Saosin - In Search of Solid Ground

[Steve Henderson]

Saosin – In Search of Solid Ground
Release Date: September 8, 2009
Record Label: Virgin Records

It is not a well-kept secret that I was a bit enamored (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=166717) with Saosin’s debut LP. The timing of that record and the execution of it seemed damn near perfect at the time. The stars just kind of aligned for that release, and Saosin has been riding the wave ever since. And going back to listen to that self-titled gem now, I still stand by everything I said – the combination of soaring vocals, upper echelon musicianship, and flawless production made for a work deserving of its transcendence beyond the post-hardcore roots that spawned it. So here we are, three years later – has the band used its accomplishments and notoriety as a launchpad to create another killer record? Or is their sophomore effort a perfunctory exercise in simply going through the motions?

In Search of Solid Ground is, in a word, disappointing. Both on its own, and when compared to Saosin’s initial offering, their return falls short. The energy, tenacity, and overall brilliance that seemed to come so easily before now comes through in choked, wheezing clumps. And when those flourishes subside, listeners are once more left clinging to the mediocrity that plagues the majority of ISOSG.

Solid Ground starts off with a glimmer of promise, with “I Keep My Secrets Safe,” which would necessarily sound out of place on S/T. But besides Cove Reber’s shockingly adept screams in the track’s breakdown, the number is a bad omen for the rest of the volume. It follows a formula that will feel well-worn by album’s end – solid vocals, uninspired riffs, and a decent (yet largely unremarkable) chorus. “Deep Down” is sonically intriguing, but really more due to the track’s production than the song itself – an above average hook can’t absolve the tune from having no soul, and no bite. And by the time you reach “Why Can’t You See,” it is sad to say that letdowns become the norm, as the band digs itself into a rut with far too much restraint and an apparent disassociation from the art they should be pouring themselves into.

The lull lingers for a few other tired exercises until the group shows a little spark and edge with the kinetic “On My Own.” However, Saosin loses any karmic allowance with the lame mid-tempo “The Alarming Sound of a Still Small Voice” and “It’s All Over Now,” which is easily the cheesiest, worst song the band has ever penned and put to tape. One can only hope the latter was hatched from major label commercial machinations, because if not, it could be a dark harbinger of where these guys could be headed if given another chance.

It is a damn shame that Saosin followed up such a landmark debut with a blemished dud like In Search of Solid Ground. The overall work just sounds so incredibly forced and boring, it is hard to imagine it was any fun to make. And what might have been a consolation prize – the always stellar percussion of Alex Rodriguez – is pushed so far back in the mix or needlessly subdued, that A-Rod now has to be the most criminally underutilized drummer in the scene (if not all of rock). Outside of the stellar production, there aren’t really any high points that can salvage the record from its plan vanilla mire. Maybe the band is resting on its laurels and has gotten complacent, or bored, or even worse – maybe they have just lost it. I certainly hope this is not the case, but one-time fans aren’t going to forgive another pair of half-baked EPs and a live album that nobody wants before they are given proper correction for this lob. 2009 has taken Saosin from being one of the hottest bands in music to just another above-average radio-rock group. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait until 2012 for reimbursement.


The Used, Senses Fail, 30 Seconds to Mars

[xapplexpiex]

Ah! This is so disappointing! The RIYL doesn't look too hot either. I love the s/t and I've been looking forward to this. Thanks for the heads-up. Nice review though, well written as always.

[aradiantsunrise]

Damn, pretty low score. I'm hoping this isn't as bad as it's made out to be in the review.

Edit: Which songs out of the 13 would you say are the best?

[S9Dallasoz]

This one's been taking plenty of heat so far, I'm not finding it to be that bad myself...
The debut is definitely a step above this release though.

[Iwudstilldie4u]

In an interview, Cove said he was glad he didn't have to live up to Anthony Green's legacy on this album, and that there was no pressure to write "an album full of singles," like on the S/T. He was wrong; what came out of this lack of pressure was mediocrity. He essentially let go of all that made the last album great.

I also feel like the vocals and production deserve lower scores. Sorry Saosin; I'll still be a fan, though

[henry chinaski]

got the album in the mail today 'cause it already comes out tomorrow here in germany. i agree with steve that it's not as creative as the self-titled release plus one could miss some of the damn catchy drum passages Rodriguez played on the first record in some occasions. there are definitely more radio rock songs on it, if you want to call them like that. still i think it's a solid record. in my opinion 75% or so. i guess they'll come back with a more mature third album :)

[Jamos4184]

Hey Steve, was this self-produced or did they have a producer? Can't believe any producer, or the band themselves, would suppress A-Rod's beastly abilities (even Howard Benson didn't do that).

[EchoPark]

Steve your critique of this album is fair and balanced but I don't agree with it.

I think this album is equally as good as their S/T release.

[Steve Henderson]

Hey Steve, was this self-produced or did they have a producer? Can't believe any producer, or the band themselves, would suppress A-Rod's beastly abilities (even Howard Benson didn't do that).
I think they self-produced some tracks. I know they had a bunch of different producers work on different songs, but I am not positive which ones did which.

[cereal4life]

“It’s All Over Now,” which is easily the cheesiest, worst song the band has ever penned and put to tape.

Can you please explain, Steve? Is it just a cheeseball ballad or something?

From the songs I've heard already, I'm not that excited for this release. Especially after reading this review, I feel that a let-down is almost inevitable for me. It really is a shame because I was hoping for big things! I guess we shall see. Nice review, Steve.

[navidson]

Its no surprise to me that Saosin have gone down this route - The S/T album was evidence that most of the spark from 'Translating the Name' had disappeared. The drums on that EP were absolutely phenomenal, brilliantly produced and technically excellent - The only song on the album that had even a glimpse of the old drum style was 'Sleepers' (and even that was an anodyne version of what came before)

I know that most people focused on the change of vocalists as the biggest single difference between the two incarnations of Saosin, but personally, its been the death of the drums which has made the biggest impact.

[Romancebled]

This is the most disappointing album that I've heard all year. "It's All Over Now" and "What Were We Made For" literally made me cringe.

[Charles De Mar]

The first album was a disappointment compared to TTN, but it was still, at least, a solid enough release.

This one is just embarrassing. Every song is completely uninteresting.

[Burn_Burn_Burn]

Do you still stand by your 95% rating for their first album?

Out of all the highly scored staff reviews that one baffles me the most
"And going back to listen to that self-titled gem now, I still stand by everything I said" is what Steve said in the review.

[trappedintime]

Fuck man. This album was supposed to remind me of how much I loved Saosin. There's nothing more that I wanted other than having them have another successful album. But this is just terrible. None of the songs at all bring out any excitement.

The overall work just sounds so incredibly forced and boring, it is hard to imagine it was any fun to make.

This was how you sum up this record. I'm sorry Saosin, but this is just not good. Most disappointing album of the year.

[Steve Henderson]

Do you still stand by your 95% rating for their first album?

