Been spending a lot of time with this album (the short length helps) and it's such a perfect return for them, gives us some of that nostalgic pop-punk that they're so good at, touches on their evolved sound of the last few albums, and hints at the future a bit too. Crazy feat to pull off with such a brief runtime but they really pull it off, I think Travis and his drumming/production touches are perfect for them Top three songs I think are Skin Scraped, honestly i and Bedroom Posters
yeah, I've always found it weird to read negative takes on that album. I found it a sad album because they were breaking up, but every track is a banger. Rest in Peace and Fields & Fences are like...two of YC's greatest songs.
I have no complaints about this album, it is very well produced and fun, but a lot of it just doesn't stick with me personally. I really like Better Days, Bedroom Posters and Big Blue Eyes.
"Fields & Fences" is one of the great "last songs on last albums" that is no longer on a last album. This list also includes The Gaslight Anthem's "Dark Places," Motion City Soundtrack's "Days will Run Away," Marvelous 3's "Cigarette Lighter Love Song," and now, The Format's "If Work Permits." I made a whole playlist of these a few years ago, called "Famous Last Words," and it has been totally fucked by all these comebacks. (Not that I'm complaining.)
yeah, listening to Fields & Fences now is surreal. for so long it was such a sad, beautiful listen. the meaning feels very different now haha
Ordered handwritten lyrics for honestly i. Thanks for opening this back up @williamryankey ! Just became a dad myself and this song is incredibly meaningful right now.
Have listened to this a lot more over the last few days and really enjoying it. City of Angels was an instant No for me but I’ve come to appreciate that song. Liked Barely Alive from the start but man that song is great. The verses remind me a lot of No Heart to Speak Of. Intro and riff of Skin Scraped sounds like Box Car Racer, specifically I Feel So (compliment), and the guitars in the verses sound like something Tom wrote (also a compliment). Lot of influence from the Blink universe on this album overall, imo. My only complaint is I just wish there were a couple more songs because this album is very easy to fly through.
If we were to headline next year and play 2 new songs that aren’t Better Days or Bedroom Posters what would you pick? Going to tally the results haha.
Love Letters Lost - would be a great ripper that keeps the energy high in the setlist Skin Scraped - would be a set highlight to hear Sean do the violins during the bridge, maybe even an extended version w/ a solo (City of Angels in the preshow setlist or transition/interlude)