Saves The Day - Sound The Alarm

[Gabe Gross]

Saves the Day - Sound The Alarm
Release Date: April 11, 2005
Record Label: Vagrant Records (http://www.vagrant.com/)

After In Reverie found a comfortable shadow in the canyons of Saved The Day’s fan hearts, we were all wondering if this was the beginning of a downward slope for the Princeton, New Jersey wonder boys. Although, for first time fans, fair-weather fans and long-time fans, Sound The Alarm pays homage to their unordinary structure, sound and lyrics. Saves The Day—vocalist/guitarist Chris Conley, bassist Manny Carrero, Drummer Pete Parada and guitarist David Soloway—have undoubtedly formed a dedicated following on the overwhelmingly recognizable sound they’ve created over the past 10 years.

Sound The Alarm’s tracklisting is a monumental catalog that ultimately showcases why they are successful. “Head For the Hills” is a wonderful opener; classic STD introductory anthem that delivers the pre-In Reverie sound that hardcore fans grew up with. By far, the most well-flavored track is “Shattered.” Dripping wet with Conley singing in and out through desperation and morbidity (“I took a wrench to my chest, cracked all my ribs / let the blood run over my hands” and “Pull out my tongue, tie it around my neck / hang myself alone in the dark”). Carrero’s bass line is heavily drenched as it matches Conley’s patented obnoxious voice.

Then there is “Dying Day”which is la-dee-da, swing-yourself-about track, providing a safe single to release. “Delusional” is one of the key tracks on the album (thanks to the excitable, jaunty lick right before the chorus kicks in). By using undersized guitar solo, the listener’s attention must be precise and—what’s the opposite of ADD?—affixed. "Eulogy" begins lazily (as it should) then the percussions build into a memorable chorus--radio ready--served cold to help the swelling. Oh, and the lyrics? Think "Jukebox Breakdown" with more drive.

With 13 songs coming in at a little over 35 minutes, the numbers might have you asking where the rest of your money will be going to. Don't let that bother you because not many albums allow you to put a CD on repeat over and over again without getting tired of it. Plus, I guarantee you will find something beautiful musically and lyrically through each spin.


Is this Saves The Day’s best album? According to this fan, no. Stay What You Are still stands high on its pedestal. While Sound The Alarm doesn’t dip into anything new, it also doesn’t dip into anything new (yes, I said that right). It’s a double-edged sword when a band stays safely with what they know (but I’m also thankful for Sound The Alarm staying true to the sound, after the reponse with In Reverie—which is what makes it successful in the end). The album is topped off with reasonable production, levels are clear and instruments aren’t overpowering, nor are the vocals. Overall, fans will be pleased and the band should be even more pleased with a healthy, positive response.



Cause paranoia is the only friend I know…

[Grybo]

im so damn excited for this release.

[homicide hearts]

i got it and i love it. chris is back and better than ever. cant wait to see them play these live!

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA SUCK IN THAT GUT!

[make_this_hurt]

Thank god this leaked. Cus I'm in love it.

[Jentheoptimist]

Good review Gaby. Your style of writing is becoming more and more your own. What you told me you want to accomplish, you are not far from. I think that is exactly how I feel about the album to a T. Except you love to say Fairweather fan a lot and I would never say that. You get better everytime. I am/always will be your fan girl. OMGz! gABe. lolz. cREaMZzz

[CrucifiedHeart]

While I think sound the alarm showcases their versatile history i dont think that sound the alarm sounds like a greatest hits album. I personally definitely hear lots of new directions... Which has me pleasantly surprised, even though it shouldnt ....Saves has never released the same album twice.... unlike 43896784745067 of the more popular bands around right now. I'm not a fan of hearing new songs that could fit seamlessly into older albums.

I also think this is their darkest album which i'm beginning to believe is a concept album.
It kinda sucks that the songs are so short but it does keep up the urgent pace through out the album.

My favorites are diseased, dont know why, and delusional .... those songs fucking blew me away, and while I like the versatility of all the other songs... I love those cause (in my opinion) they are what Saves was always really so fuckign good at... writing memorable and simple but clever and not corny, very catchy melodies with a whole lot of passion.


But i do agree with gabe , SWYA is still my fav saves the day album. Growing up, anorexia, sex, love, death, and acceptance and whatever else.... Musically and lyrically, and (personal preference) vocally, that is my fav saves the day album.