Out of all the highly scored staff reviews that one baffles me the most
If I could go back and re-rate it, I would probably knock down some categories by a small amount, but I still believe it is a 90%+ album. I still play it regularly and it resonates like it did when I first heard it.

[Steve Henderson]

Its no surprise to me that Saosin have gone down this route - The S/T album was evidence that most of the spark from 'Translating the Name' had disappeared. The drums on that EP were absolutely phenomenal, brilliantly produced and technically excellent - The only song on the album that had even a glimpse of the old drum style was 'Sleepers' (and even that was an anodyne version of what came before)

I know that most people focused on the change of vocalists as the biggest single difference between the two incarnations of Saosin, but personally, its been the death of the drums which has made the biggest impact.
I think the drums were still awesome on their S/T album.

[Steve Henderson]

Can you please explain, Steve? Is it just a cheeseball ballad or something?

From the songs I've heard already, I'm not that excited for this release. Especially after reading this review, I feel that a let-down is almost inevitable for me. It really is a shame because I was hoping for big things! I guess we shall see. Nice review, Steve.
Yes, it is a cheesy, sugary, overproduced (I hate that word, but it applies here) pop song. If you played that tune for me, there is no way I could tell it is Saosin performing it.

[denissuxx]

Harsh review. I don't agree with it at all. This is a solid sophomore effort in my eyes. Nothing groundbreaking, sure, but I think it's a good album

[Akissforher]

i loved that album, still do, i just dont think they can follow it up, this hasnt boosted my confidence in that either.

[cereal4life]

Yes, it is a cheesy, sugary, overproduced (I hate that word, but it applies here) pop song. If you played that tune for me, there is no way I could tell it is Saosin performing it.
Eesh, that does sound bad. I'm not-so-excited to get this album anymore.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Bummer. Nice review though.

[inthemidst]

This is disappointing, but overall, not surprising. I knew this is where they were headed after taking an unnecessary three years after their debut. Like you said, they've been "riding the wave" from their initial release. I also agree with your point about the massive underutilization of A-Rod. He really is a fantastic drummer, and it showed on their S/T, but it's literally a sin to put him on the back-burner. Too bad. Good review, Steve.

[Fallinguplights]

Good review, I have to disagree with most everything though, Its not as good As the first, but in my opinion this cd is really good, Will listen to it more once I buy it though

[*Ro']

2009 has taken Saosin from being one of the hottest bands in music to just another above-average radio-rock band.

My thoughts exactly. Steve, do you think the 3 songs from 'The grey EP' are better than the rest?

[iIi]

These guys sound a lot like Secret & Whisper...

[iAMhollyood315]

man i remember when saosin played at a hole in the wall venue after fall out boy sept 11 2003. randomally showed up and weren't on the bill and blew me away. now they're just kinda washed up a little.

[ACA]

I've been too preoccupied with shopping for a guitar (http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=2373&sid=524) and Blueprint 3 to give this a listen. After the dismal first full-length, I really don't have the interest.

I want to check it out, though, before I write them band off.. but these gut instincts are right like 9 out of 10 times :/

[cereal4life]

These guys sound a lot like Secret & Whisper...
Haha you mean Secret&Whisper sound a lot like these guys.

[Jeremy Aaron]

Yet another in a long line of tragically disappointing albums released this year.

[dookiedog]

I think Beau and Chris mixed most of the album....is this true? From what I've heard of the mixes they do not sound as good as their debut LP.

[jwoody]

Why did you comment on how the drums were pushed way back in the mix as a huge mistake (which i agree) then go onto say in the next sentence that the production on the album is stellar??? weird...

[Supernovacaine]

Good review, not so good album. Painfully average.

[npmshah]

I'm really, REALLY dissapointed at this album. The S/T helped get me into this scene, and now Saosin has released this crap

[Steve Henderson]

Why did you comment on how the drums were pushed way back in the mix as a huge mistake (which i agree) then go onto say in the next sentence that the production on the album is stellar??? weird...
Production is largely good, mix leaves a little to be desired. The drumming isn't always just tucked back in the mix too - it is less pronounced in the songs themselves.

[Shawn at RRR]

The more and more I listen to the album, the more I enjoy it. To each his own.

[3eb23]

dang this is not good news

[thefirewithin]

I agree with Steve in most of the things he said but I am still managing to enjoy this album. If this was there first release I don't think I would give it many listens but because of what they've done in the past i've grown to LOVE Saosin and I like that I have new material from them. The album is not there strongest effort by any means but for me it has some standout tracks.

Does anyone else think that Cove's vocals on "secrets" were better on the grey ep? I don't like the new chorus as much as I liked the original and it's bugging me. I also think the screams were MUCH better in the original.

Also... I'm starting to grow weary of bands who use multiple producers to do one album. It doesn't seem to be a formula that works well. I wonder if that had any effect on the cohesiveness of ISOSG.

[whatitdo1787]

I've loved everything Saosin has done in the past, but after listening to this album a few times the only thing that comes to mind is a complete lack of energy. As of right now, I think Is this Real?, On My Own and Secrets are the only songs that would've made the cut on the S/T.

[deezee]

Saw this coming a million miles away, I have great vision...

[zachff]

Great review but it's far from what I wanted to read. I still can't wait to hear this album but I'm definitely expecting to be disappointed.

[Mibabalou]

damn...

[popdisaster00]

I haven't liked a single thing about this band after Anthony left.

[the1]

If I could go back and re-rate it, I would probably knock down some categories by a small amount, but I still believe it is a 90%+ album. I still play it regularly and it resonates like it did when I first heard it.
To me, the s/t just sounds so clean. that it's almost futuristic (lame description I know haha)

I really like the ones from the Grey EP and Is This Real an On My Own, but if the rest of the tracks suck then it'll be a shame, cos everything so far has been amazing.

[the1]

Saw this coming a million miles away, I have great vision...
Yeah but you like Hey Monday, so fuck off.


(jkz)

[rockandsemo]

This is the most disappointing album that I've heard all year. "It's All Over Now" and "What Were We Made For" literally made me cringe.
no it's not you think that this one is the most dissapointing album you shoud listen to the new album of taking back sunday that album is a huge letdown not this one this one is decent and good but not that good as their first effort

[Viva Sonata]

Noooooo. I waited so long for that.

[jenovaproject]

EXCELLENT REVIEW. Saosin needs to read it. You scored it higher than I would have though.

