Alexisonfire – Old Crows/Young Cardinals

mark — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:51:34 +0000

Hailing from St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, 5 piece post-hardcore/screamo artists Alexisonfire continue to depart from their original sound on this fourth studio effort. The original scream-sing combination of George Pettit and Dallas Green has somewhat deteriorated on this album, with George taking on more of a singing role (probably the albums biggest downfall) in an effort to shed their screamo designation. Dallas’ powerful melodic and harmonizing vocals however remain quite prominant, and more than makeup for the difference. Also, there are a number of drum beats that stand out on this album, allowing new drummer, Jordan Hastings, to show off his vast improvements since the last album. Stylistically, the album has a similar musical feel to their last release, Crisis, with the majority of songs having a straight up in your face rock groove. The songs “Sons of Privilege” and “Heading for the Sun” are prime examples of this. However, there are a few songs that the band took a few more liberties with, such as the slow grinding “The Northern” as well as the almost bluesy “Burial”. With the relatively weak first single entitled “Young Cardinals”, the rest of the album is a pleasant surprise of great musical talent demonstrating evolution.

Notable Songs: Old Crows, Sons of Privilege, Emerald Street

Rating: 3 arbitrary points out of 5

A Day To Remember – Homesick

mark — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:50:39 +0000

This post-hardcore band from Ocala, Florida have put forth a serious ass-kicking effort on their third studio album “Homesick”. The lyrical content of the album seemingly focuses on homesickness while on the road, as well as the trials, tribulations, and subsequent success that the band has encompassed while touring in the past year. The lyrics may not be the momumental, emotional epic some may look for, but they do have a definite uplifting quality showing hope for the future. Jeremy McKinnon brings the band’s lyrics alive with intermittently harsh, angry grunts along with unique, harmonizing, pop-punk choruses. In between a number of songs feature anthemic gang vocals loud enough to rock a stadium or two. Meanwhile, the album’s instrumentation rings with elements of pop-punk, hardcore, and almost melodic metalcore. Neil Westfall and Tom Denney tear threw the air with powerful guitar riffs, played over the thunderous drum pounding and bass thrashing of Alex Shellnutt and Josh Woodard. To round out the album, there are a number of special guest vocalists. These include Mike Hranica, of The Devil Wears Prada, on “I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?”, Vincent Bennett, of The Acacia Strain, on “Welcome to the Family”, and the most notable appearance of the beautiful Sierra Kusterbeck, of VersaEmerge, on “If It Means A Lot To You”. “Homesick” is a definite continuation of where ADTR left off after “For Those Who Have Heart”, and is definitely a great addition to anyone’s post-hardcore collection!

Notable Songs: The Downfall of Us All, Have Faith In Me, If It Means A Lot To You

Rating: 5 arbitrary points out of 5

Mark's Music » Post-Hardcore

Alexisonfire – Old Crows/Young Cardinals

A Day To Remember – Homesick