As Cities Burn - Hell or High Water

[Drew Beringer]

As Cities Burn – Hell or High Water
Release Date: April 21, 2009
Record Label: Tooth & Nail

When creating music, or any kind of art, it is essential to try new things, push your boundaries, expand, and learn. Very few bands within the scene have evolved and challenged their creativity as much as As Cities Burn. The Louisiana quartet has transitioned from screaming and a metalcore vibe into a brooding sound that borders on sharp, driving guitar parts and emotionally heavy vocals.

The band almost didn’t even make it to this point. After the release of 2005’s Son, I Love You At Your Darkest, the band was all set to break up. But an outpouring of love and support from their fans convinced the band to stay together. After original vocalst T.J. Bonnette left the band for personal reasons, and guitarist Cody Bonnette took over vocal duties. They released Come Now, Sleep in 2007, which was a complete departure for the debut. Gone was the screaming and punishing guitars, replaced by clean vocals and an atmospheric vibe. Now, without all these trials and tribulations, the band’s third album, Hell or High Water, might have been a completely different album.

Continuing on the path Come Now, Sleep started, Hell or High Water offers a variety of paces, dynamics, and moods. “84’ Sheepdog” starts with driving guitars as Bonnette exclaims, “They fixed your brain when you were young!” With the uptempo pace set by drummer Aaron Lunsford and some guest screaming from T.J. Bonnette, the song is an energetic charger that sets the tone. “Into The Sea” flows in the vein of Come Now, Sleep, as Bonnette’s vocals really carry the song.

With a chunky bass line from Colin Kimble and a steady drumbeat, the stunning “Made Too Pretty” will become a fan favorite. Bonnette’s vocals are powerful, and are complimented by the guitar riff that periodically pops in during the track. The six-minute “Lady Blue” sludges along with a lonely guitar riff, group vocals, and what sounds like chains hitting a wooden floor, and then inexplicably transitions into an upbeat, guitar-driven track. “Petty” features a vibrant bass line and hard-hitting chorus that incorporates some Shakespeare.

“Capover” brings out a dance/Jonezetta vibe, and while as an individual track it is pretty good, within the context of the album it stands out as the weird uncle. But album closer “Gates” makes up for any misstep the previous track may have accounted for. “Gates” is the sum of all the parts that make As Cities Burn so appealing. It’s dark, menacing, and hauntingly beautiful. The track continues to build and build until it reaches the climax of crashing guitars and drum cymbals, as well as T.J. Bonnette (appearing once again) lending his empathetic howl. When “Gates” finally finishes, you’ll have chills and your finger will automatically hit “play” again.

My first impression after hearing Hell or High Water a few weeks ago was that it was good. Since then, that “good” has progressed to “great,” as Hell or High Water is As Cities Burn’s best album. There isn’t a dull moment, whether it’s the album pulling you in with its dreamy dynamics or kicking you in the gluteus maximus. With rumors swirling around that the band may be finished once again, it’s time to cherish what this group of four guys has created. If Hell or High Water really is As Cities Burn last hurrah, then what a triumphant one it is.

Track Listing:
1. 84’ Sheepdog
2. Errand Rum
3. Into The Sea
4. Made Too Pretty
5. Lady Blue
6. Petty
7. Daughter
8. Pirate Blues
9. Capover
10. Gates
Produced by: Cody Bonnette and Tyler Orr

As Cities Burn is
Cody Bonnette – vocals/guitar
Colin Kimble – bass
Chris Lott – guitar
Aaron Lunsford – drums

Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ascitiesburn); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/ascitiesburn)

[Nobodyhearsyou]

Good review. Now where the hell can I download it??

[...generic...]

I'm excited for this...and I miss seeing you! Take care sir!

[bassdrummer2333]

I want this so bad right now, I want to hear the mastered version of Gates.

[ryangraham]

Basically a copy, cut and paste of other reviews online.
Nothing could make me want this more than I already do.

[batmannj]

Good review. Now where the hell can I download it??
you can get it here: http://www.zambooie.com/toothandnail/detail.tpl?sku=TNDCOMBO34912

Excellent review Drew. I am excited for this record.

