The Chorus Music Club Society • Page 328

Ya the new Mae tune is pretty tight.

 

Just saw there is a new KONGOS track too. Its a little underwhelming sadly but not bad for a short ballad. I love their album Lunatic but haven't been into what they have done since unfortunately still like them though.

Real Life - Single by KONGOS

 

CMCS members please extend your congratulations to @Nate_Johnson on welcoming a new bundle of joy into his family. Congrats buddy.


We expect her to be trading albums with us by next year, ok?

 

I would like to introduce everyone to Natalie!!!

 

So awesome, congrats @Nate_Johnson!

 

Congrats @Nate_Johnson ! That’s awesome! I hope everyone is happy and healthy.

 

I’ve always enjoyed Building more as well, hope he likes it.

 

She's so precious - congratulations!

 

I'm making sure to spread the love.

 

@Nate_Johnson ah man that’s awesome news, big congrats on little baby Natalie

 

Thank you everybody for the kind words! Mom and baby did great the first night.

 

To anyone that hasn’t listened to the new This Wild Life please check it out. They out did themselves on this new record. It’s perfect.

 

Review time people. Here come two by @Chase Tremaine

Monty Are I- Wall Of People


This is another one of those bands that slipped under my radar. I had heard one of their songs before in one of the Tony Hawk games, Tony Hawk Project 8. One of the songs from this album in fact. I remember liking it back when I played the game, but unlike Alkaline Trio's 'Armageddon' in Underground, I did not look into the band farther than the one song from the game. So when I was given a chance to look into these guys finally I took the chance, and I was especially happy to see that the song I knew was on this album. Chase described them to be post-ska alt rock; and I completely hear that. This album is filled with all the influences of both genres, everything from shredding guitar notes to synths and the fun ska instruments that one thinks of when thinking of Ska such as a trumpet and tuba. Its actually a very good treat of a combination, and every sound is well calculated. The guitars on this album are fantastic, and no note seems out of place. The drums are especially noticeable in songs like the opener 'Bedroom Talk' and do well to enhance the songs. The ska influences play in the background, and are used wisely to add layers to the songs instead of becoming a jarring mix; which this album could have been if it was done wrong. Did I mention the guitars? They bare a second mention, because there are some seriously insane moments with them on this one.

Vocally this album is on point too, every note is done so well with such raw emotion in his voice. The aforementioned 'Bedroom Talk' is one of my favorites to show this, but so is the second song, 'Castle Bound'. This one starts off with some cool old SNES style video game sounds, before erupting into a banger of a song. This is actually a song that sounds like Conditions almost, and as you guys are well aware I have recently become quite the fan of them. The bridge of this song is also INSANE, with this quiet soft spoken sung lyrics, and then some exploding guitar solo to carry off to the final choruses, with some of the best guitar work you could ask for on this album. Seriously, these moments pop up a lot. I know its a bit generic to say "the guitar is good", but its hard to explain the moments when they let the guitar go loose on this album how good it is. Songs like 'O Brother' show a level of aggression that sits just nicely on the pallet, and displays this bands ability to create catchy songs that could sit well in the pop punk genre too if one were to want to call it that; its very close. The album uses lyrics to its strength as well, a lot of the lyrics on this album are not only catchy but used very skillfully. There are no cringe worthy moments. 'Metropolis' contains a nice piano intro that carries through out the song once the guitars kick in through multiple parts of the song. This is also one of the more ska sounding songs on the album, and it contains some insanely fiery sounding lyrics and sounds. 'In This Legacy' is the song I mentioned from Tony Hawk, and its probably the most aggressive song on this album; having almost a melodic hardcore sound to it. The backing vocals in this song are great, and the chorus is still as catchy and as much of an ear work as it was back when I first heard it on that video game. If there is one song from this album you check out, make it this one. Almost right after this one though, you get one of the softer songs on the album, 'Just In Time', a damn nice ballad of a song with some soft moments and an almost Matchbook Romance/NorthStar sound to it in places.

What I am trying to get across with this is that this album is very versatile musically, and lyrically. There is something to be had with every song on here, there are no duds. Each song sounds different, and the band goes off in multiple directions both sonically and vocally through the 40 minute run time of the album. I think a lot of people here in this club will like this album if they haven't heard it already. If you want some catchy, anthemic, melodic, ripping and fun songs; this album as a boatload of them. Give it a spin, and you will see what I mean by saying its musically varied and versatile. I enjoyed this one a LOT, and I look forward to spinning it multiple times to come, and checking out their other album.
Stand Out Tracks: Between The Sheets, Castle Bound, Dublin Waltz, O Brother, Island City, Metropolis, In This Legacy, Just In Time

Wolves At The Gate- Types and Shadows

WOLVES!!1!11!