[Ankit]

Look,STEVE I agree with all the things you said.This album lacks the guitar work from Justin & Beau & with weak guitar work Alex blasting out the drums would have looked odd[my opinion.]This is basically due to the fact that Cove wasn't able to reproduce the songs of s/t live,he was bashed everywhere for his poor live performances,therefore in my view Justin & Beau have taken a lot of back vocals [You can hear that in the songs,that made their sound more fuller but their trademark guitar work lost it way].Still this album is awesome in terms of vocals,I cant recall a band that has such awesome tracks[In terms of vocal melody not guitar & drums].I would have preferred their old styles of Great guitar work,drumming but I think they have done this to help Cove[He just cant reproduce the songs live so they made simpler songs this time]
AND TO SAOSIN FANS!THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME,GO give it a listen.YOU wont regret it

[Gregory Robson]

Yet another in a long line of tragically disappointing albums released this year.
Well said Jeremy, I totally agree. And Steve, you once again did it again. There are close to five or six turns of phrase in this review that I wish I had the inherent genius to create. You sir make me want to do better every time out. Cheers.

[Aperi Oculos]

I think they self-produced some tracks. I know they had a bunch of different producers work on different songs, but I am not positive which ones did which.
I think Butch Walker is in the "On My Own" video and if that is so I'm thinking he probably did "Is This Real" as well. I too just fell in love with the s/t which led me to explore their back catalog but I am not just disappointed but actually just shocked with how this record came out to be. And I thought a Benson-less record = awesome.

I tried to listen to "It’s All Over Now" reminding myself "hey it might have the same vibe of 'Finding Home' and be somewhat enjoyable at times"...no. They should have just sold the song to a Cyrus.

[BELIEVEINDERRIK]

Its no surprise to me that Saosin have gone down this route - The S/T album was evidence that most of the spark from 'Translating the Name' had disappeared. The drums on that EP were absolutely phenomenal, brilliantly produced and technically excellent - The only song on the album that had even a glimpse of the old drum style was 'Sleepers' (and even that was an anodyne version of what came before)

I know that most people focused on the change of vocalists as the biggest single difference between the two incarnations of Saosin, but personally, its been the death of the drums which has made the biggest impact.
I'm almost positive Alex wasn't in the band when they recorded TTN, nor did he record the drum tracks on that ep. With that being said, he still was able to pull of the ep live.

[WhoSaidThat?]

I think they self-produced some tracks. I know they had a bunch of different producers work on different songs, but I am not positive which ones did which.
Congrats on the 100th review, Steve.

[Steve Henderson]

I'm almost positive Alex wasn't in the band when they recorded TTN, nor did he record the drum tracks on that ep. With that being said, he still was able to pull of the ep live.
He wasn't...Pat recorded the drums for that EP.

[Steve Henderson]

Congrats on the 100th review, Steve.
Thanks! I just noticed that after I wrote it last night.

[ThisIsNotDan]

I have a feeling I'm going to have a very similar reaction. such a shame because the S/T was so fucking awesome

[Dirge07]

Not surprised. Loved the S/T also, but just hearing some of the "singles" they've put out definitely turned me off...

[saosinteam]

Interesting... I think this album grows on you. I've had it for a month now and I really like all but perhaps 1 song. I think it's more cohesive sounding than the s/t.

[Aperi Oculos]

These are my final thoughts: Saosin is a great band with a phenomenal drummer, soaring vocals, nice underlying bass work, and guitar work that is simple enough to be catchy but technical enough to be interesting. Cove get a tissue, you've gone through enough shit with people comparing you to Anthony...you don't need to a write a whole album's worth of material being sad and sorry about a girl. Alejandro tear it up again. Beau and Justin: make riffs again. TTN was the shit. s/t was the shit. Here's for hoping you get that energy back on LP3.

[Steve Henderson]

Interesting... I think this album grows on you. I've had it for a month now and I really like all but perhaps 1 song. I think it's more cohesive sounding than the s/t.
Judging from your username, I am guessing you might be a bit biased? :shrug:

[Richard Maxim]

I was really looking forward to this, Thanks steve. You have me brainwashed into being influenced by all of your reviews.

[Yellowcard2006]

I still need to give it a listen. I had a feeling it was gonna get a low score though.

[mylohimself]

Def sounds forced
ugh :(

[2hxc4you]

I agree on some points, but I'm diggin the album. I dont think its bad at all, but its def not as good as the debut, I dont think theyll top that one.

[Jamos4184]

I haven't liked a single thing about this band after Anthony left.
I've never heard anyone say that......

[trebmal]

This one's been taking plenty of heat so far, I'm not finding it to be that bad myself...
The debut is definitely a step above this release though.
I agree.
This is a possible sophomore slump though, many bands go through that, but I don't mind this one that much, I'll still be buying it.

Some parts of 'What were we made for' remind me of another song I can't quite think of now..... any one else hear that?

[Tapesombut]

I still love saosin but yes this album went in too many different directions. I think that was due to the use of multiple producers. Hopefully this album will make them shoot back and think about their direction. The ST was amazing. They need to look at that as an example.

[live.]

I really like this album after a few spins. It's no masterpiece, but I think it's a nice sophomore effort and the multiple directions coincide nicely with the In Search Of... theme .

[bodinemonkey]

i knew it wouldn't be as good as the self-titled, but the score is a bit lower than expected... oh well i'll still buy this.

on the plus side, the bonus track on iTunes sounds better than everything else on the album... sigh.

[AdamChildress]

I don't know if Cove can pull off the vocals live, I heard a lot of disappointment through others who saw them...

[niclliot25]

Hmm this is a little disappointing. I loved the S/T, its sad to hear theyve taken some of the stuff (awesome drums and tight guitar riffs) out of this one. Still might pick it up though, might strike me differently than the reviewer and ill end up enjoying it.

[aradiantsunrise]

I don't know if Cove can pull off the vocals live, I heard a lot of disappointment through others who saw them...
I have seen Saosin several times and Cove sounded pretty solid each time IMO, but vocalists do have their good days and bad days, haha.

[tony_u]

He wasn't...Pat recorded the drums for that EP.
what was his name? I remember reading somewhere that when they recorded TTN, alex agreed to be in the band but was on tour with his current band so couldnt track drums on the EP. They had this studio drummer (Pat... something) listen to alex's band and try to imitate his style. I also remember looking up this Pat guy to find he's currently in a metallica cover band.

[aradiantsunrise]

what was his name? I remember reading somewhere that when they recorded TTN, alex agreed to be in the band but was on tour with his current band so couldnt track drums on the EP. They had this studio drummer (Pat... something) listen to alex's band and try to imitate his style. I also remember looking up this Pat guy to find he's currently in a metallica cover band.
His last name is McGrath...Magrath...one of those lol.

[Mario57]

i aggree, this album is just disappointing but i like 8/9 song

[Ankit]

Listen to it first guys,Dont judge it based on this review

[iam1bearcat]

was not looking forward to this release at all.
i enjoyed some of the tracks off the S/T album, but overall it didn't stand out to me and got lost behind dozens of other (and more unqiue) offerings. this review is extremely well written, and will probably push me back from listening to this for years. too much good stuff came out / coming out this year to worry about a bad Saosin album.

[EyeSouvannarath]

not gunna lie, this album was boring

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Honestly, I think this album is just as good as their s/t. I find both to be decent overall with some good songs. This one seems to be loaded with wanna be singles, so we'll see how this is received.