[zubinmoosa]

Awesome review.

[Kbm600]

Basically a copy, cut and paste of other reviews online.
Nothing could make me want this more than I already do.
I'm sure you're much more talented.


Sounds like a great CD, I'm glad to hear it might be their best. Come Now, Sleep was hard to get into, I'll try again after trying out this one.

[Klatzke]

No more riyls? And solid review, but I'm terribly unable to get into this band anymore.

[Drew Beringer]

No more riyls? And solid review, but I'm terribly unable to get into this band anymore.
I think Brand New fans will really dig this.

[iAMhollyood315]

funny how different it is from their debut, however i really like the guitar work these guys have on all the records

[hailthewarrior]

I really really really need to hear this.

[denissuxx]

I think Brand New fans will really dig this.
Will. Check. Out.

[tvaJeff]

I could not be more excited for this. Picking a favorite between Come Now Sleep and Son has been impossible, so hopefully this will take the cake.

[awakeohsleeper]

Great review. I cannot wait till this comes through my door.

[Nick Le]

Great review. I'm so excited for my preorder to come now, looks I'm really going to love it.

If Hell or High Water really is As Cities Burn last hurrah, then what a triumphant one it is.

Yes! As sad as I'd be, this is great to read.

[trappedintime]

Fuck, I should've pre-ordered. I'll pick this up first day it comes out though. I'm glad Gates made it into the record.

[FaceLixeMurder]

I am very excited for this, definitely one of my most anticipated

[Bruycker]

Good review, sums up what I heard about it, but yet some new information

but wow I knew you liked it, but not that much...
As a big fan I'm really anticipating this release...
I really really hope that I'll like it

[superBMRuth]

you can get it here: http://www.zambooie.com/toothandnail/detail.tpl?sku=TNDCOMBO34912

Excellent review Drew. I am excited for this record.
ftw. this is most definitely an album TO BUY.

[StartAngry&Mad]

I'd totally forgotten about this album being on the way and I couldn't be more stoked
Never really got in Son.. even though I loved everything like it at the time, but Come Now Sleep blew me away and still captivates me whenever I give it a listen

[drudo182]

Good review. Now where the hell can I download it??
You're dumb.

Can't wait for Tuesday.

[drudo182]

No more riyls? And solid review, but I'm terribly unable to get into this band anymore.
RIYL:
- As Cities Burn

[Aziraphale]

I have never been interested in this band, and not because I dislike their music, I simply have never listened to anything they have done before today. I had noticed plenty of hype and general appreciation for them through my internet travels, but what I read never caught my attention enough to make me listen to them.

This all changed when i read this review. I just finished reading, clicked the link to their myspace page and have listened to 3 songs off the album. I have listened to enough music in my day to be able to identify this as something worth listening to. And this is coming from someone who has never listened to the band before except for three songs off of this new album.

Anyone can see by my post count (8 posts in almost a year) that, I rarely have anything I want to share on this site (I'm more of an observer), so for me to actually post about this should be an indication of it's worth.

[TK Charger]

you can get it here: http://www.zambooie.com/toothandnail/detail.tpl?sku=TNDCOMBO34912

Excellent review Drew. I am excited for this record.
lol nice 1

[yoyostring]

very excited to hear this!!

[ryangraham]

Okay.
I guess I didn't give the review as much credit as I should have.
It's a good piece of work, and I think I'm just jealous that you've heard the album before all of us.
Haha.
But I wouldn't exactly suggest pre-ordering, though I do plan on BUYING this album.
Last time I pre-ordered from Zambooie, my disc got here THREE DAYS LATE.
I was anticipating an early arrival, but nope.

Also, I am very surprised this hasn't leaked, though I'm not sure I could say that I'd download it if it had.

[knowthisx]

I think Brand New fans will really dig this.
One of my favorite reviews from you, save for some grammatical errors.
I immediately went and listened to Gates after reading that paragraph.
Great job.

[Drew Beringer]

Great review. I'm so excited for my preorder to come now, looks I'm really going to love it.



