The Chorus Music Club Society • Page 274

highfidelity203 · May 14, 2018

ugman_2000 said:

I’m seeing Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World at a festival at the end of the month, if I’m not to drunk by the time of their sets I’ll review them in here if you want. It’ll be my first time seeing both acts for about 10ish years.

Edit: I just looked them up JEW is 10 years this year and TBS is 9 years, god I’m old.

Double Edit: What an incredible set list this was, the last time I saw Jimmy Eat World play.

Jimmy Eat World Setlist at Carling Academy Brixton, London

I'm right there with you...last time I saw JEW was 8 years ago...

bachna84 · May 14, 2018

Micool1 said:

Speaking of brackets, are there any still going on? I lost track after the FOB bracket.

Underoath

Larry David · May 14, 2018

ugman_2000 said:

Taking Back Sunday - New Again

It’s nowhere near as bad as people made it out to be upon release and is a pretty solid album.

Also not their worst record

BTDandFeelingThis · May 14, 2018

Larry David said:

Also not their worst record

It kind of is but I still dig it

ugman_2000 · May 14, 2018

Larry David said:

Also not their worst record

I’m curious as to what you think it is. I’d have the S/T last. It’s got a few good tracks but it isn’t very cohesive imo.

Larry David · May 14, 2018

ugman_2000 said:

I’m curious as to what you think it is. I’d have the S/T last. It’s got a few good tracks but it isn’t very cohesive imo.

I have S/T last as well. There are some incredible tracks on it, but it's very inconsistent, and also has possibly their worst song (Money)

disambigujason · May 14, 2018

S/T is the only straight up bad TBS record. like 3-4 redeemable songs on it.

mattfreaksmeout · May 14, 2018

New Again is possibly my favorite haha

Partially because it was the first album that came out after I started listening to them, but also because it brings the bangers, and it starts (New Again, Sing Into Me) and ends (Everything Must Go - which is my favorite TBS song) so strong, some of the more forgettable songs in the middle get forgiven by me (Capital M-E).

S/T is definitely my least favorite, but the first 3 songs are golden.

Larry David · May 14, 2018

So we're doing this, eh?

WYWTB > TAYF > Happiness Is... > Louder Now > Tidal Wave > New Again > S/T

First 5 in ranking are fantastic

BTDandFeelingThis · May 14, 2018

Larry David said:

So we're doing this, eh?

WYWTB > TAYF > Happiness Is... > Louder Now > Tidal Wave > New Again > S/T

First 5 in ranking are fantastic

Let’s not turn the club into ranking.fm

Colin Your Enthusiasm · May 14, 2018

bachna84 said:

The people want answers

Is this your new bit? lol

Larry David · May 14, 2018

Bad Frequencies said:

Let’s not turn the club into ranking.fm

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Colin Your Enthusiasm · May 14, 2018

Larry David said:

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Is this your new bit?

disambigujason · May 14, 2018

i will forego rankings in favor of broad conclusions.
Happiness Is and WYWTB are best, S/T is last, the rest change daily.

ugman_2000 · May 14, 2018

@Larry David If you moved WYWTB to before TW you’d have my order.

I was lukewarm on Happiness Is when it first came out but man what a grower, it’s very close to being my favourite album of theirs nowadays.

Larry David · May 14, 2018

Colin Your Enthusiasm said:

Is this your new bit? lol

Colin Your Enthusiasm said:

Is this your new bit?

Is this your new bit?

Colin Your Enthusiasm · May 14, 2018

Larry David said:

Is this your new bit?

Yeah it is actually! This and album bdays

teebs41 · May 14, 2018

Larry David said:

So we're doing this, eh?

WYWTB > TAYF > Happiness Is... > Louder Now > Tidal Wave > New Again > S/T

First 5 in ranking are fantastic

WYWTB
TIDAL WAVE
TAYF
HAPPINESS IS
SELF TITLED
NEW AGAIN

Colin Your Enthusiasm · May 14, 2018

Speaking of

bachna84 · May 14, 2018

teebs41 said:

WYWTB
TIDAL WAVE
TAYF
HAPPINESS IS
SELF TITLED
NEW AGAIN

Louder Now didn't make the cut, eh?

nickyeatworld · May 14, 2018

Bad Frequencies said:

Its time to knock out some reviews, what'd ya say? I have four albums to review, and I say its time I put them up.