[deezee]

Yeah but you like Hey Monday, so fuck off.


(jkz)
:-d

[Ankit]

was not looking forward to this release at all.
i enjoyed some of the tracks off the S/T album, but overall it didn't stand out to me and got lost behind dozens of other (and more unqiue) offerings. this review is extremely well written, and will probably push me back from listening to this for years. too much good stuff came out / coming out this year to worry about a bad Saosin album.
Can you please name me some of those awesome albums released in past & this year you taking about

[zack-182]

I don't think the records that bad. I mean it's not even close to Self-TItled but I enjoy it quite a bit.

[fearthesloths]

These guys sound a lot like Secret & Whisper...
Honestly I think with 'the great white whale' secret and whisper wrote a better saosin album than saosin themselves ever have. I mean that in the nicest way possible to the S&W guys, that album is great.

As for this album, if the guy who gave saosins self titled a 95% is saying this is disappointing, I probably won't even bother downloading it to check it out. I don't know what it is but I find saosins self titled completely cheesy and boring.

[iam1bearcat]

Can you please name me some of those awesome albums released in past & this year you taking about

in no real order: (2009 releases)

The Builders and The Butchers - Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well
Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing
Portugal The Man - The Satanic Satanist
As Tall As Lions - You Can't Take It With You
This Town Needs Guns - Animals
Eye Alaska - Genesis Underground
Dredg - The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion
MewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Thrice - Beggars

obviously these bands are much different than what Saosin is, but i'm a fan of almost all genres, but "alternative / indie" (blah blah) is where i spend most of my time. and obviously there are more than this, but these have been my main stays. and Daisy and New Junk Aesthetic comes out soon. and with all the money i spend on music and food some albums have to get pushed to the backburner.

[Ankit]

Honestly I think with 'the great white whale' secret and whisper wrote a better saosin album than saosin themselves ever have. I mean that in the nicest way possible to the S&W guys, that album is great.

As for this album, if the guy who gave saosins self titled a 95% is saying this is disappointing, I probably won't even bother downloading it to check it out. I don't know what it is but I find saosins self titled completely cheesy and boring.
You should give it a listen my friend

[ThrownAwayKyle]

agreed with the review. this album has a couple really good songs but the rest just sounds mediocre and their route of going more soft is so uninteresting. and what was the point of screaming in "i keep my secrets safe" if theres none in the rest of the record? oh well, i'll still give this a chance to see if it grows on me

[Ankit]

in no real order: (2009 releases)

The Builders and The Butchers - Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well
Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing
Portugal The Man - The Satanic Satanist
As Tall As Lions - You Can't Take It With You
This Town Needs Guns - Animals
Eye Alaska - Genesis Underground
Dredg - The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion
MewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Thrice - Beggars

obviously these bands are much different than what Saosin is, but i'm a fan of almost all genres, but "alternative / indie" (blah blah) is where i spend most of my time. and obviously there are more than this, but these have been my main stays. and Daisy and New Junk Aesthetic comes out soon. and with all the money i spend on music and food some albums have to get pushed to the backburner.
Well thanks ,whenever someone says they have something better to listen than saosin I always ask them this cause I have searching a lot but couldnt find anything better than them till now.I wll chech the bands you have told me[I like slight hard,riff studded energy filled stuff]

[iam1bearcat]

Well thanks ,whenever someone says they have something better to listen than saosin I always ask them this cause I have searching a lot but couldnt find anything better than them till now.I wll chech the bands you have told me[I like slight hard,riff studded energy filled stuff]

No problem.
Although, you might not then like most of these bands. If you like slight hard riffs and stuff I would still check out Manchester Orchestra and then maybe Every Time I Die, Brand New (The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me only though, other albums are vastly different). hell, you might even enjoy Bear vs Shark, they were beyond amazing riffs anc tempo changes. also, The Blood Brothers. but some people need to let it grow, don't just jump to conclusions after a song or two.
best luck.

[Ankit]

No problem.
Although, you might not then like most of these bands. If you like slight hard riffs and stuff I would still check out Manchester Orchestra and then maybe Every Time I Die, Brand New (The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me only though, other albums are vastly different). hell, you might even enjoy Bear vs Shark, they were beyond amazing riffs anc tempo changes. also, The Blood Brothers. but some people need to let it grow, don't just jump to conclusions after a song or two.
best luck.
Thanks again.I am asking you do the same thing with saosin new album,let it grow it can be poppy but good pop

[Max_123]

In an interview, Cove said he was glad he didn't have to live up to Anthony Green's legacy on this album, and that there was no pressure to write "an album full of singles," like on the S/T. He was wrong; what came out of this lack of pressure was mediocrity. He essentially let go of all that made the last album great.

I also feel like the vocals and production deserve lower scores. Sorry Saosin; I'll still be a fan, though
read that interview
then after hearing the album i was like "uhh, no"

[Max_123]

Can you please name me some of those awesome albums released in past & this year you taking about
Therefore I Am- The Sound of Human Lives

[Max_123]

no it's not you think that this one is the most dissapointing album you shoud listen to the new album of taking back sunday that album is a huge letdown not this one this one is decent and good but not that good as their first effort
this

[BruisedxBroken]

Their first album was a little numetal-esque for my liking, sans the rapping but practically ripping off the dynamics and musicanship. I think this album is a little more unique, and therefore, slightly more enjoyable. Disagree with such a low score...

[ghsNICK!]

I Keep My Secrets gets me so mad... I loved the Grey EP version a lot more!

[Lemmi!]

yea this is surely disappointing :-(

[snu]

They changed the cover art after people were not stoked on it. To bad they didn't revisit some of the songs. I couldn't help but feel like on some of the more radio friendly tracks it was like Anberlin but not as good.

I think this is a good band. Maybe they aren't in search of solid ground, but instead billboard hits and a larger fan base.

A little disappointing but all in all it's better than a lot of things I've heard lately.

[Nick Le]

Good review. I'm hoping I end up enjoying this more than how you make it seem in the review as I'm not much into the RIYLs either. I've only listened to this once, but I'll need to listen more before I can really say whether I like it or not. First listen was okay.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

wow, steve. this is EXACTLY spot-on how i feel about this. i don't have anything else to add. everything i thought about it, you said. VERY well written and very well put. i really like the guys, and i want them to do well so i hope they take this constructively, but this is just not up to par for them. i will say - i can tell cove poured his damn heart in to the lyrics of this album and i appreciate that and can relate to them. the one thing that REALLY irks me is they've got the best drummer (arguably) in the scene and he is literally NOWHERE to be found on this album. no excuses when your guitarist mixed the thing. and the only song that truly has that "saosin kick" to it is a rehashed demo from around '04....again, i really like the band and their music, and i can even dig this album. it will do for me. but it is definitely phoned in musically, not lyrically.

