Matchbook Romance - Voices

[Garett Press]

Matchbook Romance – Voices
{SCORE: 7.9/10}

1. You Can Run, But We'll Find You
2. Surrender
3. My Mannequin Can Dance
4. Good, Like Two Shoes
5. Monsters
6. Say it Like You Mean It
7. Portrait
8. Singing Bridges (We All Fall)
9. Fiction
10. What a Sight
11. I Wish You Were Here

The science of band growth and progressive sound development is a wracking, if not futile investigation. Yet there is some insight to be sought in the metamorphoses of scene-chameleons Matchbook Romance. Could you ask for a more ideal case study?

Over five years ago, buzz ran rampant throughout my middle school hallways that high school drummer Aaron Stern had a new band with some killer pop punk tunes. The Getaway was THE local band, and “Ex Marks the Spot” was a revelation for my younger New Found Glory obsessed self. Pre-pubescent sounding vocals, lyrics reminiscent of notes passed during class, and a whimsical stream of buoyant power chords… just my forte, and just what labels were looking to cash in on. But who knew this buzz would result in Epitaph’s heightened interest and eventual signing of a relatively unheard of 4 piece? And based off of one single shoddy mp3 demo track?! Clearly, we have an archetypal success story on our hands, and this… merely the prologue.

Let’s fast forward to the end though, or should I say the present for a moment. What I know now is that Matchbook Romance have an impeccable sense of what the French refer to as “l’esprit du temps”. It is somewhat of a phenomenon, this enigmatic ability to draw upon a strategic set of current buzz bands, and regurgitate (for lack of a better word) their own slick new package, one that is as attractive as the average of its parts; a blessing and a curse that any band in this hemisphere of the globe would readily endure. Verbose, I know… but join me for some time travel, and you’ll see:

The Getaway’s original demos, as I said, were a keen mixture of pre-teen heroes New Found Glory, Mest, Blink 182, etc. But with the record deal came the change of name and a subsequent alteration of sound. The genre trademark of screams and dual vocals fought at the frontline of the band’s West for Wishing EP creating a sound akin to early Finch and Taking Back Sunday. As Brand New, Coheed and Cambria, Fall Out Boy, and Yellowcard were called to the head of the class, the whine-like scream trend saw the beginning of its demise, adamantly reflected in Stories and Alibis, Matchbook Romance’s debut full length which subtracted the screams even from older songs which once relied on them. Again and again, the essence of recycling already successful sounds lingered over each record. Nevertheless, Matchbook Romance had enough tact and sense of distinction to blur the lines between being influenced and ripping off; they continuously walked the high wire between the salivating jaws of those hungry to ravage their technique and the outspread arms of those singing high praises (proof (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BWVOM/sr=1-1/qid=1139087281/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-0809323-5303166?%5Fencoding=UTF8)).

In the face of potential demise and yet, also on the brink of potential explosion, what is a band to do but… you guessed it... evolve once more. What we have is a pattern or even a system that refuses to die, and since the release of Stories and Alibis, the giant, screeching, mechanical MBR with wings has prowled the highs and lows, the ups and downs of a shifting scene, sinking its fangs into the fleshy throats of buzz bands left and right. First it was Muse, sucked dry of their single string guitar attacks (see “Hysteria”, then see MBR’s “My Mannequin Can Dance”) and instrumental crescendos, then Gatsby’s American Dream fell quivering to the concrete pale and lifeless having been relinquished of their offbeat charm and 3 note waltz breakdown (see “Shhhhh! I’m Listening to Reason”, then see MBR’s “Goody, Like Two Shoes”), and soon after Thrice, My Chemical Romance, Midtown and Brand New met similar fates. Even The Postal Service might recognize a shade of themselves about 57 seconds into “What a Sight” (see “Such Great Heights”). After much churning and grinding, the end product is Voices… and it certainly is what Alternative Press so accurately deemed “the new noise”.

