We Came As Romans - Dreams EP

[fashionshowdown]

We Came As Romans - Dreams EP
Record Label: None
Release Date: December 12, 2008

I first heard We Came As Romans roughly a year ago, when they added me as a friend on Myspace. I didn’t listen to any of their music, just added them. In the winter I was scheduled to do photos at a show for a band that just so happened to be opening for WCAR, so I decided to actually listen to them this time. When I first heard “Dreams” it was like a match made in heaven. If you think WCAR is just another hardcore band, then you are mistaken.

First things first, this is a free four song EP that was produced by Joey Sturgis (Mychildren Mybride, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!) and the quality of it is just fantastic. There’s a lot of depth to this EP, not something that can be said for most bands today. I think the best way to give you, the reader, an idea of what to expect is a track by track analysis.

The CD starts with “Conditions” and the words “We were designed for more, in an image not our own.” The way it sounds coming out of the speakers could not be any more perfect. It is clear from the beginning that this is a band with a message bigger than them; a message of love. It became clear to me that WCAR was unashamed of their faith, and that they intend to make their listeners feel a sense of belonging.

The title track “Dreams” follows “Conditions” in epic fashion. Clean vocals chime in the words “This is my deepest dream”, and then the screams kick in with gang vocals to sing “Here struggling with my brothers.” It is a song that in no way, shape or form can be forgotten. It has everything that hardcore/metalcore bands attempt for but never achieve.

“Intentions” follows “Dreams” and continues upon the journey with impressive lyrics that are far from meaningless: “Open your eyes and see what it means to feel compassion and live in love.” It gives you the sense that WCAR believe in what they sing, and that is something that the world needs more of. Towards the end of this song there is an all out orchestra (sorry The Devil Wears Prada, they beat you to it) and it is far better than any orchestra I’ve ever heard from this genre (or any other).

The last song of the EP is “Shapes,” which tells a tale about the evils of the world. WCAR addresses many issues that we face on this earth, like war and death, but still they sing of love's healing powers. Musically it is exceptional; they manage to avoid abuse of synthesizers.

No matter whom you are, the lyrics featured on this EP should serve as a basis for living life. We Came As Romans attempts to spread the love to the world via their music, and frankly, I wish we had more people with hearts as big as theirs.

Track Listing:
1. Conditions
2. Dreams
3. Intentions
4. Shapes

RIYL: Attack Attack! , MyChildren MyBride, The Devil Wears Prada, Burden of A Day

[weaz45]

just too much auto tune for me

[Domenic182]

bleh

[Trashcore]

just too much auto tune for me
...really? Theres autotune, yah. But it's not so much as say I See Stars, and definately not because he's a terrible vocalist. The autotune use is pretty rare. What you think is autotune on parts is probably the harmonies they lay down where he's singing it in 3 different ranges, which is a tremendous feat from a vocalist, to be able to hit the low middle and high range of a song. Kyle is an extremely talented vocalist who sounds the same live and on the album. To discredit the whole album because a COUPLE parts use autotune for effects, when 85% of the song has not a spot of autotune artifacts, I think your claim of too much autotune is a bit rediculous.

And that analysis is not from a listeners standpoint, I'm an apprentice audio engineer at Harmonie Park recording studio, and part of my lessons are to study what effects are used on vocal tracks. The autotune on their tracks is few and far between, what you're hearing is a talented vocalist who knows how to hit his ranges for an awesome effect.



EDIT: I should add, I realize Dreams is riddled with autotune. So don't bring up that song.

[Kyleisraddd]

I saw this band open for I See Stars in March. They really do sound the same live as they sound on the album. It's fantastic.

[mymusicismylife]

They're alright.

[fashionshowdown]

10 for lyrics. wtf
When lyrics change the way you view life...don't you think that you'd give them a 10? This EP is incredible. WCAR sings of love, and the act with love in mind, they are really like that in person too, don't you think the world needs more of that?

[fashionshowdown]

...really? Theres autotune, yah. But it's not so much as say I See Stars, and definately not because he's a terrible vocalist. The autotune use is pretty rare. What you think is autotune on parts is probably the harmonies they lay down where he's singing it in 3 different ranges, which is a tremendous feat from a vocalist, to be able to hit the low middle and high range of a song. Kyle is an extremely talented vocalist who sounds the same live and on the album. To discredit the whole album because a COUPLE parts use autotune for effects, when 85% of the song has not a spot of autotune artifacts, I think your claim of too much autotune is a bit rediculous.

