''What New The Mysterious Is This?'' - Music Chat Thread [Archived] • Page 1079

bradsonemanband · Mar 22, 2018

Nate_Johnson said:

I was given the pleasure of reviewing the album:

20storiesfalling: Existence

Which includes our very own @CSWAPPO and @bradsonemanband

Music has such a powerful effect on all of us, whether it's the ability to elicit emotions, get us through a stressful situation or bring us back to a place in time when we first heard of a band, a song or went to a show. From the moment I hit play I was instantly transported back in time to when I first got into the scene and heard albums by Armor for Sleep, Thrice, Matchbook Romance, Hidden in Plain View and Dredg. 20storiesfalling has done something incredible and have not only recreated what those bands paved for future bands like themselves, they have also cemented their place among those bands.

The production on the album is incredible with the use of it's atmosphere and ambience and brings to mind the aforementioned Dredg. They did this utilizing the talent of Randy Cordner to find the passion and drive within themselves. The album will leave you emotionally exhausted yet inspired and ready to conquer to the world.

Carlton and Brad have been amazing in sharing a lot of what was put into this album, lyrically, musically and production wise. Every instrument can be heard so clearly and each one of them is the given the chance to showcase their talents. Carltons vocals are front and center and I jokingly compared him Andrew Jordan of Matchbook Romance and he said that they draw a lot of inspiration from the band and their producer pushed them in that direction sound wise. When he yells, I even went to so far as to compare him to Dustin Kensrue, which I still believe is true. Brad had even mentioned that Armor for Sleep's, What To Do When You are Dead, really inspired them as well and the whole time I was listening I kept nodding my head in agreement.

I won't go through the album track by track because I think this is an album that deserves everyone's attention and I don't want to spoil it for those that haven't listened. I will pick a handful of songs that I personally love the most. As I said before, Brad and Carlton were amazing in talking about the writing process in this record: their inspirations, favorite songs, and even the meaning behind the songs.

Coming into Focus, the intro instrumental song, instantly made me stop what I was doing and I knew from that moment this record was special. They shared with me that it is the automation of the EQ and produces this very surreal, floating ambience and leads directly into:

Yeah, You're Right, that immediately comes in with this Dredg like atmosphere and shows so much restraint on the bands part, allowing the lyrics to speak for themselves. Carlton had shared with me that this is one of those songs that can be open to so much interpretation but to him it meant questioning the existence of God and also, as a band, having to prove yourself to people that have no idea who you are and what you sound like. The echoing vocal effect on the final words give you goosebumps:

"There is no one out there
And this doesn't even matter
anymore?"

I love how the last two minutes or so of the song bring back in that ambience and just feel like floating in clouds.

Skeletons is a straight up rocker and instantly reminds me of Armor For Sleep with the guitar riffs, catchy lyrics and backup vocals. We even get a little rage from Carlton! Lyrically, it's about calling someone out who uses other people as camouflage to get what they want. Something I think that resonates with a lot of us.

"Cause i can only bite my tongue for so long,
And i can't say it like i do in this song,
Everything you promised us was all wrong,

Underneath your big disguise there's evidence and alibis,
Pull the trigger on me,
You choose the fate of us all and where you wanted to be"

The Other Side of This is amazing with how stripped down it is. I love the acoustic style of the guitar and when the band comes in around the two minute mark, it is just breathtaking. The ambience comes in again and the backing vocals are just jaw dropping. This song shows the beauty in simplicity. Lyrically, it about the thought of almost losing a loved one. More importantly, trying to focus on the end goal, rather than the current state of trauma you're experiencing.

"We're Gonna Get Out On The Other Side Of This,
We're Gonna Grab A Drink And Try And Reminisce,
We're Gonna Find Our Way Our Way Out Of This Darkness,
We're Gonna Call Our Friends And Apologize For This,
We're Gonna Let Go OF All Our Bitterness."

At the end of the day, forget all the petty things, life is not worth dwelling on the insignificant things that don't really matter.

Title track, Existence, is another track that really spoke to me in so many ways and instantly remind me of Armor for Sleep and the Thrice like breakdown at the 1:30 minute mark is amazing. I love the effect on the guitar to make it sound so huge and atmospheric. Lyrically, this album hit close to home with a loved one being diagnosed with a life threatening disease and the questioning of why does this person get news so devastating while another does not. I have been pretty open about the fact that at 10 years of age I was diagnosed with leukemia and having survived it, I live everyday thankful for everything. Having a son and another baby on the way, I hope I can impress upon them the fact of living everyday to it's fullest and treating others like you would want to be treated.

"What is my purpose here?,
And where do i fit into all of this?,
Why do I feel worthless here?,
Is there anyone listening?,

I'm lost in everything,
As I have been suffering,
My world's been crumbling,
And all that is comforting,
Is consistently smothering,
I am broken and stuttering."

The last song I want to touch on is, CoCo. I find myself tearing up as I write this because it speaks of losing the person mentioned in Existence. To lose someone who has not experienced all this life has to offer and who didn't even reach their first birthday is heartbreaking. The band tried their best to mimic that chaos that was ensuing in the room as this person passed away. As someone who works in an intensive care unit, I know exactly how this feels. The use of the drums to recreate the slowing heartbeat is so brilliant and so impactful.

"While my agonizing selfish thoughts rendered me totally lifeless.
Our hearts were shattered as you begin to drift off into the brightness..."

