Always saw this band as just some faceless hardcore band that I'd never give a shit about. Randomly heard they'd made a huge change in sound and got curious, admittedly was mostly prepared for just like a "oh they bought delay pedals and started singing". Did not expect this haha. Haven't heard the record yet but I'm excited to now.
that this kinda seems to be the prevailing opinion should all but confirm to the band that they made the right decision
bold move not playing any of their hardcore stuff at shows. im sure they had big fans of that genre that they're alienating, but oh well
Yeah I thought I'd give this a shot but idk, feels like a Citizen/Nothing rip-off to me. Even the titles, "Vertigo," "Youth," etc. I appreciate the commitment to changing gears and I hope they're happy with what they're playing now but I'm not really feeling it. It's more RFC-style grunge revival than shoegaze/dream-pop
The guitar tones are cool but I feel like the songwriting is a bit lacking, like they're definitely still coming to grips with how to effectively use melody. They certainly don't have the hooks of a band like Nothing. That said, I enjoyed this a lot more the second time I listened to it so maybe it'll be a grower.
Has anyone seen videos of their Warped tour set? I'd like to see how they sound and are being received.
Really enjoy this. White Squall is my favourite so far. Only enjoyed the occasional part of what they released for far but this is all great.
this is cool. it all kind of runs together, but i can see it growing and me learning to differentiate better between it all.
Sounds too much like a rip off, as many of you have been saying. Also, if they weren't happy being a hardcore band then why did they do it? They literally say they did it for the money, but I know hardcores not too lucrative. I don't know, they seem kinda douchey.
On the Lead Singer Syndrome podcast he explained it pretty well and made it seem more reasonable. Said he got into hardcore when the band started but they grew tired of it and just fell out of love with playing it. They put out the last album in the hardcore style but didn't feel happy or excited about it and realised they either had to break up or try something new. Been listening to this and it's decent but not amazing. Thinking it might grow on me though.
They played hardcore music because they wanted to be in a band and at 18, 19 years old that's what they felt like they could play and actually tour. They were into the music but grew out of it. I respect them for doing what they did and the change they made.
To be fair, I'm not into exactly the same music I listened to in 2009, and I wouldn't expect to be into all the same music as I am now in 2025. Whilst this is a big change, I totally get it and I actually think it's cool that they have took such a big risk with their career.
One which they have stated they weren't infused by. And besides, they had to change some time, I fail to see how this is in any way logical haha.
Why is it a problem that a band changed and progressed? They literally admitted to falling out of love playing hardcore, I don't see what's inauthentic about this.
That's interesting and not surprising. I always wondered how many bands I listened to felt the same way, but continued to write the same thing over and over again because this is what they've been known for and because well it pays their bills. This is a bold move and I applaud them for that. They were a mediocre band for me until now.
Yeah, if anything their last few releases were probably forced judging from that interview. Glad to see them branch out and do something they're actually proud of.
I know I moan about how I dislike new Fall Out Boy (as an example), but I would always rather have the members of a band I have enjoyed be happy and create music that leaves them feeling fulfilled., it's the least you can do as a fan of a band. You might not be happy with the new direction but I'd rather that, than the band members remain unhappy then break up.
I think you've missed the links to interviews and articles about this band and album. Read those and it completely explains everything.