Voices is definitely the sound of a band evolving, even if relying on the evolutions of others. Taking cues from all of the incredible aforementioned artists, Matchbook Romance fabricate what is by far and away their best effort, a record once again disparate enough to earn respect as a unique entity. This is the sound that every band around seems to be striving towards, and it’s no wonder… the choruses hook, the bridges soar, the upbeat pulses, the methodic is dark and pensive, the slow is emotive, every desirable cliché you could ask for is present. Finally, to the relief of listeners everywhere, singer Andrew Jordan is utilizing his actual voice and has never sounded better. There is a darkness that pervades this record that does nothing but titillate and haunt you, tip-toeing up your spine with a composite slew of infectious riff-age and rhythm so relentless, it’s almost overwhelming at times. Songs like album opener “You Can Run, But We’ll Find You”, “Goody, Like Two Shoes”, and “Portrait” are instant favorites, contagious and impactful in this new sinister tone. Just try and tell me you can deny the crooning solos in “Singing Portraits”, and I’ll be taken aback. On the other hand, in usual Matchbook fashion, don't be surprised if one or two tracks don't do anything for you at all.

For the most part, MBR look stunning in their new wardrobe and dance a delicately seductive modern rock ballet that seems such a natural fit, you’d think it was always crouched beneath the surface just aching for exposure. In all honesty, Leonardo Da Vinci himself could not have painted a better portrait of the direction of our scene as it stands. Perhaps these “voices” are those of a new breed of rock bands, whispering of an innovative sound wave, a contemporary movement. In any case, it must be true what they say about ghosts of the past because amazingly, all these years later, I still haven’t escaped the exuberant buzz of Aaron Stern’s “must hear” rock and roll band.

Will Matchbook Romance ever really forge their own path, or will their sail forever be carried by the winds of others? Frankly it doesn’t seem to matter if the music sounds this compelling. At the bottom of it all, Voices is an exceptional new chapter in this success story, but the twists and turns aren't as surprising as they are predictable.

[FuryCore]

Freaking GREAT review, Garrett. You totally hit the nail on the head with this one. Everything I would say about this record you said even better.

This disc is finally starting to grow on me and I think I'm going to love it in the end...:)

[djjazzyjeff]

well, i'm sold. very nice review.

[kshtoinks12]

i love this CD, wat a great improvement on the last one.

[Nick Lopez]

Drew's gonna be maaaaaad.

[kshtoinks12]

and lets not forget about the hidden track on the last song

[Anton Djamoos]

Drew's gonna be maaaaaad.
That's what I was thinking. Drew's all over this CD. Can he do another?

[Bobcat46308]

instruments sound GREAT on this album. surrender and you can run, but we'll find you are favorites

[ThriftWhore]

mmm Fizzlewink sure turned into a good band haha.

[Garett Press]

Drew's gonna be maaaaaad.
Hahaha, he's posting a review next week... don't worry

ThriftWhore: hahaha Fizzlewink... true that man

[dukeboy1986]

I agree with this review

[hbmmark]

Writing classes, dude.

[Ryan0190M]

this cd is so terrible, it's like listening to church music, it's so boring now, i just can't wait for the hype to stop

[weworemasks]

Writing classes, dude.

i think this review was well-written, especially compared to some reviewers on ap.net, but just my two cents.

topnotch review dude, even though i wasnt a big fan of the record.

[FASSWcore]

awesome review...i'll have to go buy it

[FrankMareno]

great cd got free shirt coming with it on interpunk

[SurfinPunk]

i thought fizzlewink was simple plan before they became simple plan.

[jawkneephighv]

Nice review of their life and NOT the cd.

78%? get outta here.

[Garett Press]

Nice review of their life and NOT the cd.

78%? get outta here.
The review was actually about both their development as a band and where they stand now with this record. 78% is completely legitimate, I will not get outta here.

[jawkneephighv]

I will not get outta here.Hahahaha. It was a neat review of their life and not enough of the CD if you ask me. When you actually spoke of the CD, it was very good -- you pretty much nailed it. I wouldn't agree with the 78% [I'd shoot for a little higher], but hey, it's all good in the hood.

[preppyak]

Writing classes, dude.
too many big words for you to understand?

Well written, score may be a bit high, but still well written

[Garett Press]

Hahahaha. It was a neat review of their life and not enough of the CD if you ask me. When you actually spoke of the CD, it was very good -- you pretty much nailed it. I wouldn't agree with the 78% [I'd shoot for a little higher], but hey, it's all good in the hood.
lol, i understand man... i usually do get caught up in the exposition, i'm trying to work on that.

you guys are all torn on this one it seems. "i'd shoot for higher" -- "score may be a bit high" back and forth

[jawkneephighv]

lol, i understand man... i usually do get caught up in the exposition, i'm trying to work on that.

you guys are all torn on this one it seems. "i'd shoot for higher" -- "score may be a bit high" back and forthI'm actually surprised it got a 78% because I'm seeing a lot of hate on them here. So I guess I kinda thank you in a way. I don't get how that gets a 3 in Alt Pres and Yellowcard got a nice 5.