[gcreams]

I can't say I'm surprised that the review of this album is not overwhelmingly positive, but I'm hoping I at least enjoy it enough to keep listening because I really do like everything else Saosin has done.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Therefore I Am- The Sound of Human Lives
great great album.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

I can't say I'm surprised that the review of this album is not overwhelmingly positive, but I'm hoping I at least enjoy it enough to keep listening because I really do like everything else Saosin has done.
it's not as bad as a 65%. it's got re-listenability if you dig the band. it's just not up to par for what they can do.

[meekers]

incredibly boring. the production is totally weak sauce compared to the s/t too.

[Poochemist]

They changed the cover art after people were not stoked on it. To bad they didn't revisit some of the songs. I couldn't help but feel like on some of the more radio friendly tracks it was like Anberlin but not as good.

I think this is a good band. Maybe they aren't in search of solid ground, but instead billboard hits and a larger fan base.

A little disappointing but all in all it's better than a lot of things I've heard lately.
Zing!!

[Aphasia17]

it's not as bad as a 65%. it's got re-listenability if you dig the band. it's just not up to par for what they can do.

I haven't heard the album yet but I love TTN and the S/T so I've got faith that I'll love this one as well.

From what I'm reading from the people who've heard the album, it seems to me that maybe the guys have simply gotten too comfortable with their style, and part of what makes many of the songs mediocre is that we know what to expect. Do you think this is the case?

[NFG4ever]

Meh , this albums waaayyyy better then 64%.

I don't really get all the hate for this album. To me its Saosin but a litte more technical and tryign to expand their sound. Fireflies just blows me away , so different but so good.

and Although the self titled is one of my favorite cd's of all time I don't get all the love for it now , when it first came out everyone hated it and saying how much it sucked compared to TTN.

[NFG4ever]

This is the most disappointing album that I've heard all year. "It's All Over Now" and "What Were We Made For" literally made me cringe.

only 2 songs I don't like off the cd.

[brenByah]

I've only listened through this once, but I found it pretty boring. The White EP will NEVERRRRR be topped.

[RacheLayne]

People are finally seeing what I've known about Saosin all along! It's not that I think this band is AWFUL, but every single song I have heard completely lacks to captivate me and becomes background sound. It's kind of a shame because I have friends who shit bricks over this band, and they will worship this album.

[Broclee]

I don't have time to read through your whole review right now, Steve, but I agree with the score.

I do like the one eight minute song, though.

[GeeBee]

No other band in history have I been so excited about finding, only to lose interest COMPLETELY.

[Kobrakai09]

I love this album, but prefer the production on the S/T.

[sowrongitsryan]

worst live band ever.

[foisol]

What? They didn't re-record "Bury Your Head"?

J/k :P

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

I haven't heard the album yet but I love TTN and the S/T so I've got faith that I'll love this one as well.

From what I'm reading from the people who've heard the album, it seems to me that maybe the guys have simply gotten too comfortable with their style, and part of what makes many of the songs mediocre is that we know what to expect. Do you think this is the case?
no, instrumentally speaking it's boring. the drums are lost in the mix. it's lacking memorable riffs. trademark of past saosin.

[BulleTheory]

i really dont like this album...its missing the punch that Saosin used to have. this album is so bland.

[James to Feel]

These guys sound a lot like Secret & Whisper...
hehe.. I like S&W but they sound like Saosin, not the other way around.. They basically wrote the album Sao was supposed to write before anthony left.

[Co and Ca]

Its no surprise to me that Saosin have gone down this route - The S/T album was evidence that most of the spark from 'Translating the Name' had disappeared. The drums on that EP were absolutely phenomenal, brilliantly produced and technically excellent - The only song on the album that had even a glimpse of the old drum style was 'Sleepers' (and even that was an anodyne version of what came before)

I know that most people focused on the change of vocalists as the biggest single difference between the two incarnations of Saosin, but personally, its been the death of the drums which has made the biggest impact.

i agree. even my brother who doesn't really care for Saosin says the drums on that EP are amazing. i still rock the shit out of that EP like it's 2003.

[Drew Beringer]

yeah this album blows

[aradiantsunrise]

How is Fireflies for being the last track as well as the longest?

[jwoody]

Production is largely good, mix leaves a little to be desired. The drumming isn't always just tucked back in the mix too - it is less pronounced in the songs themselves.
oh okay. well put. that's such a shame because they had him nice present on self titled. such incredible drum work on that record.

[CkY SkOOpS]

I absolutely loved the self titled album, but this album seems to be lacking the power and kick that that album had. It's not a terrible album by any means, but it seems like there's quite a bit of filler.

"What Were We Made For" sounds like a completely different band altogether, and it's insanely catchy. It's the most "pop-punk" sounding this band has ever been. I'd be shocked if they don't choose this song as their next single, I think it would do very well. Also, I'm hearing a Jimmy Eat World vibe during the chorus, anyone else?

[Steve Henderson]

I absolutely loved the self titled album, but this album seems to be lacking the power and kick that that album had. It's not a terrible album by any means, but it seems like there's quite a bit of filler.

"What Were We Made For" sounds like a completely different band altogether, and it's insanely catchy. It's the most "pop-punk" sounding this band has ever been. I'd be shocked if they don't choose this song as their next single, I think it would do very well.
I'd be surprised if it wasn't a single as well. I can see no other reason for that song to exist.

[Bi11 Lumburgh]

The best songs on this album are mediocre, and the worst songs (and theres a few) on this album are fuuuuccckkkking baaadd, It seriously doesn't sound like saosin, well they used to be my favorite band, I'm seriously disappointed

and who would've thought howard benson would've been such a good match with saosin, I absolutely loved the production on the first album, saosin and benson, it just worked, he should be back on board for the next album, which I shope they don't take 3 years to make, this is seriously what they have to show for themselves after 3 years??? ughh

[brenByah]

I hate to be THAT guy, but I really miss Translating the Name Saosin.

[Drown_The_City]

yeah this album blows
packers blow this album. which im not sure what that means...

[I am Mick]

This review is good, but could have been shortened to one word.

Underwhelming.

[n1asfan]

ouch

[Chris Fallon]

This is just as well-written as the review you came up with for S/T. I have yet to listen to this release, however judging just from the clips I've heard, it sounds like the S/T record, just done worse. Sophomore slump, I guess (which is kinda weird to say considering how many EPs they have released).

[hxchairstylist]

Why did you comment on how the drums were pushed way back in the mix as a huge mistake (which i agree) then go onto say in the next sentence that the production on the album is stellar??? weird...
Because production and mixing are two different things.

[I am Mick]

and am I the only one who thinks the vocals are too low in the mix or something? I can barely make out coves vocals

[InBetweenAisles]

This was a really honest review. I totally agree.

[Silentbob1]

How is Fireflies for being the last track as well as the longest?

Over bloated and meandering. They basically made a 3 minute song into an 8 minute song for no apparent reason outside of self indulgence.

[oncedarkness]

Haha you mean Secret&Whisper sound a lot like these guys.
That's what I was going to say. Nevertheless, those 2 bands are very very similar.

