This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
1. Way Away
2. Breathing
3. Ocean Avenue
4. Empty Apartment
5. Life Of A Salesman
6. Only One
7. Miles Apart 8. Twentythree
9. View From Heaven
10. Inside Out
11. Believe
12. One Year, Six Months
13. Back Home
Yellowcard has actually been around for awhile now (they formed in 1997) and this CD was released in July but it is just now really starting to pick up speed, and so it should.
They are all relatively young guys in their early twenties. The cd reflects just that with it’s lyrics and messages. They are often described as a punk/pop/emo type band but I think it’s really hard to categorize them as any of the above. I definitely wouldn’t call them emo. The totally unique thing about this four piece is that a violin is heard predominately throughout all of the songs. Sean Macklin is a classically trained violinist, and it shines through. It’s unbelievable how much the violin transforms each song. It really tattoos their sound as innovative and refreshing-finally something we haven’t heard in awhile! There’s additional string arrangements on some of the songs too, I think I heard a cello in there!
I’m really excited about this band. Lyrically the band takes you on a musical journey through their lives..making life choices, breaking up with girlfriends, deaths of loved ones. It’s purely driven by life events and will enable young people to reach out and grab on to something that they can relate to. It’s very honest. We all go through these things in our lives, but often when we do, we feel alone. Music is always good for being the light at the end of the tunnel.
Stand out songs for me were Ocean Ave- a very catchy, crunchy and all around fun song. Empty Apartment-eerie vocals and mellow, reflective lyrics. Believe-the intro is a crazy string piece and they lyrics convey a great message. I read somewhere that this song was about 9/11. It’s definitely pays homage to those brave enough to risk their lives for others. One Year, Six Months-a bit of a ballad, again the violin jumps out and the folksy lyrics and melodies. A song about a love lost but not forgotten. View From Heaven-my absolute favorite song on the cd. This song has singalong lyrics and a total bluegrass vibe with angelic background vocals credited to Alieka Wijnveidt. Her voice is hard to miss. A definite highlight. There’s not really a bad song on the disc. It’s one of those cds you put in and before you know it, it’s over.
The cd really has a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’re jonesing for something that doesn’t sound like everything out there right now I recommend it. A big two thumbs up to ONE FOR THE KIDS also, one of their previous releases that is still available.
They are currently out on tour with Something Corporate. Check their website for dates. I’m curious to see them live to see how it comes across.
Reviewed by: Mary Ouellette | August 2005