First up, @Davjs

Staind- Self Titled

Staind is a band that needs no introduction, being one of the more well known names of their genre. I will admit in my early years of high school I had listened to a couple of their albums when I was beginning to experiment with rock music, and I quite liked them. Their guitarist also currently plays in the band Saint Asonia, which everyone knows I am a fan of. So this 2011 album was labeled as a resurgence for the band; and as soon as I dove in I was met with what is probable the heaviest sounding work I have ever heard from this band. Admittedly on first listen, the album was a bit off putting for me because of the difference in sound; this was a return to the heaviest songs the band had ever done and them amped it up a notch. There is also a lot of pain and anguish, a lot of distain and rage in these songs both musically and lyrically. The album borders on straight up metal in a lot of places, but retains that familiarity of Aaron Lewis and Staind, and thus with a couple more listens I began to really enjoy myself while listening.

'Eyes Wide Open' is a fantastic opening to this album, starting with these low rumbling drums before the grinding guitars kick in; and from there on out you are on a dark journey with this album. Lyrically, the themes are of the disenchanted, the anguish, the tortured moments in life. The band sells these lyrics well, and behind the roaring guitars and insane riffs the songs come into their own. These songs will get the blood pumping in no time. Both the opening song and the second track 'Not Again' show off these facts nicely; also including both melodically sung vocals as well as some outright enraged bellowing screams. There are glimpses of light in the darkness though; songs like 'Failing' scale it down a bit and will most definitely resonate with people looking for lyrics and music that is going to hit close to home. And the closing track 'Something To Remind You' doubly so, with that song being the only slow and soft song on the album; with it also containing the most passionately sung lyrics on the entire album and having soft plucked beautiful guitars to backdrop it. Songs like those are the light, while songs like 'The Bottom' and 'Now' are the most rapid fire, heavy and gritty bits of darkness in the album. There are some moments where the album tends to blend together a bit because of the reliance on the heavy riffs (Which is a reason I know Davjs loves this album); and the 'rapping' part in 'Wannabe' is still unlistenable to me after several listens to the album. This album has grit and bite to it though; and if you are a fan of alternative metal, or Staind's previous heavier works in general, this album is going to have you jumping into a mosh pit in no time.

There are very few faltering on the album aside from what I mentioned above. Possibly my favorite release by this band, I definitely can see myself returning to this album when I have some pent up rage to release. Just know when you dive into this album, the anger and malice is going to come out. I recommend it though and just like the insanely great and best song on the album 'Paper Wings' states during its aggressive chorus; dive in and "burn your paper wings and say goodbye." Stand out tracks for this album are: Eyes Wide Open, Not Again, Failing, The Bottom, Paper Wings, Something To Remind You

7.5/10

10 Years- Feed The Wolves

I had never listened to this band prior to this recommendation; and I will admit when I first hit play and I heard the opening track 'Shoot It Out', I was not looking forward to the rest of the album. I did not like the intro of this song, nor did I like the chorus of this track. But, I was not going to let that sway me from giving this Knoxville band a bit more of a chance. I am glad I came to that conclusion, because the rest of this album was better than the opening track. Look no further than the second track of 'The Wicked Ones' for this; much more refined than the precious song, it contains an anthemic and belting chorus, as well as verses that just instantly get you into the groove. Sonically these guys are in that same vein that Staind are with a dash of early Rise Against; which is why I was confused about the opening track because it sounds much more nu-metal, almost like Linkin Park in their heyday but not as good. Luckily, this was the only track on the album that I could not find something to like about and what I found after this was an album of a band shredding and firing with the big guns.