[1000shadesofred]

doesnt everyone realize the sophmore LP condition... basically if you come out with a freshman LP release that is amazing, the likelihood of the sophmore release being just as good/better are very slim... exceptions = brand new and say anything...

[s.t.e.v.e.n.]

Saosin is a one trick pony. Unfortunately for them the "cool high vocals" thing has worn out.

[huckleberry]

such a shame, i had high hopes for this release.

[abates]

Ive been waiting for this for such a long time, to finally it see it come out and be such a disappointment makes me sad. :-(

[Rob Hrx]

Man this sucks. I really, really liked their s/t, but to be honest, I grew tired of it after a month or two. I still go back to Green-era Saosin more, I'm afraid. The first time I heard Cove on 'Voices', it blew my mind. I honestly didn't think anyone would come close to Anthony. And I thought that track, and a few others, were a sign of things to come: pretty good album, followed by out-of-left-field masterpiece. I'm sad I was wrong. Anyways, still lots to look forward to for the rest of the year...

[StartAngry&Mad]

Damn. I was afraid of this.
I remember the first two times I saw them live, at '05 Warped and then opening for A7X, the latter still being one of my favourite live sets I've experienced, they were phenominal, full of energy, and bursting with brilliant technical musicianship...but the S/T was boring, uninspired and overproduced, I'd hoped with the new album they'd find a way to show off all of the qualities that made them heroes of the scene when they first broke through, apparently not.

[underoath07]

Does anyone else think that Cove's vocals on "secrets" were better on the grey ep? I don't like the new chorus as much as I liked the original and it's bugging me. I also think the screams were MUCH better in the original.

Yes, I 100% agree with you. Vocals were better on 'The Grey E.P' and they have completely ruined the screams on this latest re-vamp.
My opinion is 'The Grey E.P' songs have all taken a turn for the worst.

For me this is personally disappointing because I LOVED 'The Grey E.P'. With the new re-workings, the rest of 'ISOSG' just feel like fillers to me.

[ctmk]

i gotta say i couldve called this one.... ill still get it though just to hear for myself

[brenByah]

Speaking of Saosin EP's, I really wish I could get my money back for the black one.

[jenovaproject]

People are finally seeing what I've known about Saosin all along! It's not that I think this band is AWFUL, but every single song I have heard completely lacks to captivate me and becomes background sound. It's kind of a shame because I have friends who shit bricks over this band, and they will worship this album.
I worshiped this band (albeit less and less as time progressed) and this album is sell-out appeal-to-the-masses you're not alone x 15 SHIT

[coldbyfletch]

Great review, totally agree with everything...I got their S/T about a year after it came it and in that time until now it's probably had the most plays of any album on my iPod...ISOSG is a very disappointing follow-up to the promise that they showed in their debut album...time for Rodriguez to join a band that can fully utilize his drumming prowess...

[DanielJames]

These are my final thoughts: Saosin is a great band with a phenomenal drummer, soaring vocals, nice underlying bass work, and guitar work that is simple enough to be catchy but technical enough to be interesting. Cove get a tissue, you've gone through enough shit with people comparing you to Anthony...you don't need to a write a whole album's worth of material being sad and sorry about a girl. Alejandro tear it up again. Beau and Justin: make riffs again. TTN was the shit. s/t was the shit. Here's for hoping you get that energy back on LP3.
What this smart guy said.

I'm listening to the new album now. I don't think it's as bad as the review makes it out to be. There are some tracks that are quite dull, but overall it's not bad. I'll still buy it. It's not often a new Saosin album comes out.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I still think their s/t was overrated. This album is a replica of their s/t, just a tad slower.

[k1guitar]

I think they self-produced some tracks. I know they had a bunch of different producers work on different songs, but I am not positive which ones did which.
i read somewhere that they produced the music themselves, and had benson work with cove on the vocals.

[bifforama1]

I don't get it! The five songs I've heard so far are great! I really like 'em all! And you didn't even mention the single, "Changing"...

[Steeeve Perry]

There go my high hopes. Saosin has been one of my fav current bands and I really thought with their technical proficiency they could create one solid album after another. All I've heard so far was the single and I couldn't believe how simple the drumming was... very uninspired. Regardless, I'll give the actual album a shot when it comes out in Oz.
At least if it's slowed and uninspired my dad will like it more.

[Steve Henderson]

i read somewhere that they produced the music themselves, and had benson work with cove on the vocals.
That was the last one, not this album.

[k1guitar]

That was the last one, not this album.
really? damn.

[bifforama1]

I don't get it! The five songs I've heard so far are great! I really like 'em all! And you didn't even mention the single, "Changing"...
Okay, listening to the leak as we speak. Really disappointed... :( The songs that I had were all good and sounded like old Saosin. I had "Keep My Secrets Safe", "Why Can't You See", "Changing", "On My Own", "Is This Real?", and "The Worst of Me". All those songs are great!

[Winterspan]

Well this isn't anything new and certainly not a surprise. Very proud of AP for being honest. Tis truth; they suck and have since the ep. This pains me to say because I adored Saosin, both as a band AND as a group of individuals. Granted the ep was nothing short of amazing- perfect timing, perfect marketing and buzz, perfect sound, band, and singer. Saosin hit it hard and they hit it right. When Anthony (so unfortunate) walked out the door, he took the potential with him. Still a sad day for me. But, part of being a successful band is being a smart band and knowing when to BE DONE. They shouldve threw in the towel and went back to the drawing board and gave the old Saosin the respect it deserved. Bury it proudly and move on. Without Anthony, they were and are NO longer Saosin.
Reassess, reformulate, and redeem! The dudes are heavily talented, but are not Saosin. Time for something new, gentlemen.

[Drew Beringer]

lol I think the new Used album may be better than this, and that album is boring as hell.

[weworemasks]

lol I think the new Used album may be better than this, and that album is boring as hell.
too far drew.

still, though. huge yawn at both albums.

[Drew Beringer]

too far drew.

still, though. huge yawn at both albums.
haha basically what I'm getting at.

[blankets]

I love(d) the S/T and it sucks to hear that this one isn't anything great. I can't say I was expecting much to tell you the truth though.

Also, I agree with what was said about Alex Rodriguez. That dude is a beast.

[thefirewithin]

i read somewhere that they produced the music themselves, and had benson work with cove on the vocals.
They actually asked Howard Benson to do that again for ISOSG but he said no...

[HCO SF 87]

Well this isn't anything new and certainly not a surprise. Very proud of AP for being honest. Tis truth; they suck and have since the ep. This pains me to say because I adored Saosin, both as a band AND as a group of individuals. Granted the ep was nothing short of amazing- perfect timing, perfect marketing and buzz, perfect sound, band, and singer. Saosin hit it hard and they hit it right. When Anthony (so unfortunate) walked out the door, he took the potential with him. Still a sad day for me. But, part of being a successful band is being a smart band and knowing when to BE DONE. They shouldve threw in the towel and went back to the drawing board and gave the old Saosin the respect it deserved. Bury it proudly and move on. Without Anthony, they were and are NO longer Saosin.
Reassess, reformulate, and redeem! The dudes are heavily talented, but are not Saosin. Time for something new, gentlemen.