Yes! As sad as I'd be, this is great to read.
you're going to hate me but I just got the new Chariot. haha

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I can't wait until tuesday.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

the last album meant so much to me, i really hope this one is good.

[branchesofpaper]

I can't wait!

it really makes me sad though that I won't get to hear these songs live :(

hopefully Cody will go solo? that would make my life.

[Jamos4184]

Tuesday can't come soon enough. I hope these guys don't call it quits (again). Nicest dudes. Chris traded an ACB shirt to my friend for his Radiohead shirt at Purple Door a few years ago, it was pretty funny.

[HometownHero]

Good review. Now where the hell can I download it??
At a record store you can buy it. The day it comes out. Im so stoked on this.

[laurenleif]

cannot wait for this.

[xJesusFreakx]

After original vocalst T.J. Bonnette left the band for personal reasons, and guitarist Cody Bonnette took over vocal duties. They released Come Now, Sleep in 2007, which was a complete departure for the debut.

(This is from the second paragraph.) That first sentence is a fragment. I assume it was meant to be part of the next sentence. I hate to be the grammar police, lol, but thought I'd point that out, if you want to fix it.

Oh, and I'm so pumped for this album that I don't believe it can possibly live up to my expectations. This is my second most anticipated album of 2009, after Brand New. I like what I've heard, but I'm still half excited and half worried. Your (good) review seems to have stifled some of my worries. I guess I'll see on Tuesday.

[3eb23]

Love this band. Stoked for Tuesday.

[Garrett Holmes]

this album will be enjoyed by many

[Cheesus]

Good review, Drew. Makes me even more stoked for release day.



Good review. Now where the hell can I download it??

no.

You're dumb.

Can't wait for Tuesday.

lol, this.

[jfspinner88]

you're going to hate me but I just got the new Chariot. haha
YO NICE

[michaelk08]

I think Brand New fans will really dig this.
sold.

[jfspinner88]

this album will be enjoyed by many
How's the Fear of God coming?

[Bloodsucker II]

Wow, great review! I'm so stoked for this, I can't wait till tuesday!!

I pray my pre-order comes in on time!

[batmannj]

you're going to hate me but I just got the new Chariot. haha
lucky lol. I know you just got it, but do you have any first impressions on it yet?

[sidekicksuicide]

Awesome. Every review of this album is positive. What I've heard sounds great. This could beat out mwY for AOTY for me.

[batmannj]

this album will be enjoyed by many
You guys are awesome too. Anorexia Nervosa was stellar.

[Trent Powers]

I can't wait!

it really makes me sad though that I won't get to hear these songs live :(

hopefully Cody will go solo? that would make my life.
my ultimate wet dream is that after ACB breaks up that cody will call up the guys in TREOS and be like "hey lets plays some music together" leading for TREOS to start back up

[ryangraham]

Awesome. Every review of this album is positive. What I've heard sounds great. This could beat out mwY for AOTY for me.
mwY leaked the other day.
just saying.
strikegently.com

[Bloodsucker II]

my ultimate wet dream is that after ACB breaks up that cody will call up the guys in TREOS and be like "hey lets plays some music together" leading for TREOS to start back up
Seriously! That would be so sick. It's possible, it was going to happen a while ago.

[Zack Haughton]

First thing that comes to mind when i hear this is Brand New. great album.

[ryangraham]

I feel like As Cities Burn guitar work blows Brand New out of the water.
Lyric wise, they're almost tied for me.
Cody is more passionate though.

[RuckerPark]

wow, i've never heard them before everyone in the MO thread was digging them so much, i like them a lot.

[11:11]

I did not excpect to enjoy this at all, but after reading the review and checking out their Myspace, I can say I'm pretty excited to get my hands on this.

[Cheesus]

I'm stoked to see people who have never heard ACB enjoying their stuff. I really hope this album received the attention it undoubtedly deserves.

[Cheesus]

Lol deleted post Isn't so deleted

[batmannj]

They aren't touring for this right? I heard they broke up not too long ago or something. Is this true?
There is a lot of stuff coming out about how they are done for good now. I hope this is not the case, but it seems like all things are pointing towards it.