'Now Is The Time (Ravenous)' is a great third track and follow up to The Wicked Ones, and does well to keep the fire and energy from that song going. The verses have a bit more of a somber sound to them, while the chorus is insanely catchy, has a great hook to it and exemplifies some great power guitar shreds. I also like the bridge, with this speak/sing sort of bridge leading up into the song just exploding. This song is also followed by the power ballad 'One More Day' (No not the shitty Spider-Man comic), which has a much more of a somber sound to the band in their verses and laid back guitars; before this thumping drum slams rhythmically to the verses where the guitars pick up and the powerful chorus kicks in. This song is probably my favorite on the album, and exemplifies everything I like about this album. 'Dead In The Water' is also a song I need to mention, as that rolling intro it has leading in to an almost haunting verses complete with gang chanting in the background of each line before the insane chorus is just sublime. When these guys go full in with a chorus its insane; look no further than 'Fix Me', the most ear work and hooking of the choruses on this album. The string infused emotional ballad of 'Don't Fight It' also has this strength, and was an insane highlight of the album for me. Some albums with this type of sound can blend together (See my Staind review above), but this album sounds well fleshed and flows really well. Each song has a purpose, each song is memorable in its own right ( I suppose even the opening track). 'Waking Up The Ghost' has the most rhythm and groove to the verses, along with the most anthemic chorus on the album that I would love to be chanting along to at a show. I checked out the deluxe version of this album, and it contains some great bonuses as well. These guys have great vocals, pleasing in both sung and yelled vocals. Instrumentally these guys go the full scope from strummed acoustic strings, to plucked chords, to shredding crunches; along with thunderous drums to lace them.

This is a good album. If you like bands like Chevelle, Staind, and the like with a dash of Rise Against that this album will satisfy your craving. The original version of this album only spans 41 minutes long, so it sits right in that area of a full album that isn't too long nor too short. 10/11 tracks isn't a bad track record at all; especially when the other 10 songs on the album have so much fire and grit to them. Stand out tracks are: The Wicked Ones, Now Is The Time (Ravenous), One More Day, Fix Me, Dead In The Water, Don't Fight It, Waking Up The Ghost, I Blame You

8/10

Next up, @Patterns in Traffic

Wakefield- Which Side Are You On?

I was sold on this album as soon as I heard the opening track. It had everything I could want from this sound, 'Without You (Which Side Are You On?)' contained passionate vocals, fun lyrics, a bit of an aggressive side to it, and great instrumentals. Having never listened to this band, I was instantly sold and looking forward to listening to the rest of this album. What followed was an album of alternative pop anthems, bright sounds, and silliness. This album was released in 2005, but it seems that jumping into it all these years later is just as smooth of a transition. This band incorporates pop, rock, and a bunch of other genres into something bright in the Modern pop rock genre of the time. There are elements worked into the songs such as pianos, synths, rap verses, and more. Some of it works, some of it doesn't. But I was pleased with my listen of this album.

'Take Off' is what I wanted to hear going forward. This second track on the album is bright and sunny, with great guitar riffs worked through the song and some gentle piano keys in the background. Vocally, the singer of this band actually kind of reminds me of Cobra Starship's vocalist; but a bit more emo centric. This song is pop punk but sugar coated in pop choruses. This did seem to continue into the lead single from the album 'C'mon Baby', which I actually really liked in the verses and choruses. This song was something straight out of an American Pie movie, with these fast pop verses, and then this slowed down, dismantled chorus that really works. I might have went to call this song my favorite on the album, except for the rap verse that suddenly jumps into the song near the end. It feels disjointed within this sound, and it sort of takes me out of the song. Which is a shame, because the chorus is actually damn good and something that I could have seen being played frequently on the radio. Where this band shines is on songs such as 'Only One'. Bright sounding guitars, a hooking chorus and catchy verses. If you are looking for deep, emotion invoking lyrics than this album isn't what you are looking for. If you are looking for a good summer album to drive around with the windows down, this one fits that bill...mostly. Songs like 'Asleep On Broken Teeth' kind of show the more 'aggressive' side of this band, and are a bit more out there than the sugary pop songs on the rest of this album. They still work though, and are something you can find yourself singing along with. There are a couple songs like that; but then you run into a very poppy song like 'Girl With A Beat' which is just a 180 degree turn back to the bright and sugar coated pop rock. Sometimes it can get a little dumb, but its a fun kind of dumb. 'After School Special' which Butch Walker helped produce, is probably the best song on the album; the most pop punk of the songs, with a catchy chorus, and a nifty xylophone in the background of the thumping guitars.

