The Front Bottoms - Going Grey (October 13, 2017) Album • Page 19

I liked this on first listen but honestly haven't gotten through it the couple times I've tried since.

 

It’s just not grabbing me. I don’t think the melodies are very engaging and gripping, and the production is holding it back. Everything sounds too compressed and polished to me. I like this band the most when they have some bite, and I feel like they lost it on this album for the most part. It’s not a bad album, but it’s not what I was hoping for after hearing the first two singles. It’s just sort of missing something.

 

Yeah after initially enjoying it I haven't come back to it.

 

I just think this is lacking in ideas or good melodies. I think the best songs on this album would be the worst on the last album, and in the bottom 2/3 of Talon.

 

I think the highs on this album are way better than the last, but BOT is maybe a little more consistent. I think both are fantastic though, can’t imagine myself not loving anything this band does at this point.

 

I honestly love this record, its really fun and energetic from start to finish.

 

I like the album but I agree with this fully, the compression is really distracting. Back On Top sounds a lot better.

 

I get some MCR Danger Days/Gerard Way vibes from Everyone But You, with a little Jimmy Eat World on the pre chorus.
Far Drive sorta reminds me if TFB and Wavves did a collab

 

Definitely agree with everyone that the melodies just aren't there this time around.

 

i completely disagree with that

 

I feel like some of these songs would fare better with a different vocalist. Brian’s voice works much better for uptempo higher energy songs and there aren’t a ton of those here. I find his voice is grating on me a lot more than past albums.

 

I actually had thought something along these lines while listening, that his vocals are harsher on this album, but yeah I think you are right about it being due to the juxtaposition of the music being chiller or something

 

I guess I'm an odd man out on this. I love the album, after initially feeling pretty meh on it. When I first listened to it, I wasn't too into it, but the more I listen to it, the more I find about it that I love. This album is definitely way more chilled out, compared to their last few releases. I would even describe it as "effortless." Like, this album didn't see the band trying as hard as they have in the past, but in my opinion, it works better that way. It totally works. Maybe that's a negative for some people, but it really feels like the whole band tried less hard to be catchy this time around and instead produced hooks equally catchy, but way less immediate. Hooks that that you have to work for, rather than instant ear-worms.

Also, lyrically, this album is stupidly honest. There's a few moments where I could've done with less info, but instead had Brian giving me graphic details (I forget the main examples, but can think of the choking lyrics from Trampoline), and I feel like this gives the album a very earnest feel that makes me wanna love it more and further makes me suspect that even the outlandish lyrics come from a place of honesty and sincerity.

Can't think of too many other specifics right now, since I may have been drinking, but this album has grown on me hardcore and I like it a lot more than BOT, which I really loved upon release (especially after being very meh on TOTH). That's where I'm at.

TLDR: didn't like at first, now I love it. Melodies are less obvious, but stick with me after repeated listens. Lyrics are honest. Like it more than BOT.

 

I would’ve been disappointed in this album had they described it as being in the same vein of BoT, but I think they executed perfectly what they were going for. It’s a lot more chill and relaxed, and a feel good record. It’s content. I also think The title Going Grey fits this album perfectly, as someone in the latter half of my 20’s, this album is one I didn’t know I needed until i listened.

IMO, musicians are artists the same way a director is. Some want to try doing different genres/telling different stories, but for some reason musicians are more vulnerable to criticism than when a director tries something new.

 

I really didn't like this on my first listen, but I'm coming around and am starting to really enjoy it

 

Amazing how polarizing this album has become. I think it's easily one of the strongest of the year. Extremely catchy and easy to throw on and listen front-to-back and lose track of time. Love it.

 

Looks like there’s 2 short little bonus tracks on the vinyl:

 

fun little songs, would quite like having them in HQ

 

The Front Bottoms Setlist at House of Blues, Boston

First night set, ciaran def isn’t in the band

 

That’s a great set, nice mix of everything there. Hope they don’t lose Swimming Pool as a set staple though. I’d trade maps for that any day.

 

Swap Twin Size Matress and Ocean and that's a very solid set. I definitely wouldn't want them to end the night the way they are ending it

 

That's a very good set list.

 

That setlist is amazing

Ciaran wasn’t part of the band when I saw them unplugged last week, so that doesn’t surprise me.

 

i just miss drew :(

 

Drew is who made me fall in love with them in the first place. His energy cannot be matched.