Truth Or Sarah
Archive for November 1, 2011
Joel Piper, “The Only One” EP
Truth:
Former clean vocalist and drummer of metalcore band Confide, Joel Piper, has released his debut solo EP, “The Only One.”
Sarah:
If you were a Confide fan back when they were in existence, you may be sad to note that Joel Piper’s EP sounds nothing like them. That said, it’s a great EP that deserves a listen. Joel Piper has proved that he is not just an ordinary human with his talent. Not only is he a drummer, pianist, producer, designer, but he can legitimately sing. And not just like the background singing he used to do; his voice has enough substance to it to be memorable and comparable to large pop acts like Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine of Maroon 5.
Piper takes advantage of his angelic voice with the cute lyrics he sings in the first track, “My Little Earthquake.” The song features all the best of Piper–great vocals, effective drumming, beautiful piano, and well-thought-out lyrics. It ma seem soft and cheesy, but Piper has expanded into an easy market of lovestruck teenagers and musically-inclined adults.
Piper branches into a more dance-y genre with “Gimme That Love Song.” The song has a beach party dance vibe, with its fun guitars and drumbeats that lead you to clap in time. The beat solicits movement from listeners, showing Piper’s ability to create a great mix.
“I Could Fall” is a dramatic anti-love song, that relies heavily on strings and poetic lyrics:
I could fall in love with you
If I wanted to
But I’m taking it slower
than I want to, not so fast
Cuz I could fall in love with you
If I wanted to
But I’m taking it slower
Than I want to
Gotta get it right
Before we call it love
The song is an emotional and heart-wrenching track that could (should) be heard of the radio, alongside other genius artists like Adele.
The EP ends with “The Only One,” a song that is reminiscent of a The Ready Set song; heavy on piano and fast lyrics.
This EP leaves the listener desiring more Piper. It’s an amazing album that will definitely change Piper from being that drummer in Confide to being that guy that girls listen to on the radio.
Car Party “High and Low Places”
Truth:
The pop-rockers in Car Party have releases their sophomore album, “High and Low Places.” The album can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.
Sarah:
It’s hard to not show pride and favoritism toward a band that originates from the same state as you. But I think I’m excused when it comes to Baltimore band, Car Party. Car Party has already released their second album since their formation in 2009. Though a short time period since their 2010 freshman release, Car Party managed to create another pop-rock hit of an album.
Car Party had the help of well-established singer/songwriter, and record producer Ace Enders (The Early November, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business). Not only did Enders produce the record, but he is featured in the album’s first single, “Please Me.” The song follows the recipe for a pop-rock hit with its meticulous guitar riffs and rhythmic drums, along with easy-to-follow lyrics and personable vocals. Enders’ s touch can be heard in the clarity and professional sound of the track, as well as the other tracks on the record.
The second track on the album continues with the perfect mix of pop and punk, adding fun and catchy gang vocals towards the end.
Continuing with the familial theme, “Dear Son” is the third track on the album. The lyrics are beautifully sung, comparable to former Fallout Boy frontman Patrick Stump. The guitars are memorable, as well are the drums that complement the high-energy vocals.
The album ends with “Anniversary,” a dramatic ballad with lyrics that could easily solicit tears:
One word is what I’m searching for
But it’s scaring me to death to let you go
It’s only memories I have to hold of you and me.
You made all your crooked lines sound so sweet.Do you still wear your ring?
Well I do.
Well I do.
And do you know that I die
without you?
Well I do.One word is what I’m searching for
But it’s scaring me to death to let you go
It’s only memories I have to hold of you and me.
You made all your crooked lines sound so sweet.
Anniversary.
The instrumentals are perfectly arranged; Taylor Swift would beg for music as dramatic as that. And lead singer Michael Matzke is to be commended on the exquisite vocals and beautiful falsetto during the chorus. The heart-wrenching lyrics are pure poetry, deserving of recognition from a larger audience.
It’s hard to believe this band came from a Craigslist ad that drummer Taylor Hughes posted in 2009. And within two years, the band has not only released two well-received albums, but they have had the opportunity to work with Enders, as well as play on the Substream Magazine Tour earlier this month. Their pop-punk sensibilities give them the potential to last in this music business and their latest album is sure to garner many more fans.
Life After Liftoff, “Memory Of You” EP
Truth:
Dayton, Ohio band Life After Liftoff has released their three-song EP, “Memory Of You,” on iTunes.
Sarah:
I’m a little late finding out about Life After Liftoff, but the good news is I’ve finally heard about them. But I’m not the only one acknowledging LAL’s talent. The band recently played the Ohio date on the Vans Warped Tour over the summer, and the band has gained the support of Tom Delonge (Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves), Jordan Pundik and Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory, Paramore lead vocalist Hayley Williams, and All Time Low’s Jack Barakat and Alex Gaskarth.
The band recently released their debut EP “Memory of You,” which is a teaser to an upcoming full-length album, expanding on their unique sound of ”alien pop punk.” The band got the help of Let’s Get It’s Tyler Smyth with the production if the album. The EP itself was described as a “small part of [their] final record;” a sampling of the energetic music to come.
You’ll notice a positive theme of love and relationships in their three songs, starting with “The Promise.” In “The Promise, sappy lyrics are backed by lead vocalist Lee Weiss’s innocent voice, and the positive and upbeat guitars and drums:
Just promise me truth
Don’t hurt me with lies
I let it all go so I’d find you
And I promise you
You’ll be who you are
We’ll break all the chains that could bind you
That’s my promise to you
In their titular track, “Memory of You,” the band definitely lives up to the description of “alien pop punk,” from its intricate layering of guitars, to the full vocals, and the catchy “na-na-na’s” in the chorus. And by “alien,” I just mean awesome. The song has pop elements in that its catchy and radio-friendly, but it’s still a rock song that relies on their ability to play instruments, write meaningful lyrics, and actually sing.
The band also shows off their sense of humor with the video for “Memory Of You.”
Continuing with their alien sound is the last track, “Someday,” which begins with the sound of what could have been an alien abduction, but builds into meticulous guitar riffs. The song also features a beautiful piano solo, showing the band’s versatility. The piano chords itself are memorable, through the convolution of guitars and drums.
The band knows what works; they are following this formula of pop rock music that seems annoying and childish, but has worked for so many successful bands (see Green Day, Good Charlotte). Life After Liftoff has some gusto that will not go unnoticed, especially if they already have the support of such powerful music industry people, not to mention the talent to back it up.