[Garett Press]

I'm actually surprised it got a 78% because I'm seeing a lot of hate on them here. So I guess I kinda thank you in a way. I don't get how that gets a 3 in Alt Pres and Yellowcard got a nice 5.
yeah AltPress reallly did fuck up on that one.

[youareallfreaks]

great review, breh

[druck]

verrrry well written review, i loved it.

[Katie Schmitz]

good review, however i'm still a fan of the first album more.

[Garett Press]

good review, however i'm still a fan of the first album more.
that's a bold statement... props to you for being honest

[violencexgrace]

Best review I've ever read here. Nice job, Garett.

[LilRyan732]

lol, i understand man... i usually do get caught up in the exposition, i'm trying to work on that.



Nah stickman, do your thing cuz. They alwayz gonna be hatin on it anyway.

I for one love the little Pitchfork expositions. It's a lot different from "BAND X IS A MIX OF TWIRLING GUITARS REMINESCENT OF BAND Y SLAPPED TOGETHER WITH THE POTENCY OF BAND Z

TRACK 1 IS...

TRACK 2 SHOWCASES.."

you get the point.

It was a good review, and I think a 7.8 is a justified score. Even if the songs aren't great, you have to acknowledge the ambition.

just my two black cents.

[Colin Farrell]

anyone have any fizzlewink mp3s?

[Colin Farrell]

*andrew jordan not martin

[Rxbandit22]

I think I'm sold now.
I have to buy it when it comes out.

[Web250]

Very good review.

[rusinrockt]

Garett-

I havent heard this CD yet so I cant really comment on it. But I was wondering if in your opinion the seemingly lack of originality of the record in any way takes away from it? I gather from your article that the music is serene enough to make it a worthy purchase, but do you feel that this CD would be more appealing had its influences not been so transparent?

[jawkneephighv]

that's a bold statement... props to you for being honestDitto.

[jawkneephighv]

anyone have any fizzlewink mp3s?i have 1. IM me for it sometime.

[Stubby0918]

*andrew jordan not martin
Yeah I noticed that too.

Good review though.

[trjlangdon]

Great review, amazing album. Can't wait for my pre-order to come in

[bcress]

don't get me wrong...i do like parts of this cd, but go familiarize yourself (if you haven't already) with blindside's album, silence, and then listen to my mannequin can dance. when i hear things like this, it just disgusts me...especially when i still like the song after noticing how bad they rip off one of my favorite cd's of all time.

[Daniel_fts]

i'm not diggin the new matchbook romance. i liked former albums but this is just too conforming for me. If you say your going to be original, be original. don't beat around the bush with it. nice review though.

[Garett Press]

Garett-

I havent heard this CD yet so I cant really comment on it. But I was wondering if in your opinion the seemingly lack of originality of the record in any way takes away from it? I gather from your article that the music is serene enough to make it a worthy purchase, but do you feel that this CD would be more appealing had its influences not been so transparent?
Definitely, and I really like the way you put that. They're wearing this "original" badge, but techinically they are just borrowing many sounds from other artists who are sincerely original. It would have the potential to be a truly great album if they had made their own sound with it.

[Garett Press]

Yeah I noticed that too.

Good review though.
whoops! thanks for the correction

[thursdayx20]

is that really their artwork?

[resUrectMe617]

i really think its awesome how bands today are evolving. even though the starting line's cd wasn't THAT different, you can definitely see the progress and evolution into BOATS, the same with Brand New, and now here with Matchbook.

[truestar1015]

This review makes me even more excited about hearing the album. The only song I have heard is "monsters". I have to be honest I didn't like it at first. When the video for it came out, the song suddenly made sense. If the rest of the cd is anything like "monsters" it is gonna be amazing. Great review Garett!!

[anishkabob]

great review.

[ThinkDave]

Well i for one hated the new album. I'll probably get flamed for it but how can one band change so much while keeping the same members. Saw these guys in concert and they played new and old and you could so easily tell the difference between the albums with the exception of monsters the rest of the album is a completly different band and i cant say i like the direction they went. Just my 2 cents. Ill always love songs like Your Stories My Alibis and Shadows Like Statues too bad they wont be releasing any new songs along similar lines. Call me a teenie bopper call em emo call me what you will but ill miss old Matchbook.