Wrong. The S/T is amazing. This, not so much.

[doritoz]

Their first album was a little numetal-esque for my liking, sans the rapping but practically ripping off the dynamics and musicanship. I think this album is a little more unique, and therefore, slightly more enjoyable. Disagree with such a low score...
Ww..ww..what? Are you serious?

[xlife2lifelessx]

its just sooooo mid tempo i get so bored

[brenByah]

lol I think the new Used album may be better than this, and that album is boring as hell.
I don't think the new Used record is very memorable, but it has a few tracks that stand out more to me than anything on this record. Both are a letdown compared to their previous efforts though.

[Gumbyjag]

sad.

[El_Ewok]

Well, I've been a saofan since 2005 and this album was a serious letdown, yet I want to point this out:

Saosin, has a particular formula that works spectacularly, its not rare to see someone using the word "Saocore" since they have exploited this for almost 4 Years.

I think that after 17+ songs of similar style they tried to make something different, stop using the insane rolls of Alex, or the loved licks (or whatever you call them) of Justin. All throughout "ISOSG" you can hear influences from other bands (outros in the same fashion as TREOS, intros as Anberlin, etc), leaving me with a simple conclusion: They were trying to explore something outside Saocore, On my Own ( being a remake) was the only song that made me feel at home.

This CD was very dissapointing, but anyone can agree that staying in the same area is also boring. I think is was an an honest mistake sort of speak.

Hope you agree.

[goalyguy33]

As someone who put BOTH TTN and S/T in his top favorites of all time... this album is EXTREMLEY DISAPPOINTING.

Eveyone's comments were exactly my thoughts as I was listening: where's the drums? Where's the power, the emotion, the punch?? It's lost... There are even a few songs that are playable... and I'm listening, TRYING to like it... because I want to SO bad... but then I get to songs 9 and 10. WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING. I am seriously deleting "It's All Over Now" and "What Were We Made For" from my computer- a happy, pop punk, Boys Like Girls sound is not what I want to hear from Saosin. It would be like Underoath playing a "happy" song, thus stripping the music from all its emotion. I'm not sure about you guys... but Saosin is not what I reach for in my car during the middle of a sunny 90 degree day... Songs 9 and 10 make me feel like I'm listening to Hit The Lights or something.

I was looking for emotion... which this cd lacks immensely...

Looks like I'll be getting the emotion that I wanted from Of Machines and The Color Morale...

[Shoorty0690]

I agree with Steve in most of the things he said but I am still managing to enjoy this album. If this was there first release I don't think I would give it many listens but because of what they've done in the past i've grown to LOVE Saosin and I like that I have new material from them. The album is not there strongest effort by any means but for me it has some standout tracks.

Does anyone else think that Cove's vocals on "secrets" were better on the grey ep? I don't like the new chorus as much as I liked the original and it's bugging me. I also think the screams were MUCH better in the original.

Also... I'm starting to grow weary of bands who use multiple producers to do one album. It doesn't seem to be a formula that works well. I wonder if that had any effect on the cohesiveness of ISOSG.
I agree about Secrets. In general, I like the original from The Grey EP better. The chorus and bridge just don't sound as powerful or... right, in the new song.

[brokenwings]

this doesn't surprise me. i thought the s/t album was incredibly boring.

[Chris Fallon]

lol I think the new Used album may be better than this, and that album is boring as hell.
I'm expecting The Used to get a much lower score than this. Album sucks mad balls.

[Ross18]

I must be the only one that actually likes this album.

[saosinteam]

Judging from your username, I am guessing you might be a bit biased? :shrug:
Oh I'll fully admit I'm biased. These dudes have been a large part of my life for the past 6 years. But, that doesn't mean that I don't call shit when I see (or hear?) it. The first time I headr "It's All Over Now," I was extremely taken aback. Fortunately, I've had a month to listen to this record on repeat and I truly enjoy 90% of it. Yes, their sound has changed from the TTN days- but that was 6.5 years and 3 band members ago.

They had this studio drummer (Pat... something) listen to alex's band and try to imitate his style. I also remember looking up this Pat guy to find he's currently in a metallica cover band.
Pat McGrath was a former drum tech for Slayer as well.

"What Were We Made For" sounds like a completely different band altogether, and it's insanely catchy. It's the most "pop-punk" sounding this band has ever been. I'd be shocked if they don't choose this song as their next single, I think it would do very well. Also, I'm hearing a Jimmy Eat World vibe during the chorus, anyone else?
Beau nicknamed one song the "jimmy eat world song" and I would not be surprised if it was that one. I actually really enjoy that track.

[symbiote28]

im guessing because it's Saosin, it's not a good album but if it's someone else, it'll be regarded as a great album just because Saosin are far capable of making something more than this .. regardless, i think this isn't a bad effort though i wished they'd did something different.

review is pretty spot on. :-)

[Ankit]

worst live band ever.
Maybe the singer but not the guitarists and drummer, they will shove their instruments up the ass of any other band in the world

[Ankit]

This is just as well-written as the review you came up with for S/T. I have yet to listen to this release, however judging just from the clips I've heard, it sounds like the S/T record, just done worse. Sophomore slump, I guess (which is kinda weird to say considering how many EPs they have released).
fIRST LISTEN TO THE RECORD .I am sure their isnt a band out their that can beat out this record,Its only slow if you compare it with saosin itself[old saosin]pls listen to it first

[aradiantsunrise]

fIRST LISTEN TO THE RECORD .I am sure their isnt a band out their that can beat out this record,Its only slow if you compare it with saosin itself[old saosin]pls listen to it first
Are you a friend of theirs or something? lol

[Ankit]

this doesn't surprise me. i thought the s/t album was incredibly boring.
can you please tell me what bands you find interesting,I will like to check them out[I am serious]

[Ankit]

Are you a friend of theirs or something? lol
NO SIR!But I certainly love them & value a bands effort more than just a critics one [no offense]

[Ankit]

Well this isn't anything new and certainly not a surprise. Very proud of AP for being honest. Tis truth; they suck and have since the ep. This pains me to say because I adored Saosin, both as a band AND as a group of individuals. Granted the ep was nothing short of amazing- perfect timing, perfect marketing and buzz, perfect sound, band, and singer. Saosin hit it hard and they hit it right. When Anthony (so unfortunate) walked out the door, he took the potential with him. Still a sad day for me. But, part of being a successful band is being a smart band and knowing when to BE DONE. They shouldve threw in the towel and went back to the drawing board and gave the old Saosin the respect it deserved. Bury it proudly and move on. Without Anthony, they were and are NO longer Saosin.
Reassess, reformulate, and redeem! The dudes are heavily talented, but are not Saosin. Time for something new, gentlemen.
Thats so offensive talk my friend.It so easy to say that crap at a band performing while sitting in front of your monitor.Go try form a fucking band,whole world will be shoved through your ass before you can even become the shit of saosin[no offense buddy]but its really rude to say a band to quit doing what they love the most.Go on listen to something else!