[Bloodsucker II]

Lol deleted post Isn't so deleted
bahahahahaha!! That's seriously awesome.

[doyouhas?]

haha
oops. this post wasnt supposed to go in this thread, i had several tabs open at the same time. fail.

[sidekicksuicide]

mwY leaked the other day.
just saying.
strikegently.com
no thanks bro
I don't partake in such unlawful activities

[Bloodsucker II]

So basically they have broken up but haven't made it official yet, right?
Exactly.

[Garrett Holmes]

How's the Fear of God coming?

the rawest.
official recording starts very soon.

You guys are awesome too. Anorexia Nervosa was stellar.

thank you very much.

[Drew Beringer]

Does Hell or high Water have a lot of Christian focused lyrics?
I would say they still have some, but not as abundant as Come Now, Sleep. Of course, I do not have an official lyric sheet, so I am not for certain.

[Cheesus]

oops. this post wasnt supposed to go in this thread, i had several tabs open at the same time. fail.
haha, now I feel bad. delete I shall.

[flyingmonkey711]

So so stoked for this. Loved Come Now Sleep, and if this is better than that was, then wow......

[showyourteeth]

excited

[showyourteeth]

I can't wait!

it really makes me sad though that I won't get to hear these songs live :(

hopefully Cody will go solo? that would make my life.
at their second to last show in plano, texas i talked with chris from the band
and he told me that cody is definitely going to do his own solo thing

[xlife2lifelessx]

I can't wait until tuesday.

this

[Simulcast]

Weak ass intro, but otherwise a great review.

[doppelganger]

so pumped for this.
the reason lady blue feels like it goes into a different sounding track half-way through is because it combined with 'round and round' to make one complete song.

im only scared that i wont appreciate some songs because i listened to them on myspace too much...

[markkentlo]

http://www.mp3boo.com/download-mp3/as-cities-burn-hell-or-high-water.htm

[kemichels]

Seriously! That would be so sick. It's possible, it was going to happen a while ago.

ehhh...TREOS basist is with the Dear Hunter permanently now. But I wish.

[batmannj]

So basically they have broken up but haven't made it official yet, right?
yeah that is pretty much it haha.
the rawest.
official recording starts very soon.



thank you very much.

I cannot wait for the new album. Maybe a fall release?

[whenyourearound]

http://www.mp3boo.com/download-mp3/as-cities-burn-hell-or-high-water.htm
I use mp3boo a lot too. I tried downloading it today and it takes you to media fire. When you go and download it only a couple of songs work and the rest are Alien Ant Farm.

[bcguy21]

I have listened to this album through twice now...I can't even put into words how AMAZING it is. These guys went out with a record that will be relevant for YEARS to come!!!

[Cheesus]

I use mp3boo a lot too. I tried downloading it today and it takes you to media fire. When you go and download it only a couple of songs work and the rest are Alien Ant Farm.
That is punishment for what you have done.

[Gatorjd]

so stoked for this. Tuesday will be such an awesome day for music

[spansen]

user reviews are the opposite of your review, but i'm excited. good band.

[poi]

Hahaha, an 88% for this? I thought I was reading AP, not Alt. Press.

[killbrand.com]

I still listen to Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest to this day, in fact I'm listening to it now. I prefer there old lineup and old songs compared to the new ones. There new sound is alright, but I just prefer there old stuff.

[WalmartPhotoGuy]

I hope there's a song that makes me feel like "Clouds" does on CNS.

[Bloodsucker II]

I hope there's a song that makes me feel like "Clouds" does on CNS.
I haven't been listening to the songs on myspace but I've heard that Into The Sea kind of has a Clouds feel to it.

[Brett3]

Can't fucking wait. Can't wait to pick up a copy. Great review as well.

[drumbum01]

just got the advance today...... Im so stoked they made another record... there harrd to really get into but once you really listen to them you wont listen to anything else for a while haha... true story

[ricky denim]

I hope there's a song that makes me feel like "Clouds" does on CNS.
Same here. Into The Sea could be the closest but you never know, still alot we havn't heard.
Really hoping the lyrics are good. Come Now Sleep is just plain incredible.
Got a feeling that Capo is gonna get skipped a bit though.