[spansen]

i love this cd.

[smallbutfeisty]

i really like voices, and i think this review was written very well...my only complaint is that it took a long time to get into the actual review. it felt more like an article than a review to me. still, it's amazing writing and an amazing cd.

[Ailite]

Great review, nicely written. I haven't heard the album yet, I can't get into their old stuff, but I'm definitely going to buy this the day it comes out, I really like Monsters.

[NFG4ever]

Althought I am very disapointed about this album so far, That is the best damn review i've ever read here at AP , very well writting and said. I applaude you.

[Jerm]

you my friend will one day be writing for rolling stone.. or whatever magazine you would like... maybe your own... but awsome review i enjoyed it and agree. This album is defiently one of those albums that with your first listien your just like huh? but the more you listien the more you learn to enjoy and love it. Everyone should give it more than just one listien.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

Drew's gonna be maaaaaad.

haha.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

I downloaded a few songs just to make my point.

This sound is so tired.

[CROMagnon]

i agree with the review, and fairly well written, except for a few minor gaffs (i.e. "by far and beyond" is a mix of two terms, "by far" and "far and beyond;" use the first one)

a bit verbose, but whatever, i'm usually guilty of that, too

[Garett Press]

i agree with the review, and fairly well written, except for a few minor gaffs (i.e. "by far and beyond" is a mix of two terms, "by far" and "far and beyond;" use the first one)

a bit verbose, but whatever, i'm usually guilty of that, too
I was actually going for the phrase "by far and away" and I fucked up. Mahhh badddd

[TheShotgunCross]

What's up with the stripey transparent paper thingy that comes with the booklet? Can anyone enlighten me?

[DammiTT]

i am listening to Voices for two weeks already and i think that it's a good album, but i liked Stories and alibies more

[Beloved Broken]

It came to me right after Thrice's "Vheissu" and it just sounded to me so similar to Thrice's sound at ceirtain points... However I noticed someone said about "My Mannequin Can Dance" being close to Blindiside's sound... And it just hit me. That was SO right. Now I'm listening it over just to hear all the influences.
But for what they do, they did it well. And they do it in time, just so that they don't sound behind or ahead of their time. That's so hard to do, I'm going to applaud them just for that.
P.S. Now I'm listening to "Goody, Like Two Shoes" and come to realize this album is actually worth it

[CROMagnon]

I was actually going for the phrase "by far and away" and I fucked up. Mahhh badddd
eh, don't mind me
i'm just a nerd with a thing for words

[a speedo model]

i love this CD

[notetoxself]

it was a very good conducted review

[TheShotgunCross]

After a few listens, I'm left wanting more. This is a good album.

[ten_ways_to_182]

i feel that all the hype has been deciving coz the album is utter shite its soo boring not even one good song on it!stories and alibis was an amazin album very dissapointed!!!!!!!!

hawthorne heights 4 2006!!!!!!!!!

[hobbes2809]

finally registered here on the site so that I could post how awesome I think this record is. Yes, its different, darker and more mature than Stories & Alibis and the West For Wishing ep, and I can see where a lot of old fans that were expecting a more S&A sounding record are going to be somewhat dissapointed, but I think this cd is definately as good and excellent in its own right, so give it a chance and put it through a few spins and I guarentee you'll love it. Its obvious that MR put a lot of blood and sweat into this record and their fans will definately thank them for it. I cant wait to actually buy it and support a band that continues to make great music.

[theonlybandever]

I was a big fan of Stories and Alibis and am very disappointed with this album. I like two songs: Portrait, and Surrender. The rest all sounds the same, is slow, boring, and just generally pisses me off. I hate it when bands try to "re-invent themselves" and that kind of crap. They just pulled a Finch - this is their Say Hello to Sunshine. More like Say Hello to This Steaming Pile of Shit We Call a Follow Up. Anyway, go buy Silverstein or Emery's new cd instead.