And I cant wait to see what they do next, I just hope they dont wait another 3 years to release another album.. ugh

[CROMagnon]

this album is so gloriously beautiful, but i have to disagree and say there's more of an influence from swya than tbc
i also miss d'amico, but carrero does a great job, i'm in love with the bass line on say you'll never leave

[make_this_hurt]

While I think sound the alarm showcases their versatile history i dont think that sound the alarm sounds like a greatest hits album. I personally definitely hear lots of new directions... Which has me pleasantly surprised, even though it shouldnt ....Saves has never released the same album twice.... unlike 43896784745067 of the more popular bands around right now. I'm not a fan of hearing new songs that could fit seamlessly into older albums.

I also think this is their darkest album which i'm beginning to believe is a concept album.
It kinda sucks that the songs are so short but it does keep up the urgent pace through out the album.

My favorites are diseased, dont know why, and delusional .... those songs fucking blew me away, and while I like the versatility of all the other songs... I love those cause (in my opinion) they are what Saves was always really so fuckign good at... writing memorable and simple but clever and not corny, very catchy melodies with a whole lot of passion.


But i do agree with gabe , SWYA is still my fav saves the day album. Growing up, anorexia, sex, love, death, and acceptance and whatever else.... Musically and lyrically, and (personal preference) vocally, that is my fav saves the day album.

And I cant wait to see what they do next, I just hope they dont wait another 3 years to release another album.. ugh

Well put. That's exactly how I feel.

[Save my day]

You better give TBS a lower score =)

[born to expire]

I don't like this album at all.

Also, Can't Slow Down is their best record, hands down.

[Jentheoptimist]

You better give TBS a lower score =)
It's official, I hate you.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

I miss Eben still!

[Jason Tate]

I don't like this album at all.

Also, Can't Slow Down is their best record, hands down.
Disagree.

Disagree.

[born to expire]

Disagree.

Disagree.

It's ok, you're entitled to your own opinion. I think for the most part, STD's albums get worse as they are released. Ups and Downs rules, and Sound The Alarm is better than In Reverie, however.

[SLADE775]

Good review Gabe.

Though "Stay What You Are" cannot be topped in my opinion.

[get high]

the album is pretty solid. ive heard it a couple times and the last few tracks are the ones that stand out. it's straight ahead punk rock which is something i didn't think i would ever dig again, and turns out i do. this is a good review, through being cool i think is their best album though prob cause its the first one that got me into them and this one is similar although the vocals are more fine tuned which is is kind of a let down for their style

[SLADE775]

It's ok, you're entitled to your own opinion. I think for the most part, STD's albums get worse as they are released. Ups and Downs rules, and Sound The Alarm is better than In Reverie, however.

Who do you think you're talking to you fucking Doucheasaurus!?!?!

Get the fuck outta here you mindless excuse for a n00b.
http://www.damnfunnypictures.com/images/Kid_Gets_Owned.jpg

[ilovebsb]

the guitar solo's are amazing. yeah this cd is overly hyped. i think people are just really excited because its better than I.R. you know its like std is finally comming out've their slump but i honestly dont think its all that great. on a scale from 1-10 definatly a 5. i duno its weird the more i listen to it the more i really enjoy it. and i've only listened to in all twice so you know either way you're guna like it. espically if you HATED I.R. and even though they have thatthat one slow song. i forget the name you its good. you know it really seems like a more aggresive and not as poppy stay what you are if that makes any sense. b/c it doesnt sound like cant slow down or through being cool at all. well i'm out later

[TomAce]

how can no one mention Bones? When it turns fast paced, i get so excited it makes me want to just pass out in a little school girl giggle fit

[unwritten]

I love this album.

[sellitforcaeish]

they sound THEYVE been creating for 10 years?? chris is the only one thats been there the whole time, i dont even think anyone from stay what you are is still in the band. i havent heard the cd yet except the 3 songs from the sampler, which were very good. the others they played live were pretty good and my friends been raving about 'bones' so im pretty excited to hear this.

[oldskool]

I have only heard the songs on the MEDIA player, Shattered and The End. Both seem like very solid songs. They make me excited. How do they compare to the rest of the songs??? Are their fast paced poppunk songs like through being cool??? Anybody know???? I am looking forward to buying this.

[shagelific]

that was a good review.

i think the album is pretty lame, but you did a nice job.

[billcom7]

Am I the only one whose favorite STD release is Through Being Cool??? It is starting to seem like that...

[kaskomm09]

Am I the only one whose favorite STD release is Through Being Cool??? It is starting to seem like that...