[onetwentyseven]

awesome review, drew.
top 3 most anticipated this year, i cant wait until tuesday.

[Romancebled]

this review just made me anticipate this album so much more. i have a feeling it will definitely be in my top 10 by the end of the year based on the songs they've released so far.

[TellYourFriends]

I'm very excited for this CD. I've really enjoyed the new songs they've put up.

[Nick Le]

you're going to hate me but I just got the new Chariot. haha
Haha dude, I saw that! I'm trying to hold off on listening to anything else they put up though. But Evolve is amazing. Heard Daggers was too.

[ninetyFhOURs]

...going out with a bang.
That means i'll take this record even more seriously.

I don't think i know a group of guys as honest and loving as them.
you can just...tell. it comes out in their music

[coolwithme19]

so is this band really done?

[_><_]

Can't wait til i get my hands on it.

[keeplioving]

so is this band really done?
they played their last show

[TotalCollapse]

I'm going to check this album out when I get a chance.

[famousglasses]

why does the review say gates is the last track? capover is the last track

[Drew Beringer]

why does the review say gates is the last track? capover is the last track
Because my advance has Gates as the last track, and I think I would trust my advance that Tooth and Nail gave me over some leak. Supposedly, Gates is an iTunes bonus track.

[bloodyr0mance87]

I have never been interested in this band, and not because I dislike their music, I simply have never listened to anything they have done before today. I had noticed plenty of hype and general appreciation for them through my internet travels, but what I read never caught my attention enough to make me listen to them.

This all changed when i read this review. I just finished reading, clicked the link to their myspace page and have listened to 3 songs off the album. I have listened to enough music in my day to be able to identify this as something worth listening to. And this is coming from someone who has never listened to the band before except for three songs off of this new album.

Anyone can see by my post count (8 posts in almost a year) that, I rarely have anything I want to share on this site (I'm more of an observer), so for me to actually post about this should be an indication of it's worth.
totally agreed. i had only listened to these guys when they were a metalcore band and i really wasn't into it. however, after reading that review i checked out what's up on their myspace and i'm quite intrigued. i can't see myself really getting into this at this time of year, but i'm willing to get if i go back to it in the fall i will be grooving on it hard.

[unwritten_law9]

My most anticipated album of the year.

[Cheesus]

My most anticipated album of the year.
wow, nice time to make a post haha

[Cheesus]

got this in the mail today. was bummed Gates wasn't on it but the album is incredible

[Drew Beringer]

got this in the mail today. was bummed Gates wasn't on it but the album is incredible
Really? Gates isn't on the album?

[doppelganger]

Really? Gates isn't on the album?
gates is an iTunes bonus track

[whalesandgravy]

leaked ....doesnt have gates :-(

[Drew Beringer]

gates is an iTunes bonus track
I figured, that's weird because it came on my advance. I recommend every one buying that track.

[whalesandgravy]

I figured, that's weird because it came on my advance. I recommend every one buying that track.
yeaa we prob would have to buy the whole album off itunes tho which is annoying....same with that go track on the new manchester album...im sure someone will put it up...bsidesrus maybe

[syntax omitted]

drew, if we fell in love with SILYAYD and was disappointed with Come Now, Sleep; is there any way i'd like this one?

[Drew Beringer]

drew, if we fell in love with SILYAYD and was disappointed with Come Now, Sleep; is there any way i'd like this one?
maybe, it's a little more aggressive than CNS IMO

[syntax omitted]

maybe, it's a little more aggressive than CNS IMO
ill check it out either way, i still enjoyed Come Now, Sleep but did not leave as much of an impact as SILYAYD. is there less static that blocks out Cody's more yelly vocals because that was a really annoying effect on CNS

[Drew Beringer]

ill check it out either way, i still enjoyed Come Now, Sleep but did not leave as much of an impact as SILYAYD. is there less static that blocks out Cody's more yelly vocals because that was a really annoying effect on CNS
Cody's vocals really stick out on this record.

[syntax omitted]

Cody's vocals really stick out on this record.
sweet, thanks.