And that analysis is not from a listeners standpoint, I'm an apprentice audio engineer at Harmonie Park recording studio, and part of my lessons are to study what effects are used on vocal tracks. The autotune on their tracks is few and far between, what you're hearing is a talented vocalist who knows how to hit his ranges for an awesome effect.



EDIT: I should add, I realize Dreams is riddled with autotune. So don't bring up that song.
Agreed, Kyle is freaking amazing live, he doesn't miss a beat. Even on "Dreams" with the aforementioned autotune, he holds it down quite well.

[sweepthenation]

I love this EP but Im pretty sure this is like the 3rd user review Ive seen for it

[fashionshowdown]

To each his own but if you really think this band has mind blowing lyrics all I can say is you should expand your musical tastes.When you give something a 10 that means its perfect so you are saying they have perfect lyrics.

Here are some bands with better lyrics you should check out Thursday, Cursive, Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse, Manchester Orchestra, and Clipse
I have Manchester Orchestra's first CD, Thursday's entire catalog. Never got too into Cursive or Bright Eyes. Believe it or not I have range in my musical taste, apparently I don't come off that way, so I need to work on that, thanks for the constructive criticism.

[fashionshowdown]

I love this EP but Im pretty sure this is like the 3rd user review Ive seen for it
it is... I took forever to get mine posted, my goal now is to find stuff that I enjoy that hasn't been reviewed (which is tough, there are so many reviews on here!)

[sweepthenation]

it is... I took forever to get mine posted, my goal now is to find stuff that I enjoy that hasn't been reviewed (which is tough, there are so many reviews on here!)
Surprisingly I dont think anyone has reviewed either The Devil wears Prada first album, or A Day To Remembers For Those Who Have Heart

[ninthandash]

The autotune on their tracks is few and far between, what you're hearing is a talented vocalist who knows how to hit his ranges for an awesome effect.

clearly you haven't seen them live then.

before this EP, I would encourage you to listen to their studio music then understand that their producer pretty much saved them.

[TheArdentLove]

When lyrics change the way you view life...don't you think that you'd give them a 10? This EP is incredible. WCAR sings of love, and the act with love in mind, they are really like that in person too, don't you think the world needs more of that?
Because We Came As Romans is the only band who sings about love.

[fashionshowdown]

Surprisingly I dont think anyone has reviewed either The Devil wears Prada first album, or A Day To Remembers For Those Who Have Heart
No I don't think they have. I have to re-submit a review I did for Home Grown's "Kings of Pop" , that's a 7 year old album. If they are any others you'd like to see reviewed, PM me, I'd be happy to. Writing helps ease my mind when I can't fall asleep.

[fashionshowdown]

Because We Came As Romans is the only band who sings about love.
They sing about a different kind of love. This isn't a love between a boyfriend/girlfriend, this is a love that's unconditional. Seeing as it's faith based but in a non upfront and pushy way, it's relatable to me, which is why I really enjoy it.

[PoisonHeartsGTX]

...really? Theres autotune, yah. But it's not so much as say I See Stars, and definately not because he's a terrible vocalist. The autotune use is pretty rare. What you think is autotune on parts is probably the harmonies they lay down where he's singing it in 3 different ranges, which is a tremendous feat from a vocalist, to be able to hit the low middle and high range of a song. Kyle is an extremely talented vocalist who sounds the same live and on the album. To discredit the whole album because a COUPLE parts use autotune for effects, when 85% of the song has not a spot of autotune artifacts, I think your claim of too much autotune is a bit rediculous.

And that analysis is not from a listeners standpoint, I'm an apprentice audio engineer at Harmonie Park recording studio, and part of my lessons are to study what effects are used on vocal tracks. The autotune on their tracks is few and far between, what you're hearing is a talented vocalist who knows how to hit his ranges for an awesome effect.



EDIT: I should add, I realize Dreams is riddled with autotune. So don't bring up that song.
true that kyle is a great singer.

HOWEVER it would be silly to say that 85% of the EP doesn't use autotune.
of course, its not as rediculously overdriven like Attack Attack. but its still there.
that's just how songs are recorded these days.
so yes. about 100% of the EP has auto tune on it along with most of your other favourite bands that are like them.

some people don't like the sound of autotune. and that's okay. its not for everyone & every band. but most bands use it.

[Merkin]

i saw them live with past the pacific a few months back, a good show

[TheArdentLove]

They sing about a different kind of love. This isn't a love between a boyfriend/girlfriend, this is a love that's unconditional. Seeing as it's faith based but in a non upfront and pushy way, it's relatable to me, which is why I really enjoy it.
Yeah, I understand what you're saying, but lyrically they can be compared to a lot of other Christian bands that sing about the same kind of "unconditional love" that these guys sing about. By no means am I knocking your review, but I do feel like the lyrics don't deserve a perfect 10.