Nope, Through Being Cool is my favorite STD. Behind herpes.

[Sureshot182]

stay what you are will definitely never be topped.

[born to expire]

Who do you think you're talking to you fucking Doucheasaurus!?!?!

Get the fuck outta here you mindless excuse for a n00b.
http://www.damnfunnypictures.com/images/Kid_Gets_Owned.jpg

It's a new username. I've been here since the summer of 2003. Nice try though.

[waitingtoderail]

i'm seeing them sunday and i couldn't be more excited.

[YellowNovember]

I kinda think it is to soon for it to be reviewed.....It should honestly be reviewed in 6 months to see if it is as easy to pick up as Stay What You Are or Through Being Cool

[YellowNovember]

the guitar solo's are amazing. yeah this cd is overly hyped. i think people are just really excited because its better than I.R. you know its like std is finally comming out've their slump but i honestly dont think its all that great. on a scale from 1-10 definatly a 5. i duno its weird the more i listen to it the more i really enjoy it. and i've only listened to in all twice so you know either way you're guna like it. espically if you HATED I.R. and even though they have thatthat one slow song. i forget the name you its good. you know it really seems like a more aggresive and not as poppy stay what you are if that makes any sense. b/c it doesnt sound like cant slow down or through being cool at all. well i'm out later

How long have you listiened to this cd? ....Just curious

[YellowNovember]

that was a good review.

i think the album is pretty lame, but you did a nice job.


Are you sure you were listiening to Sound the Alarm?

[YellowNovember]

the guitar solo's are amazing. yeah this cd is overly hyped. i think people are just really excited because its better than I.R. you know its like std is finally comming out've their slump but i honestly dont think its all that great. on a scale from 1-10 definatly a 5. i duno its weird the more i listen to it the more i really enjoy it. and i've only listened to in all twice so you know either way you're guna like it. espically if you HATED I.R. and even though they have thatthat one slow song. i forget the name you its good. you know it really seems like a more aggresive and not as poppy stay what you are if that makes any sense. b/c it doesnt sound like cant slow down or through being cool at all. well i'm out later

How long have you had this cd? Just curious

[CrucifiedHeart]

they sound THEYVE been creating for 10 years?? chris is the only one thats been there the whole time, i dont even think anyone from stay what you are is still in the band. i havent heard the cd yet except the 3 songs from the sampler, which were very good. the others they played live were pretty good and my friends been raving about 'bones' so im pretty excited to hear this.

dave soloway

[The_New_Cancer]

Not half bad. Not that big of fan of the vocals, but other than its not too bad.

[screamoutmyname]

Saves The Day/circa Survive
March 30th Sold Out!?!?!?!?!?!?
I'm So Pissed!!!

[Daniel_fts]

i'm diggin this album

[Brooklyn Kid]

I don't like this album at all.

Also, Can't Slow Down is their best record, hands down.


oh man, what are YOU smoking?

[Nate_RAWKS]

I love this album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[born to expire]

oh man, what are YOU smoking?

Some good shit.

[Darren McLeod]

i'm a "Through Being Cool" man as far as their old albums go. Haven't heard this one yet.

[TheNameIsJohnny]

I do enjoy this CD very much but.. I did kind of like the last one also. Im just a big saves the day fan.

[YellowNovember]

Some good shit.

can i have some?

[shagelific]

Are you sure you were listiening to Sound the Alarm?

no

[emptyvictory]

I saw them in LA over last Thanksgiving and Chris is such a proven and stable talent. The new stuff sounds great. I love to see them play live

[relevanceof27]

I heard about half the new songs live at SXSW and I'm pumped for the CD. My friend has the leak and I refused to take it because I'm just like that.

p.s.
In Reverie is the best album they've put out so far. In my mind, they've gotten better and better with each album. That's just me, one of your biggest STD fans.

[YellowNovember]

no

I can tell

[sellitforcaeish]

dave soloway

that is true, my bad. its probably his hair that threw me off.

everyone is trying to debate which saves the day album is the best, everyone is going to have a different opinion!! it all has to do with what background you came from when you got into this type of music. they are an NJ hardcore influenced band, theyve put out pop punk records, theyve put out indie rock records. of course its going to bring a bunch of people together who can all agree they are a good band, but theres not going to be a consensus on which album is the best. on a more relevant note, i still havent been able to hear all of the new cd because soulseek is being a dildo avalanche. i dont think theyve ever put out a BAD cd, but the ratio of good to bad songs is definitely different with each one.