[Cheesus]

Really? Gates isn't on the album?
Nah man it isn't. Which is weird beause now the album is only 9 songs and it just feels incomplete. I guess they just loved you enough to throw gates on there, haha.

[doppelganger]

“Lady Blue” sludges along with a lonely guitar riff, group vocals, and what sounds like chains hitting a wooden floor
the cd booklet says it's people stomping their feet and playing bottles and file cabinets. ha.

[Bikescene23]

I could not be more excited for this. Picking a favorite between Come Now Sleep and Son has been impossible, so hopefully this will take the cake.
I feel ya dude. Son is a classic. But Come Now Sleep show much more talent and progression.

I love the new direction they've taken

[I am Mick]

Without Gates, this doesn't feel like a full length. That kinda weirds me out a lot.

[Drew Beringer]

the cd booklet says it's people stomping their feet and playing bottles and file cabinets. ha.
yeah I figured it wasn't chains and I knew there was stomping, I was just writing about what it sounded like to me.

[doppelganger]

Without Gates, this doesn't feel like a full length. That kinda weirds me out a lot.
i know exactly how you feel.

[Bloodsucker II]

What the heck i didnt get mine yet!?!?! :-(

[Down Set Go]

I love Cody's vocals on this.

[Piss]

is this your favorite ACB album, drew?

[InaGreendase]

The songs I've heard from this sound like Manchester Orchestra.

[_><_]

Fantastic album! My favourite from 09 so far.

[Tyler Vagyler]

Daughters is such an amazing song

[TheWolf]

incredible album. good review.
capover definitely sticks out, but its still a great track.

[Cheesus]

The more I listen to this album the more upset I get that Gates isn't on it. Dont get me wrong, its awesome, but Capo simply doesn't do it for me as a closer. Especially if this is ACB's last work.

[exploration #4]

The more I listen to this album the more upset I get that Gates isn't on it. Dont get me wrong, its awesome, but Capo simply doesn't do it for me as a closer. Especially if this is ACB's last work.

Seriously, if I have to think of that song every time I think of As Cities Burn's last song, I'll be extremely upset, especially since the album enders of the past two CDs have been nothing short of fantastic. Gates would have really closed well. :(

[Cheesus]

Seriously, if I have to think of that song every time I think of As Cities Burn's last song, I'll be extremely upset, especially since the album enders of the past two CDs have been nothing short of fantastic. Gates would have really closed well. :(
haha, i thought you meant "if I have to think of GATES as the last song, i'll be upset"... I was like, WHAT? But now I get it and I completely agree.

This almost seems out of character of them to have that as the final closer, I'm still very confused.

[pleasedontpanic]

This is one of the most underrated bands in the music scene. They never cease to amaze me.

[Silver Wings]

Oooooh Mannnnn. Its simply amazing.

[boscorelli]

why is gates listed and described in the review but not even on the album? am i missing something here?

[Cheesus]

why is gates listed and described in the review but not even on the album? am i missing something here?
read the thread more

[boscorelli]

read the thread more
haha i dont wanna read 9 pages, oh well, got nothing better to do

[boscorelli]

damn thats really lame they would do that..9 tracks? come on now.

[Cheesus]

damn thats really lame they would do that..9 tracks? come on now.
lame indeed

[Bloodsucker II]

i know im beating a dead horse by saying this but....I really wish Gates was on this

[DorD]

this is my favorite band. each album they put out they progress and evolve, and i love it. can someone pleeease fill me in about them breaking up? I understand nothing's official yet, but where is this coming from besides them not touring in support of the new record?

[Bikescene23]

this is my favorite band. each album they put out they progress and evolve, and i love it. can someone pleeease fill me in about them breaking up? I understand nothing's official yet, but where is this coming from besides them not touring in support of the new record?
I heard it directly from their guitarist, Chris Lott and their last show was March 28. In the middle of "This is it, This is it" Cody said "No really this is it!".

pretty sad dude. They're so loved in Louisiana too..

Hopefully this isnt the end of them

[DorD]

I heard it directly from their guitarist, Chris Lott and their last show was March 28. In the middle of "This is it, This is it" Cody said "No really this is it!".

pretty sad dude. They're so loved in Louisiana too..

