (IWXO) and Allstar Weekend Release New Videos
The elusive Nathan Darmody has finally given fans proof that he’s been busy for the past few months doing something productive. Darmody released a video with him singing an acoustic tune called “I Won’t Play With It,” under the pseudonym IWXO, meaning “I’m With Love.” It’s definitely different from anything you heard from Allstar Weekend, but I guess that’s the point.
Do you XO Nathan’s new music project?
*Get with love on Twitter
In other news, the now trio of boys in Allstar Weekend has released a self-made lyric video for their song “James.” Not sure why it involves lead singer Zach Porter dressing like a pale Bruce Lee, but it’s cute regardless.
Song of the Day: Evan T “Best Years of Our Lives” (feat. Avril Lavigne)
I’ve loved Evan Taubenfeld ever since Radio Disney played his song, “Boy Meets Girl.” And I’ve loooved Avril Lavigne ever since the 6th grade, when she released “Sk8r Boi.” So with this beautiful duet between the two longtime friends, I am obviously in tears.
Get your tissues ready:
The Dukes “Dreams & Regrets”
Truth:
The Dukes finally release a full-length album, “Dreams & Regrets.”
Sarah:
It’s been a whirlwind for The Dukes–losing a guitarist, gaining a guitarist, going to college, etc. But amidst all that, the band found out who they were (besides awesome; they must have known they were awesome). They developed this great album that is almost unbelievable coming from a group of teenagers.
“Don’t Call Me Tonight” opens the album, as not only a free track, but the reintroduction to the band. Lead singer Wong seems to have found his voice; it’s–for lack of a better word–beautiful. He’s stretching his voice to its limits and it’s definitely paying off. Drummer JJ Foley deserves accolades for the beast drumming he does, not only is=n this song, but throughout the album.
Best song on the album goes to : “Hollywood Bound.” Lyrically, instrumentally, and vocally, the song rivals more established bands like All Time Low and Boys Like Girls. The song has enough pop potential to be played on Top 40 stations, yet it doesn’t compromise their rock roots.
“Lazy Summer” is anything but “lazy.” It’s a dynamic love song; one that works. It’s from a teenager’s perspective (“I’ve been counting the days/since you’ve been gone/I’ve been missing your lips/they were so soft”) but it has the instrumental maturity of a band that has been playing for years.
“I Wear Sweatshirts In Summer” is a promise that the Dukes will blow up (musically, not literally) one day. The song is almost heartbreaking, just thinking that there are people that doubt them in the slightest: (“I’ll take these dreams inside/You’ll see my name in lights…”).
The emotional “My Sweet Remedy” is clever and cute:
Be my sweet remedy
Take all my apathy
You take all the diffidence in me
I’d be lost without you, but I’ll have you know
That the sun shines brighter when you’re home
So bring an end to all your contemplating,
Cuz baby I’m done waiting
The album ends with “Work In Progress,” a dark-sounding song, that pushes the band’s talent. It’s grim, yet beautifully produced. It’s a poetic song of regret.
After listening to “Dreams & Regrets,” the only thing I regret is not being the one who gave birth to these kids. The talent is immense and their potential is grand. It’s surprising how wonderful this sounds, considering that they are unsigned. This album is just one small step in the path to greatness.
Honor Society, “A Tale of Risky Business, Pt. 2″
Truth:
Honor Society releases their latest album, “A Tale of Risky Business, Pt. 2,” the followup to 2008′s “A Tale of Risky Business,” and their third album after “Fashionably Late.”
Sarah:
It’s been about 2 years since we’ve heard a new album from Honor Society, so anything from the gentlemen would be much appreciated. That said, Honor Society put together a well-packaged album, complete with a prelude, interludes, an intermission, and the makings of a dramatic soundtrack.
The first song is “Living a Lie,” which sets the tone for the smooth-sounding album. Despite the rather spiteful lyrics, the band keeps their cool, from Michael Bruno’s molasses-smooth voice, to Alexander Noyes’s effective drumming, and keyboard stylings of Jason Rosen.
“One of a Kind” continues with the smoothness. Think, if Michael Jackson was still alive and divided his swag among four (naturally) white males. They would produce “One of a Kind.” The song is simple in terms of beat, but the band overcompensates for that with exceptional lyrics, vocals that sound like the lovechild of Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke, and beautiful instrumentals. The harmonious vocals are angelic, and the strings add to its heavenliness.
Honor Society turns up the heat and volume with “What’s It Gonna Be,” a more high-energy track. It’s an audaciously flirtatious love song partnered with a dance beat, and a catchy chorus (“what, what, what’s it gonna be”). It’s shows that Honor Society hasn’t gone Full Moon Crazy and lost their fun side.
In “Run For Your Money,” HS adds to the fun and bold love tracks. The concept is genius, and the lyrics are sweet. And even though it’s sort of dance-y, the track has this Cary Grant smoothness to it.
One of the best interludes is “This Bed Is An Ocean,” in which Bruno repeats, “I want you to rescue me,” because “this bed is an ocean.” It’s short and sweet, but could have easily been elongated into a full song.
“Wherever You Are,” featuring songwriter and up-and-coming singer Aaron Camper, should be arrested for being for tantalizing. It would make Nick Jonas jealous that he couldn’t get his Administration sounding like this. Hands down, WYA (also the title of their 2011 summer tour) was the best song ever written.
*You can get a free download of another song with Honor Society and Aaron camper here!
Honor Society adds a bonus track, “Hurricane,” which is a great song and all, but obviously doesn’t fit with the theme of the album. The disclaimer of it being a bonus track makes it that much more enticing to buy. “Hurricane” sticks well to the metaphor of a storm, while still sounding cool about it.
“A Tale of Risky Business, Pt. 2″ is a genius album and well worth the two-year wait. For newer fans, you’ll be immersed in their signature gentlemanly sound.
As for me, Honor Society gets an A+.