This album is a fun listen if you want to zone out while driving and just listen to some silly fun. It tip toes into lines of bands like Simple Plan and Cute Is What We Aim For, but with a Waterparks pop angle to them. Unlike a band like Simple Plan though, these songs are fun in numerous places and its a quick listen. I have heard some people bash this album before I listened to it, and I can see why, and while yes it is silly in some places its just a good pop rock album. This one has its faults, but its still good. Stand out tracks are: Without You (Which Side Are You On), Take Off, C'mon Baby, Only One, Clean 1145, Asleep On Broken Teeth, After School Special.

7/10

Muse- Absolution

Here we are guys, one of the big ones. Muse is a band many people know of, and one that I am familiar with as well having listened to a couple of their previous albums in the past. I was never huge on them, but I liked what I heard, and the one time I saw them live they blew the other bands out of the water. This album sees them turning into a more anthemic almost space rock like sound, becoming much more grand sonically. As soon as the intro fades into 'Apocalypse Please', you are treated to a wide array of sounds; grand athemic singing, haunting chanting in the background, rapid fire synths and pianos, light drumming and powerful vocals; this song almost feels 'epic' or like a rock opera in its scope. The whole album tends to have this feeling; and it clocks in at 51 minutes rivaling some of the longer albums I know of. It never feels that long though, and it has this grandiose feeling to it that seems like a collision of Radiohead and a rock opera.

The vocals on this album are brilliant and top notch. Just look to the verses of 'Time Is Running Out' for an example of that. Its this powerful and haunting soft tone, before things just build on themselves and explode into my favorite chorus on the entire album that I could not help but have stuck in my head; "Bury it, I won't let you bury it, I won't let you smother it, I won't let you murder it. Our time is running out, And our time is running out. You can't push it underground. We can't stop it screaming out." signaling this powerful emotional trauma; the vocals and the instrumentals in this chorus are just top notch and something I found myself returning to constantly. Songs like 'Stockholm Syndrome' showcase some radiant guitar riffs, while 'Sing For Absolution' have a bite with their haunting vocals and almost restraint to them before the full band kicks in and hook you in. There are some interesting choices in some of these songs, such as revolving and focusing on the vocals paired with the drums, the powerful keystrokes of the piano ringing into the guitars, and just very layered and well performed tracks. There are quite a few power ballads on the album as well, about four IIRC, which you might have thought would be overkill but Muse pulls it off in a way where they work perfectly within their places on the track listing. Its hard to pinpoint exact moments on this album to talk about, because the album works as this rock opera opus on a whole. Its a futuristic rock sound that sounds something fierce and powerful, and it has a presence that commands your attention while you listen. The album has so many layers and moods going on that you are best served listening to the album in one sitting.

I highly recommend this high point of an album. It has a presence, an energy, of a great rock opera. The songs are insanely structured with many nuances that headphones serve well to be used on these songs. The lyrics are fantastic, the emotions are all over the place in the best way possible. The album is just a grand opus in general, and one that I enjoyed every moment of. Stand out tracks are: Apocalypse Please, Time Is Running Out, Sing For Absolution, Stockholm Syndrome, Hysteria, Blackout, Butterflies And Hurricanes, Ruled By Secrecy, Fury.

9/10

Man this Absolution record is amazing. The best Muse album in my opinion. And it has one of my favorite album covers. Great reviews!

Nate_Johnson · May 14, 2018

@ugman_2000 if we had to stick @Bad Frequencies on a desert island and subject him to torture by music.

Option 1: Limp Bizkit
Option 2: All that Remains
Option 3: Insane Clown Posse

nickyeatworld · May 14, 2018

Finally I'm here with my reviews of great albums recommended by great people. Listening to the last one right now so I'm in a love mood so I love everyone and deeply sorry for reviews' delays.

Our Lady Peace - Somethingness recommended by @Nate_Johnson

I knew this band from old classic modern rock singles like “Innocent” and it was interesting to find out how they sound nowadays. And I was pleasantly surprised to really like this record.