[jsim]

I was a big fan of Stories and Alibis and am very disappointed with this album. I like two songs: Portrait, and Surrender. The rest all sounds the same, is slow, boring, and just generally pisses me off. I hate it when bands try to "re-invent themselves" and that kind of crap. They just pulled a Finch - this is their Say Hello to Sunshine. More like Say Hello to This Steaming Pile of Shit We Call a Follow Up. Anyway, go buy Silverstein or Emery's new cd instead.

your gay. and dont know shit.
;)

[MM2death]

finally registered here on the site so that I could post how awesome I think this record is. Yes, its different, darker and more mature than Stories & Alibis and the West For Wishing ep, and I can see where a lot of old fans that were expecting a more S&A sounding record are going to be somewhat dissapointed, but I think this cd is definately as good and excellent in its own right, so give it a chance and put it through a few spins and I guarentee you'll love it. Its obvious that MR put a lot of blood and sweat into this record and their fans will definately thank them for it. I cant wait to actually buy it and support a band that continues to make great music.

My thoughts exactly. I've heard the cd like 10 times already...but i'm going to buy it on Valentines Day. I saw them live in December...i love these guys. Singing Bridges (We All Fall), Fiction and What A Sight are my favourites...but i really enjoy every song!

Scott

[moore182]

Great review, but I just haven't got into Voices yet. Stories and Alibis is still what I listen to more frequently. Voices seems almost boring and lacks the catchiness. I am still giving it a chance though.

[moore182]

I was a big fan of Stories and Alibis and am very disappointed with this album. I like two songs: Portrait, and Surrender. The rest all sounds the same, is slow, boring, and just generally pisses me off. I hate it when bands try to "re-invent themselves" and that kind of crap. They just pulled a Finch - this is their Say Hello to Sunshine. More like Say Hello to This Steaming Pile of Shit We Call a Follow Up. Anyway, go buy Silverstein or Emery's new cd instead.
Kind of how I feel...but I'm hoping the damn thing grows on me.

[ForsakenProdigy]

Stories and Alibis had me rocking my head to powerful hooks, this..just doesnt have that

[hobbes2809]

Kind of how I feel...but I'm hoping the damn thing grows on me.

oh it will. dont worry. pretty soon you will appreciate the genius

[chadders]

I enjoyed this album immensely, for the melodies, and interesting arrangements, but I think it says a lot about what is wrong with the US 'alternative' scene, or whatever you like to call it, that you can excuse so much plagiarism and even use the word 'cliche' in a positive context. The NME here in the UK stated it perfectly in this passage:

'You see, the problem is that a rigid adherence to the emo sound template is seen as evidence of talent by both American lavel and American fan alike, whereas innovation is usually rewarded by the sound of a door slamming and the scampering of scenekids' feet'

Aww, bless 'em

[failedminus]

this review is unreadable

[Garett Press]

I enjoyed this album immensely, for the melodies, and interesting arrangements, but I think it says a lot about what is wrong with the US 'alternative' scene, or whatever you like to call it, that you can excuse so much plagiarism and even use the word 'cliche' in a positive context. The NME here in the UK stated it perfectly in this passage:

'You see, the problem is that a rigid adherence to the emo sound template is seen as evidence of talent by both American lavel and American fan alike, whereas innovation is usually rewarded by the sound of a door slamming and the scampering of scenekids' feet'

Aww, bless 'em
Soooo many big UK bands sound alike... not that I can name examples, but like... Brit Rock? There's a freaking genre for that sound!

I think that quote does hold true in some circumstances though, but not in others. It's back and forth, depending on the artist, and the particular maturation. Brand New? Everyone eats it up. Saves the Day? Everyone was repulsed. Go figure!

[Forsythe22]

mmm Fizzlewink sure turned into a good band haha.

LOL I can't believe I just read the word "Fizzlewink!" I haven't heard that name in years. That band blew so hard, they always opened at shows that I went to in the Poughkeepsie area, and they always blew major ass. Wow. Thanks for bringing back some fond high school memories of hating on this band.

[live.love.die]

This CD has A LOT of potential. They do have a lot of time to progress from this CD. It is a massive change from their last album which I can say I enjoyed but it was whinny and that is why I like some of the vocals on the new album more. Then again, after the track "Monsters" his vocals start going downhill. It sounds like he is trying to hard and that he was singing when he was sick. A lot of the music on the album is really good but the vocal work isn't as good. Take "Fiction". The music I found was really good and then the song went downhill after his vocals came in. the Back vocals are good on that track though. I like the change that they decided to do on the album, have the more Muse/indie sound going on mixing it with their beginning genre. I believe that this album is a learning point for the band to progress on their next album, which if they take a close listen to what they have made on this record, they will learn from their mistakes you can say and make a really good, stay in your stereo or discman for months record. Like Emanuel's "Soundtrack to a Headrush" By far the best album of 2005 and it is their first record. I give the new MBR record a 6.5 out of 10 for having a lot of potential and some good tracks, but listen to his vocal work after "Monsters" sounds like we need to give him some Buckley's.

