So far it's up to pair with DTMB/SFT for me. A great collection of songs, whereas WTDWYAD always felt like something more to me, each bit was thrilling and explored some different paths, the concept of the album was at each step set within the vibe and production, it had some clear catch phrases etc. that made you feel out the theme even without reading into the lyrics that much. Here I guess I'm gonna have to sit down with the words and try to bring myself to come up with the interpretation, but it's not that inviting from outside of the surface this time around. Of course I miss some of the more screamed lyrics too, and could have some more production experiments on vocals in general, for example the chorus in See You On The Other Side turns a bit robotic, I think it would maybe benefit if it was taken to a more extreme point. So in the end most of it is mostly a bit safe, but still very strong. Don't wanna sound too whiny here hahh. Still very, very happy to have this album!
Yeah, this record is good! Definitely feels like a follow-up to WTDWYAD. My only silly gripe is that it sounds good lmao I almost wish it was a little grittier, a little more aggressive, a little less polished, but I understand that this was likely a calculated decision and it fits the record. They somehow sound more mature without really having changed their sound. Really good stuff and I'm excited to spend more time with it. Happy for Ben and co!
dream to make believe is way more than a collection of songs and is still unbeaten in their discog imo
I think WTDWYAD is just as good (if not technically better), but I agree. DTMB is one of the albums that introduced me to the scene and it's severely underrated. In love with the way that record sounds. Used to listen to it before bed a lot.
I didn't want to diminish its impact, I loved that album from the beginning. The vibe is immaculate there, but WTDWYAD feels like a blueprint on what concept albums should do to a listener, it makes me feel like going through different chapters and motions and definitely feels like I shouldn't dare to listen to it in a different order ;d
yup, it feels huge in the best way. I imagine it's something I'll be discovering little details in for many years to come
I have posted some stupid ass shit on this website and seen some even dumber but that persons post about this album might take the cake for worst post I’ve seen
This album rules. It’s nice to hear Ben’s voice. I wish he kind of went for it a little more vocally but I get why he didn’t. New Rainbows is an early favorite
Has anyone received info or tracking information about the vinyl? I really want to wait until that comes in to give this a listen
Oh yes, it was a highly anticipated record for me, had loved their EPs. The album is amazing, though it's very extensive, I didn't get it as much as I should and I do revisit it from time to time. As for the concept it feels more akin to The Dear Hunter, needs more focus, whereas AFS in 2005 along with "Trainwreck" by Boys Night Out just brought the idea to let you choose to either dwell on the themes or just flow through the vibes in a consistent manner, which stands for more replayability. Simillar to "Alchemy Index" by Thrice maybe, very digestible and steadily thrilling/moving. Of course I love the more complex arcs like what TDH or Coheed and Cambria bring to the table, but it's a different story in my opinion.
They could have released this is in 2009 as their follow up to Smile For Them and it would have worked just as well. Really enjoyed this
I say this obviously having no idea about how hard it is but given how many comeback albums are bad, it must be so difficult to retain or regain that same spark and write a good one. I think they've pulled it off.
Sadly, this record isn’t clicking with me much aside from a few tracks like Whatever, Nightmare, Drown, and Teardrop. It also sounds like the guitars are largely turned down? It definitely doesn’t feel front and center like past records idk I’m happy Ben is making music again and I’m sincerely happy that a lot of folks are digging this. Hopefully, it’ll grow on me more over time!
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but What To Do When You’re Dead is this band’s best record in my eyes and I expect it will remain that way indefinitely.