Hopefully this isnt the end of them

Thanks man, i appreciate the response. I hope this ISNT it either...

[redfalcon431]

So...... I bought the solid album..... how can I get Gates?

[savestheday3x3]

So...... I bought the solid album..... how can I get Gates?

give me your Screen name or email. ill send it to you

butt. yeaaaaa, i just put gates on my ipod after capo
capo's good, but leaves me wanting more, and gates is perfect for that, idk why they wouldnt addd that.. oh well. great album none the less

[Holly HoX!]

Whoa! Out of left field for this one. This disc is unreal, a true sleeper pick for aoty...so far.

[ninetyFhOURs]

Actually, Lady Blue is meant to be two songs....about three minutes each. About halfway through, there is an immense change in the song. It really is two songs, or a one crazy song, however you look at it. As one track, it runs a solid six minutes, so you're getting your money's worth


oh yeah, its a great album.

[ninetyFhOURs]

lame indeed
Actually, Lady Blue is meant to be two songs....about three minutes each. About halfway through, there is an immense change in the song. It really is two songs, or a one crazy song, however you look at it. As one track, it runs a solid six minutes, so you're getting your money's worth


oh yeah, its a great album.

[Cheesus]

Actually, Lady Blue is meant to be two songs....about three minutes each. About halfway through, there is an immense change in the song. It really is two songs, or a one crazy song, however you look at it. As one track, it runs a solid six minutes, so you're getting your money's worth


oh yeah, its a great album.
oh don't get me wrong, I am more than thankful for this album. However, I am bitching a bit too much about a small issue.. I just wish Gates was on the album

[ninetyFhOURs]

oh don't get me wrong, I am more than thankful for this album. However, I am bitching a bit too much about a small issue.. I just wish Gates was on the album
Agreed. It wouldn't even need to be remastered. Now i'll probably have to obtain it illegally, cuz I pre-order a hard copy of the album so i could get the t-shirt. Which was also worth it.......but Gates definitely would have been apreciated

[TotalCollapse]

I really enjoyed this album.

[Down Set Go]

This album is fucking fantastic. It's gonna stick around a long time, I can already tell.

[CH!MP]

album rules

[LiquorAndDick]

His voice sounds so good throughout the album but 'Made Too Pretty', 'Errand Rum', 'Into the Sea' and 'Daughter' pretty much take the cake and slice it.

[:-)]

Favorites off this album are Petty and Daughter, imho

[Klatzke]

I listened to this all last night, and I've replayed that awesome middle 3 (Made Too Pretty, Lady Blue, Petty), I think this is easily their best work.

[Mattylikesfilms]

I think Brand New fans will really dig this.

100% right dreweyyyy. i love deja and the devil and god and hot damn do i love this! i cant wait for the next tour they do that comes through the bay area..

[KDEDOM]

i liked this album alot but i still prefer son i loved you at your darkest as my favorite. for me this album is my second favorite now and come now sleep is my least fav. either way, all the albums are great

[Brandao]

best release of '09 so far!

[Derka Derka]

the only thing i dislike about this cd is how they rip off love lovedrugs salt of the earth in lady blue, but besides that it is a solid album

[streydogg]

Great album. The guitar riffs stick in my head all day long. 09' has been good thus far.

[Bloodsucker II]

100% right dreweyyyy. i love deja and the devil and god and hot damn do i love this! i cant wait for the next tour they do that comes through the bay area..
too bad they won't, that is if they really did break up. I really hope they stay together, I got to see this stuff live!

Also, I live in the Bay Area too and I swear, barely any good bands come through here!?!?!? At least, where I am anyway.

[Mattylikesfilms]

too bad they won't, that is if they really did break up. I really hope they stay together, I got to see this stuff live!

Also, I live in the Bay Area too and I swear, barely any good bands come through here!?!?!? At least, where I am anyway.