[fashionshowdown]

Yeah, I understand what you're saying, but lyrically they can be compared to a lot of other Christian bands that sing about the same kind of "unconditional love" that these guys sing about. By no means am I knocking your review, but I do feel like the lyrics don't deserve a perfect 10.
Ok man. I appreciate that you aren't flat out knocking my review. I purposely slid the "reviewer tilt" quite high because of my love and bias towards this band, they are one of my favorites so of course I'm biased.

I think there are a lot of Christian bands with great lyrics, Oh, Sleeper, Attack Attack! (believe it or not!), TDWP is getting better, but I still don't think lyrics are the strongest part of their music.

Thanks for the constructive criticism and for reading my review, I truly appreciate it.

[TotalCollapse]

This album is alright, but definitely doesn't deserve the rating you gave it.

[artdavidson]

The singer does not at all sound the same live. He can't reach high notes to save lives.

He's just like most others in the genre including Cove from Saosin. Kick ass vocal producer on their EP & it's told when they perform live. Pretty good band though.

[newfoundmichael]

just too much auto tune for me
Any autotune in hardcore music is too much.

[Trashcore]

true that kyle is a great singer.

HOWEVER it would be silly to say that 85% of the EP doesn't use autotune.
of course, its not as rediculously overdriven like Attack Attack. but its still there.
that's just how songs are recorded these days.
so yes. about 100% of the EP has auto tune on it along with most of your other favourite bands that are like them.

some people don't like the sound of autotune. and that's okay. its not for everyone & every band. but most bands use it.
When I was refering to 85% no autotune, I meant not noticeable autotune for effect, like during the electronic parts how you can tell autotune is going on. Obviously I know that autotune is used on all audio tracks to make them sound perfect, that's just common practice.

And I have seen them live, and I have heard their old stuff. Seeing as I'm from the same area they are, I obviously have known about them for awhile, since the pre-wcar days, when they were This Emergency. While it's true Joey Sturgis did do alot of work in their writing proess to help them, they are each talented in their own rights. Last time I saw kyle he hit all the notes flawlessly, so perhaps you just saw them on an offnight.

[Daniel Thompson]

i thought this ep was pretty good.

[archerboy]

clearly you haven't seen them live then.

before this EP, I would encourage you to listen to their studio music then understand that their producer pretty much saved them.

Yeah, that's true. Their first demo/bleeding-eardrums was miserable. The high production values definitely made the album that much better.

And for the autotune, yeah, there is some, but in no way are we talking about I See Stars or Attack Attack! (which annoys me to no end). But


They sing about a different kind of love. This isn't a love between a boyfriend/girlfriend, this is a love that's unconditional. Seeing as it's faith based but in a non upfront and pushy way, it's relatable to me, which is why I really enjoy it.

While I do agree about the touching lyrics, I feel like they don't strike me as being complex enough; don't get me wrong, but I feel like if we can barely what understand what their screaming, why not make it a little deeper/complex? That's my view anyway :|

[Handraa]

I love this EP but Im pretty sure this is like the 3rd user review Ive seen for it
haha. i noticed that too cause me and Klatzke both reviewed it.
I think its good cause it gives different opinions.

[weaz45]

Any autotune in hardcore music is too much.
this

[sgguitarist]

I like there song Intentions :] the breakdown is cool

[sgguitarist]

I like there song Intentions the break down is sweet :]

[paul12091]

idc what anyone says. this ep is amazing. wcar deserve everything they have worked for. they know how to make good ass songs regardless if they use autotune or "sound like every other band." they do it better than every other band. their lyrics are all about love/family and friends. and that is what makes me like them that much more.



=]

[tiffsickk]

(really late post)

Okay, We Came As Romans is my absolute favorite band. This EP was amazing, in my opinion. Their full-length album, To Plant A Seed is amazing as well.
However, I really just wanted to point out the fact that everybody here, atleast from what I read has been referring to WCAR as a "Christian Band". We Came As Romans is NOT

[tiffsickk]

(continued) a Christian Band. Most of the members are Christian, but they chose to not label themselves as Christian because it takes away from their message that they're trying to spread.

[PoisonHeartsGTX]

(continued) a Christian Band. Most of the members are Christian, but they chose to not label themselves as Christian because it takes away from their message that they're trying to spread.
true.
if fact, they want people to stop referring to them as that.

just because a band has a positive message doesn't mean they're a christian band.