"...I was tired and couldn't hold on for that long
And I was so strong for so long
I proved you all wrong..."

I will leave the rest of the album for everyone to check out.
Once again, I feel so lucky to have been able to review this and I can't thank Brad and Carlton enough for giving so much insight into the making of this incredible record.

holy shit! THANK YOU!!! like, so so so much!

Nate_Johnson · Mar 22, 2018

bradsonemanband said:

holy shit! THANK YOU!!! like, so so so much!

No problem. Good work. I messaged @JediMasterKevo182 when i was listening to CoCo and told him I was legit crying. Real men cry right?! Haha!

Colin Your Enthusiasm · Mar 22, 2018

Crazy that we are nearing another new thread already. Still feels like this one is so new.

Dog with a Blog · Mar 22, 2018

Colin Your Enthusiasm said:

Crazy that we are nearing another new thread already. Still feels like this one is so new.

Our little baby is growin up

Colin Your Enthusiasm · Mar 22, 2018

Next one could be What New @The Mysterious Wifey is this?

Colin Your Enthusiasm · Mar 22, 2018

Could be a nice sequel to this one lol

Dog with a Blog · Mar 22, 2018

I get out of class at 12:15 and then I have a midterm at 2 for a class I haven’t done any of the reading for. Last week we had a quiz in this class and I guessed on literally every question and I got an A so I’m hoping luck will be on my side again lol

CSWAPPO · Mar 22, 2018

Nate_Johnson said:

No problem. Good work. I messaged @JediMasterKevo182 when i was listening to CoCo and told him I was legit crying. Real men cry right?! Haha!

WOW! I cry everytime I listen to that damn song!

Nate_Johnson · Mar 22, 2018

CSWAPPO said:

WOW! I cry everytime I listen to that damn song!

Do you play it live much?

Colin Your Enthusiasm · Mar 22, 2018

Anyone need a rec from ColinTheRecommender?

littlejohn · Mar 22, 2018

The Mysterious said:

If my brothers are telling the truth, on this very day 20 years ago, the previously discontinued McChicken sandwich made its triumphant return to the McDonald’s menu after a rapidly-spread petition demanded it be made a permanent addition. Purchase one in it's honor?

Went to BWW

Had tenders (honey BBQ) and potato wedges.

Have a ton of gift cards for there still.

Larry David · Mar 22, 2018

This place is literally a block away from my house. Now I know where @Dog with a Blog is talking about when he talks about studying and having tests.

Dog with a Blog · Mar 22, 2018

Larry David said:

This place is literally a block away from my house. Now I know where @Dog with a Blog is talking about when he talks about studying and having tests.

View attachment 15534

This is just where I went for undergrad. It wasn’t long before I surpassed my teachers in intelligence. Keep in mind I have a Phd in psychology and am just going to school for a postdoctoral

Mr. Serotonin · Mar 22, 2018

Dog with a Blog said:

This is just where I went for undergrad. It wasn’t long before I surpassed my teachers in intelligence. Keep in mind I have a Phd in psychology and am just going to school for a postdoctoral

Those postdoctoral community comedy classes. Whadda grind.

The Mysterious · Mar 22, 2018

littlejohn said:

Went to BWW

Had tenders (honey BBQ) and potato wedges.

Have a ton of gift cards for there still.

What's your favorite wing flavor? Do you ever get weird with it?

Larry David · Mar 22, 2018

littlejohn said:

Went to BWW

Had tenders (honey BBQ) and potato wedges.

Have a ton of gift cards for there still.

Of course @Mr. Serotonin was the first one to like this haha

Colin Your Enthusiasm · Mar 22, 2018

This thread is gold. Solid gold.

Colin Your Enthusiasm · Mar 22, 2018

Speaking of SOLID GOLD. Reference at the beginning.

AWESOME SONG AND VIDEO

CSWAPPO · Mar 22, 2018

Nate_Johnson said:

Do you play it live much?

We play it somewhat often! It’s hard to play it sometimes cause it’s just sooo sad... When we do play it, we go all out on it. There always an awkward silence umongst all of us and the crowd cause it really brings out emotions

Kingjohn_654 · Mar 22, 2018

Our dear friend @bradsonemanband is in the spotlight in the AMA thread today. Lets show him some love.

BTDandFeelingThis · Mar 22, 2018

Dog with a Blog said:

This is just where I went for undergrad. It wasn’t long before I surpassed my teachers in intelligence. Keep in mind I have a Phd in psychology and am just going to school for a postdoctoral

Saving this post to show the future Mrs. James if given the opportunity

bachna84 · Mar 22, 2018

Kingjohn_654 said:

Our dear friend @bradsonemanband is in the spotlight in the AMA thread today. Lets show him some love.

Is this your new shtick?

Dog with a Blog · Mar 22, 2018

JediMasterKevo182 said:

Saving this post to show the future Mrs. James if given the opportunity

littlejohn · Mar 22, 2018

The Mysterious said:

What's your favorite wing flavor? Do you ever get weird with it?

honey bbq, sometimes mild with a side of hot to dip them in, but hot is too hot to get them spun in that.

I don't get weird with it. I know @Mr. Serotonin does though.

Mr. Serotonin · Mar 22, 2018

littlejohn said:

honey bbq, sometimes mild with a side of hot to dip them in, but hot is too hot to get them spun in that.

I don't get weird with it. I know @Mr. Serotonin does though.

I get straight wild boiiii

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