[live.love.die]

This reply is to the guy who disagree's with the new Finch album. It seems to me that every single Finch fan out there hates their "Say Hello To Sunshine" album. I am very much a Finch fan and I adore this album more than their last album "What It Is To Burn". I find their new album shows the real side of Finch and how they put all their heart into their music and also it shows their artistic side to them. No one ever wants to hear the same record twice from the same band. "Voices" is different and just has it's potential and MBR didn't succeed in making this a very well written record, mainly vocals. But Finch's new CD is by far better then their last. "What It Is To Burn" was all simple power chords and the typical emo/screamo album for a band. "Say Hello To Sunshine" is the amazingly artistic side of Finch. Listen to both albums and compare. Don't listen for Catchiness in the songs, listen to what most counts, the music and how they potray what they love and I am sure everyone will agree that "Say Hello To Sunshine" is Finch's best album.

[lifeis30seconds]

i couldnt agree anymore with you on this review
f'real tho

[Bobcat46308]

i love this album.

[4INDIE]

Hey everyone thought you might want to check out Matchbook romance being featured on mtvU’s the Backstage Pass. http://www.mtvu.com/music/backstage_pass/ (http://www.mtvu.com/music/backstage_pass/)

[thesewordslikef]

Finch's new CD is by far better then their last. "What It Is To Burn" was all simple power chords and the typical emo/screamo album for a band. "Say Hello To Sunshine" is the amazingly artistic side of Finch. Listen to both albums and compare. Don't listen for Catchiness in the songs, listen to what most counts, the music and how they potray what they love and I am sure everyone will agree that "Say Hello To Sunshine" is Finch's best album.
umm, no we wont... sorry dude

[Garett Press]

i couldnt agree anymore with you on this review
f'real tho
hahah thanks dude f'real

[thisisrightnow]

This album is definitely one of my favorite albums of 2006, so far.

I'll admit, I was worried with how the new album was going to turn out, when they said they were going in a new direction, but it's still Matchbook none-the-less.

You Can Run, But We'll Find You & Surrender are definitely my favorites. I love Monsters cause it's different, too.

[benbjork]

i just want to say that your review is fantastic and very well-written. that is all.

[domesticyeti]

this CD, just like the last one, had 2 or 3 good songs, and the rest just sucked. While they're musicianship has greatly improved, and was very impressing, the fact is the songs just ARE NOT GOOD.

[composingpoet]

Wow, see.

I think everything about this CD sucked. Perhaps I'm a lunatic. But then again I always hated Matchbook Romance. They seem so...like everybody else.

[Aikichi]

I love this CD.
My favourite songs are Good, like two shoes and I Wish you Were Here

[pottsy]

I have to say that I love Stories and Alibi's, and was kind of disappointed by voices at first, but then the more you listen to the album, the more depth you discover, great album, well worth the purchase.

[martinbroos]

Really nice review you said actualy what I think was happening to MBR.
I was a real fan of west for wishing and storries and alibies, bought both of the albums but this last album is to much changed for me. I couldn't really get into it like I easely could with the other two albums.

Now that read your review I will give it another shot since you felt the same in the begining. But I think their music changed to much for me but its fine I can listen to their older albums :)

Thanks for this great review

[atticus1492]

This reply is to the guy who disagree's with the new Finch album. It seems to me that every single Finch fan out there hates their "Say Hello To Sunshine" album. I am very much a Finch fan and I adore this album more than their last album "What It Is To Burn". I find their new album shows the real side of Finch and how they put all their heart into their music and also it shows their artistic side to them. No one ever wants to hear the same record twice from the same band. "Voices" is different and just has it's potential and MBR didn't succeed in making this a very well written record, mainly vocals. But Finch's new CD is by far better then their last. "What It Is To Burn" was all simple power chords and the typical emo/screamo album for a band. "Say Hello To Sunshine" is the amazingly artistic side of Finch. Listen to both albums and compare. Don't listen for Catchiness in the songs, listen to what most counts, the music and how they potray what they love and I am sure everyone will agree that "Say Hello To Sunshine" is Finch's best album.

You will be very hard-pressed to find many TBS fans who did not want another Tell All Your Friends.

And Say Hello To Sunshine sucks.