Seriously though, Wolves At the Gate is a band I was familiar with..kind of. @Davjs had attempted to get me to listen to them multiple times prior to this in our numerous discussions of music (Which originated from the release of Story Of The Year's Wolves). I knew as soon as I hit play on this one I was going to like it. 'Asleep', the opening track on this album, was this anthemic banger of a track that just sucked me right into the sound of this band immediately, I was fully on board with this album the moment I heard its anthemic and melodic chorus, the echoed calling bridge, the roaring guitar, and the catchy lyrics. This album kicks, and it encompasses sounds from the rock, metal, and hardcore genres; very skillfully at that. The album itself works as a concept album, with each song supposed to be a story of human emotion and folly within the human species. The songs on their own work with their own merits, but when keeping that in mind on subsequent listens and trying to piece together the full messages of these songs, it just enhanced the experience. Each song is a personal account from the character it focuses on, and some of them are just emotionally gripping.

Musically this album spans from melodic and beautiful, to straight up dark and heavy. This is the same for the vocals and lyrics; ranging from beautiful and gripping to dark and powerful. The guitars, drums, and bass on this album are actually quite subdued for this genre, and yet they work so well that you have to appreciate the chops these guys have for this. Its simplistic, yet diverse. Its in the background, yet carries the songs in numerous places. There is an anger and intensity to these songs that you literally can feel the energy the band put into the album as a whole. There is a dynamic to the music that cannot be ignored. 'Anthema' is a great example of this sheer, raw aggression and energy this band has. The screamed vocals are some of the most powerful yet catchy I have heard in this type of music. The intro to 'Fountain' is slow and soft to start, slowly building up with a quick pace behind soft lyrics for the first minute or so, before becoming this rollercoaster of slow and subdued moments and escalating and building into energetic glory. This was one of my favorite songs on the album by far, just for how skillfully this was executed. The two sounds, subdued and melodic as well as the sheer aggression, mix together on multiple instances, and when they do its glorious. 'Broken Bones' has these melodic and soft verses, and this head banging and aggressive chorus supported by these shredding guitar riffs that are an absolute catching sound. 'Hindsight' is a lyrically powerful song late in the album. Some of these songs lyrically deal with the human condition of needing religion and their failures, and this one is one of them. This one is from the POV of Peter the Apostle, as he speaks of the highs and lows of following Christ around in his works. Even ignoring the religious tones, this song works wonders lyrically on its own. I always respect a song more that can be viewed in either light; the religious and non religious are not off put by the tones of the song this way and everyone can enjoy it.

If I had to make any complaints of the album, it would be that the album eventually runs a little long. Its a 50 minute run time, and while I have heard longer albums that I love, this one seems to eventually get to the point that I feel like its been playing longer than it has. That is not to knock the album at all, the majority of these songs are top notch. There are one or two that I could cut if I had to, but since I got them all I won't complain as neither is abhorrently 'bad'. This is a good album, and one that has some great sonically impressive moments and some great lyrics to it. I recommend this album, and Chase is batting 1000 when it comes to recommending me things. Good job!
Stand out songs: Asleep, War In The Time Of Peace, Anathema, Fountain, Weary Ground, Broken Bones, Hindsight

 

Here is one of three from @edisnfg !

We Were Sharks- Lost Touch

I had never heard of this band before, and its because this is their debut album that came out this year. I had no idea what to expect going into this. All I could find online about them was that they were from Canada, and that they are a sextet. What I experienced when I dove in was something very cool, an up beat poppy pop punk bliss that emulated bands like New Found Glory and Hit The Lights. Its a quick listen of an album, only spanning 28 minutes. At 10 songs, what you get in that fast run time is some very catchy hooks and fun pop punk songs. These guys know how to write melodic and fun, catchy hooks; and its extremely impressive for their first outing with a full length album. They had some EPs before this, but this is the first LP (unfortunate its on Victory Records) and its done really well. The production on this album is exceptional, and each instrument has its role to play. The guitars are bright and fun, the bass sounds great and even has a few stand out moments, and the drums roll along smoothly. From the first few notes of the album, I knew this was right within my wheel house.

The opening track is a dang catchy song that I found myself replaying often. 'Beyond Repair' is filled with poppy hooks, a great chorus, and a nice guitar line. It does a good job of hooking new listeners into the album and catching your attention. 'Drop The Act' opens with a great bass line, and contains some powerful lyrics about relationships turning sour and the finality of them, and that at the end of the day the other should drop the act; the character in the song knows that they have been up to no good the night prior and that they are not fooled. Its a fun, easy relatable song, and its super catchy. The chorus alone will have you singing along before the end of your first listen. 'Hotel Beds' and 'Late Bloomer' are huge standouts of the album, with some of the more firey sounds of the album. The latter especially is the most 'aggressive' the band gets; which isn't much but its just the right level to be a more fast paced and still melodic and catchy sound for them. The guitars in the chorus have an amazing riff to them that is just great. Lyrically, its easy to tell that this band is in their comfort zone with songs about love and relationships. Nothing new for this genre of music, but these guys do a good job of touching on those subjects throughout the album's tracklist. Another thing worth noting on here is that these guys know their harmonies, and they use them effectively with a lot of energy on each song. 'Sober' starts out with this cool distorted, muffled and distant vocal before the song kicks in to pop punk bliss, with one of the more fun songs on the album, and its a good 1-2 punch with my favorite song on the album; 'Never Looked Better'. This one is a fun, rampant and fast paced song and probably one of the better sounding songs on the album. The guitars, the drums, the vocals; all of them sound great on this song touching on love, and the chorus to this song is the catchiest moment of the album that had me singing along with it long after I had finished listening to the album.