[PaintTheTarget]

princeton represent, son!

[TheBaroness]

crap, i don't know whether to listen to this pre-release or not...

[Johnnydcp]

I still hate that people hate In Reverie.. That album was so good. I might be one of the only people who wish they would have gone more in that direction.. I also love SWYA and Through Being Cool as Well along with about 3/4ths of the songs on this cd, especially #9.

[i bet i bet]

people seem to interchange the words 'best' and 'favorite.' or maybe they are just the same thing. but i think stay what you are is their best record, but through being cool is my favorite. and i liked in reverie. and the acoustic ep. and cant slow down. its saves the day. fuck yeah.

[fromwithin]

every saves the day release is incredible and this one is no exception. the only thing that keeps this from pure perfection is the length. if it was just a little longer I'd have nothing to say, but as far as the lyrics go, theyre the best of any std album. musically theyve stepped it up and his voice is dead on with other std releases.

[we are cured]

how can no one mention Bones? When it turns fast paced, i get so excited it makes me want to just pass out in a little school girl giggle fit

YES

i was walking to class last night and that part came on...i couldn't wipe the shit-eating grin off of my face

[we are cured]

oh man, what are YOU smoking?

can't slow down was the shit, coming out of a 17 year old kid it was pretty amazing at the time. i still put it up there with all of their albums. there are some unforgettable songs on there.

[ilovebsb]

can't slow down was the shit, coming out of a 17 year old kid it was pretty amazing at the time. i still put it up there with all of their albums. there are some unforgettable songs on there.

i totally agree with you... come on... who cant forget about always ten feet tall. that song is a classic :)

[dubey]

I love this album, can't stop listening to it.

Also, where's the love for Through Being Cool? It's one of my favourite albums ever.

[duffe]

i listened to this album 2 times, i love it. I deleted Sound The Alarm and the sampler from my comp, now i'm waiting to have the cd in my hands.

[sellitforcaeish]

people seem to interchange the words 'best' and 'favorite.' or maybe they are just the same thing. but i think stay what you are is their best record, but through being cool is my favorite. and i liked in reverie. and the acoustic ep. and cant slow down. its saves the day. fuck yeah.

hey do you want 2 CDs for free?

"but its on the taaable, the moutths are chokiieeeeenneah im growin hungry (IM GROWIN HUNGRRRYRHEYEHEAH)"

[XPrettyXWasteX]

I haven't heard this album yet, but I'm way stoked on it... I'm actually going to see STD again on Tuesday!
So far I think Through Being Cool is my favorite album..

[white_emo_punk]

i love this album.

[TheOldJostler]

This is a fantastic album. They're having fun, and it shows through in the music. I love love love the whole discography but this one...this could wind up at the top of the heap.

[marlboroman]

this cd is simply amazing

[Ladron]

Everything by STD sucks. Except for this album, I actually like it!

[ceelove]

great review!

[floz2323]

Just picked it up, its a very very good album

[iheartJDepp]

It's ok, you're entitled to your own opinion. I think for the most part, STD's albums get worse as they are released. Ups and Downs rules, and Sound The Alarm is better than In Reverie, however.



prime example of a moron.

[XBurnedDesireX]

Good review....i really like this album, but SWYA is still my favorite...Why does everyone hate In Reverie so much??? It is not a bad album at all...different but not bad......

[akiria]

I love this album.

I love all their albums and I also don't understand why everyone hates In Reverie. I think it's absolutely beautiful.

My favorite album is still Through Being Cool b/c that is what made me fall in love with them.

[Alt_fate83]

Through Being Cool = Greatest Album ever.

Stay what you are > Sound the alarm

in reverie is not even worth mentioning

[Alt_fate83]

the guitar solo's are amazing. yeah this cd is overly hyped. i think people are just really excited because its better than I.R. you know its like std is finally comming out've their slump but i honestly dont think its all that great. on a scale from 1-10 definatly a 5. i duno its weird the more i listen to it the more i really enjoy it. and i've only listened to in all twice so you know either way you're guna like it. espically if you HATED I.R. and even though they have thatthat one slow song. i forget the name you its good. you know it really seems like a more aggresive and not as poppy stay what you are if that makes any sense. b/c it doesnt sound like cant slow down or through being cool at all. well i'm out later

i agree with everything you said here

[ben !]

I don't like this album at all.

Also, Can't Slow Down is their best record, hands down. + 10000000 the new album is boring