It has this old soulsul 00’s radio rock feel in it but with a modern twist. I heard influences of current popular bands like Imagine Dragons or Mumford and Sons here and there like this huge drums and some electronic things and folky guitars happening from time to time. But somehow it doesn’t sound like hopping on “What’s hot right now” train but more like a natural evolution of Our Lady Peace trademark sound.

It has great and cathy hooks and that’s what I like the most about music. And singer’s voice is stronger than ever with instrumental thing being diverse and easy on the ear. So if you like old modern rock bands like Our Lady Peace or want to find out how they can sound in the year 2018 you must check this record. And maybe you will like it like I did.

Favorite tracks: Head Down, Hiding Place for Hearts

Remo Drive – Greatest Hits recommended by @SamLevi11

Well that’s pretty modest name for first full-length album. And even though I might argue about this songs being greatest hits but this record really got my attention.

This first thing I noticed and immediately liked is how fun this record sounds. It is upbeat and pretty danceable for guitar album. And it has pretty unique sound. To me it has overall pop-punk indie-rock feel but with some emo and post-hardcore elements thrown into the mix. Sometimes it even sounds like old Fall Out Boy or Panic without really trying to sound like that bands. The whole combination of different styles sounds really fresh.

What else I liked about this record is how old-school it is for 2018 album. It just guys with their instruments playing music and it sounds like they are just having a really good time doing it. The music flows and evolves during every song that makes the whole listening really intriguing.

I really recommend this record to every pop-punk/emo/indie rock fan. And it’s pretty much everyone of us on Chorus, am I right?

Favorite tracks: Crash Test Rating, Hunting For Sport

Faulter – Darling Buds of May recommended by @Patterns in Traffic

I like to find bands like these. I mean they are not well known and it looks like they never broke into mainstream even though this kind of sound was so popular back in the day of MTV2. They somehow reminded me of Letter Kills who are another emo-punk band with great songs that failed to became famous and successful.

The guitar work on this album is amazing. And even though this record sounds almost like some kind of mid-00’s sterile time capsule you can’t deny this guys had talent and some ideas.

I really liked this album and I will come back to it really soon. Recommended for every mid-00s emo fans.

P.S. There is a song called “October 16th” that sound a lot like “Work” by Jimmy Eat World. But I don’t blame anyone I mean I would ripoff the hell out of any Futures track if I played in a band back then.

Favorite tracks: Holding On, Sixes and Sevens

BADBADNOTGOOD – IV recommended by @CobraKidJon

Well I never thought I will get something as jazzy as this album here in CMCS but here we are. And that’s why I really like CMCS

And it’s not that boring old-school jazz Ryan Gosling rooted for in La-La-Land, this thing is pretty innovative and modern thing with a lot of interesting sounds and samples mixed with groovy basslines and crazy drumming. And there is SAX. Oh I love it so much. It really moves you the way punk record never will. And there are guest singers with Voices. I mean capital V Voices. And rappers with some nice af flow.

It is pretty hard to describe this album with words so I highly recommend it to everyone who ever considered himself a music fan. Because this thing is THE MUSIC. Juicy and catchy, innovative but old-school, and made by high-level musicians.

Favorite tracks: all of them

Larry David · May 14, 2018

Nate_Johnson said:

@ugman_2000 if we had to stick @Bad Frequencies on a desert island and subject him to torture by music.

Option 1: Limp Bizkit
Option 2: All that Remains
Option 3: Insane Clown Posse

One of these things is not like the others

ugman_2000 · May 14, 2018

Yay a review lol

But seriously though those were awesome reviews @nickyeatworld . Apart from OLP I haven’t heard any of those albums, Remo Drive and Faulter sound like something I’d dig and BadBadNotGod certainly sounds interesting. I’ll have to check those out for sure.

Nate_Johnson said:

@ugman_2000 if we had to stick @Bad Frequencies on a desert island and subject him to torture by music.

Option 1: Limp Bizkit
Option 2: All that Remains
Option 3: Insane Clown Posse

Sorry Kev, Option 2 but just have their douche of a singer talk the whole time.

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