If you are a pop punk fan, and you like bands like NFG, Four Year Strong, State Champs and the like, this album will be right up your alley. Its a fun album, very melodic and very catchy. I found myself listening to this one on many repeated listens while I did things around the house, and it made the time fly by. Its a good release, and I am curious to see where this band goes from here; I think they have potential for some great success coming for them if they keep this up and advance their sound. This first LP is a good one for them, and they have a future if they play it right.
Stand out tracks: Beyond Repair, Drop The Act, Hotel Beds, Late Bloomer, Sober, Never Looked Better, July

 

Nice to see Monty Are I get some love. That's a great album and the follow up was excellent as well.

 

Awesome review! glad you dug this!

 

I would like to introduce our newest member: @ineverlose to the CMCS.

They will be exchanging with me this week and then they will be added to to the group for our next pairing.

They will be listening to:
Heavy Things: Glimpse

I will be listening to:
Steve Moakler: Born Ready

 

Welcome to the best place on chorus, @ineverlose !

 

Moakleeeer

Love that guy. Really need to get around to that new album

 

I have spun it twice so far and it is fantastic!

 

Yaaaaayyyyyy!!!

 

Agreed 100%

 

Here's my first swap of the group, from @Anthony Brooks

Gates - Parallel Lives



I had never heard of New Jersey post-rock band Gates, but I enjoyed having Parallel Lives as my backdrop for much of the last week. The album is a smooth, atmospheric listen. The band doesn't reach for catchy hooks, but the instrumentation and vocals are captivating and dynamic as you listen through the 11-track LP. "Forget" opens up with vocalist Kevin Dye longing, "we will always be intertwined," the song's one of connection in separation - how memories can link us to someone forever. That theme's central to the album, and the cool, airy aesthetic of the song drew me in instantly. Gates pushes forward with "Habits" - an ascending track that really hones on the mood of the album lyrically, but musically it stands a bit overshadowed.

"Eyes" strikes a darker, haunting mood at the open, and includes a step aside from the vocals for some well-placed instrumentation. Riding the high, you jump right into "Shiver" - an early-listen favorite of mine that fits the bill as one of the catchiest tracks on the album. Gates feels somehow overtly-modern while timeless in this song - the atmospheric energy feels very current, but the bones of this song could thrive in 90's rock radio. Dye softens the tone for "House & Home," a song with a self-contained narrative of losing what you dream for and never knowing what could have been. The themes on Parallel Lives are pretty universal, but the album does an effective job bringing new colors to each track so they support and build upon one another.

"Empty Canvas" bridges the album at its midpoint, serving more as transitional than memorable. The best finds of the album are the two tracks that follow. "Color Worn" is a sprawling 5:27 track that ebbs and flows, showcasing the group's range - a highlight of the album. My favorite track follows: "Fade." The track slows things down again, to great effect. Dye's voice flourishes over a simple, guitar-driven backdrop. The simplistic arrangement is mesmerizing, but even more-so because of the skillful imagery in the song's lyrics. Again, the theme of love lost holds heavy: "So our bodies wilt away / and our flush skin dulls to grey / and I wish I hadn't left our love to fade." This track seems to capture the bittersweet sentiment of the album best.

We don't stay down for long. "Penny" picks up the tempo with another track verging on the mainstream in an album that doesn't seem interested crafting songs to sing along to at first listen. And we don't stay up for long. "Left Behind" follows with some bleak perspective: "Love is but a pain that only we assign / And even in a perfect life, we still die / We don’t ascend to the sky / We don’t float toward the light." The end result isn't warm, but it's a captivating listen - with great ups, downs, builds and falls that flesh this out as another of the better stand-alone tracks. The album closes with the title track, "Parallel Lives" - a layered, escalating track that feels a fitting bookend for what it follows.


TL;DR - This is well worth a listen if you enjoy alt rock with a layered, atmospheric feel. The album may take a few listens to stick, but it's got some great depth - a lot of variety within and across each song.

Top tracks - Fade, Color Warn, Left Behind, Parallel Lives


My attempts to be brief didn't go as well as I'd hoped... thanks for the listen @Anthony Brooks !

 

Excellent first go at this! Great review

 

Excellent review! Glad you like it. I actually heard Gates for the first time opening for Thrice in 2016 and I’ve been obsessed with this album ever since. I’ll type up my thing for Mt Joy tomorrow!