Wait whaaaa? They broke up? I hope not! Hell or high water had a decent first week for the zero promo it got.. I believe it was 5k? And yeah man a lot of shows I go to end up being at the boardwalk in orangevale. Its a drive for sure but I go if the show is worth it. Look up the venue slims, most good shows are hosted there in the bay area. There and bottom of the hill and the grand ballroom. I'm moving to los angeles in 3 months so I hope the roxy hosts some good shows!

[Bloodsucker II]

Wait whaaaa? They broke up? I hope not! Hell or high water had a decent first week for the zero promo it got.. I believe it was 5k? And yeah man a lot of shows I go to end up being at the boardwalk in orangevale. Its a drive for sure but I go if the show is worth it. Look up the venue slims, most good shows are hosted there in the bay area. There and bottom of the hill and the grand ballroom. I'm moving to los angeles in 3 months so I hope the roxy hosts some good shows!
Yeah I've been to slims,bottom of the hill, and grand ballroom and the only one I really liked was Slims. Last year I saw As Cities Burn at Bottom Of The Hill and is was really cutty. They sounded amazing but they got cut short and only got to play like 5 songs so that sucked. A lot of bands go to LA so that should be fun!

But yeah, supposedly they are breaking up and not even touring for this record, and if that's true I'll cry.

[Mattylikesfilms]

Yeah I've been to slims,bottom of the hill, and grand ballroom and the only one I really liked was Slims. Last year I saw As Cities Burn at Bottom Of The Hill and is was really cutty. They sounded amazing but they got cut short and only got to play like 5 songs so that sucked. A lot of bands go to LA so that should be fun!

But yeah, supposedly they are breaking up and not even touring for this record, and if that's true I'll cry.

Yeah I like slims the most too but I do like how much closer you are to the band at bottom of the hill. Good shit about LA! I can't wait to see some solid shows there and as far as ACB goes.. That would hell of suck. I mean if they need to stop touring then I hope they can just continue making music.. Hell or high water is too good of a progression for them to stop now.. I think ill message them on their myspace and ask if this is solid but god I hope not.

[Cheesus]

Seen Daphnee loves derby, mae, anberlin, bayside, copeland, number one gun, and rooney (lol) at Slims and I enjoyed each show. The sound quality is always pretty top notch so Slims is now my go to venue for da bay.

Even though I have to say that I really enjoyed the Warfield (I think that was it?) and the FILLMORE is superb.

[chrismtsu01]

I miss the old ACB. Not a fan of the last 2 records.

[doppelganger]

the only thing i dislike about this cd is how they rip off love lovedrugs salt of the earth in lady blue, but besides that it is a solid album
i'm not trying to be rude, but as cities burn pulled it off so much nicer/more creatively. imo.

I miss the old ACB. Not a fan of the last 2 records.
do you happen to only like hardcore bands?

[hochtk]

Yeah, this is seriously great. Made too pretty is in my top 10 songs this year so far.

[bfry33]

"My first impression after hearing Hell or High Water a few weeks ago was that it was good. Since then, that “good” has progressed to “great,” as Hell or High Water is As Cities Burn’s best album. There isn’t a dull moment, whether it’s the album pulling you in with its dreamy dynamics or kicking you in the gluteus maximus"

brilliant.
i completely agree. this is BY FAR ACB's best album to date. im just really upset that they broke up...

[fifpb99]

As many albums as I listen to this year, I just keep coming back to this one... Definitely MY album of the year. So amazing, even Capo. RIP As Cities Burn.

[Down Set Go]

Gonna have to agree here. This is my AOTY so far. Everything just comes together so well.

It's honest and passionate, it's great..

[lizztalleyy]

I could not have said this any better. Touche!

[yoyostring]

this album is so so so good.

[Stearman77]

I miss thios band so much.

[sinclairgreen]

I have this but I'm missing track 10. Is that a bonus track or something?

[awakeohsleeper]

I have this but I'm missing track 10. Is that a bonus track or something?
Yeah, it was iTunes only or something like that.

[sinclairgreen]

Yeah, it was iTunes only or something like that.
Ah ok.

[awakeohsleeper]

Ah ok.
It's one of their best tracks so I'd look into getting it.

[sinclairgreen]

It's one of their best tracks so I'd look into getting it.
I am :D