[Ankit]

They actually asked Howard Benson to do that again for ISOSG but he said no...
Thats wrong .its the other way around they ditched benson,they didnt wanted him in the first place.Listen to their 1st album documentary or google it

[aradiantsunrise]

NO SIR!But I certainly love them & value a bands effort more than just a critics one [no offense]
I'm just waitng to hear it for myself, haha.

[aradiantsunrise]

lol I think the new Used album may be better than this, and that album is boring as hell.
That did disappoint but i think The Best of Me is one of the best songs they have ever done.

[iIi]

Haha you mean Secret&Whisper sound a lot like these guys.
That was the joke. Actually, my wife and I really like both. She thought that S&W was actually new Saosin. hee hee.

[iIi]

Honestly I think with 'the great white whale' secret and whisper wrote a better saosin album than saosin themselves ever have. I mean that in the nicest way possible to the S&W guys, that album is great.

As for this album, if the guy who gave saosins self titled a 95% is saying this is disappointing, I probably won't even bother downloading it to check it out. I don't know what it is but I find saosins self titled completely cheesy and boring.
It was a joke and I love both... and secretly think you may be a bit correct.

[thefirewithin]

Thats wrong .its the other way around they ditched benson,they didnt wanted him in the first place.Listen to their 1st album documentary or google it
I'm looking for the interview where they said it, i'll let you know when I find it. I saw a recent interview when they were talking about recording ISOSG and they said that they asked Howard Benson to record just the vocals for this record because they thought they were better at recording the instruments and he was better at vocals. They he said he said no... he wanted to do the whole album and they said no thanks.

[aradiantsunrise]

It was a joke and I love both... and secretly think you may be a bit correct.
SAW live is like having Anthony doing vocals for Saosin again. In my opinion anyway haha.

[griffinknight91]

i completely dissagree with you having heard some of the songs. i think theyve kicked it up a notch instrumentally and vocally. granted the first lp was really good, but this one is more complex with different sounding songs. thats something that cant be said for the original lp

[griffinknight91]

bands change from album to album. brandnew has changed in every album theyve made. thrice gets this same critisim for not being as hard as they used to be. its ridiculous. stop basing your opinions on what theyve already put out. they could keep making ttn stuff if they wanted they just know that it wouldnt work

[Ankit]

I'm looking for the interview where they said it, i'll let you know when I find it. I saw a recent interview when they were talking about recording ISOSG and they said that they asked Howard Benson to record just the vocals for this record because they thought they were better at recording the instruments and he was better at vocals. They he said he said no... he wanted to do the whole album and they said no thanks.
go to there myspace there is a making of album 2006 by christopher sims

[thefirewithin]

go to there myspace there is a making of album 2006 by christopher sims
I've seen the 2006 documentary.

[Ankit]

I've seen the 2006 documentary.
its in that only,Chris & beau said they didnt wanted benson

[crotheian]

The album is decent. Not as good as their S/T, but I still like it for what is.

[ihavechappedlip]

What will separate S & W from Saosin is their upcoming album. Whenever it comes out, I'm sure they won't disappoint. Unless they sign to a major label and have to get produced by fucking Howard Benson.

[ihavechappedlip]

Fuck this new album. They seem to think that "layering" their sound makes the new record so great. That makes it glossy, that makes it sound like anything else. It hides the fact that musically, you have no melody, and you look bored as hell playing the new songs

Just watch some of their videos on myspace

[DanielJames]

I hate to be THAT guy, but I really miss Translating the Name Saosin.
Then don't be THAT guy. Saosin will never be the same Saosin that put out TTN. Take them for who they are now or simply don't listen to them.

This album is growing on me, even the songs that don't sound like typical Saosin songs. Their self-titled got a lot if hate when it first came out, but is now generally accepted. Maybe this will be the same case with this album.

[jenovaproject]

i completely dissagree with you having heard some of the songs. i think theyve kicked it up a notch instrumentally and vocally. granted the first lp was really good, but this one is more complex with different sounding songs. thats something that cant be said for the original lp
what rock did you smoke?

[brenByah]

Then don't be THAT guy. Saosin will never be the same Saosin that put out TTN. Take them for who they are now or simply don't listen to them.

This album is growing on me, even the songs that don't sound like typical Saosin songs. Their self-titled got a lot if hate when it first came out, but is now generally accepted. Maybe this will be the same case with this album.
I always accepted new Saosin and like Cove's voice, but I found this record to be pretty boring :shrug: To each his own.

[Indoor Living]

Yet another in a long line of tragically disappointing albums released this year.
Sad, but true.

[thefirewithin]

its in that only,Chris & beau said they didnt wanted benson
So are you an all-knowing saosin fan or something like that? haha... fine you win, I was wrong. I have better things to do than look through every interview they've ever done.

[brokenwings]

can you please tell me what bands you find interesting,I will like to check them out[I am serious]
i have a feeling you are asking me so you can respond by saying something like "wtf you think saosin is boring, but you think band XYZ is interesting?"
but if you're seriously asking, bands that i've enjoyed for a few years now are: thrice, the receiving end of sirens, autopilot off, envy on the coast, mutemath, etc.

i have not listened to the new saosin record though, so i might actually change my mind about the band once i've listened to the whole thing (though according to the review that is rather unlikely). what made the last record rather boring and predictable to me was that after the first 4 songs it kinda seemed to fall into this mid-tempo rut, that did not convey enough energy to me. i know lots of other people feel a lot differently about the album, which again shows that there is no such thing as universally good music but just music that some people can enjoy and others just can't. which is also why arguing about music is incredibly stupid.

[Ankit]

i have a feeling you are asking me so you can respond by saying something like "wtf you think saosin is boring, but you think band XYZ is interesting?"
but if you're seriously asking, bands that i've enjoyed for a few years now are: thrice, the receiving end of sirens, autopilot off, envy on the coast, mutemath, etc.

i have not listened to the new saosin record though, so i might actually change my mind about the band once i've listened to the whole thing (though according to the review that is rather unlikely). what made the last record rather boring and predictable to me was that after the first 4 songs it kinda seemed to fall into this mid-tempo rut, that did not convey enough energy to me. i know lots of other people feel a lot differently about the album, which again shows that there is no such thing as universally good music but just music that some people can enjoy and others just can't. which is also why arguing about music is incredibly stupid.
No man I am serious i asked the same thing to a guy who said the same thing that new saosin is boring,I ask this thing to every one who says they have something better to listen in the hope I also might find something better than them,thanks for info,If you know some other bands that play riffy tracks,cool guitar licks,with cool drumming do tell me buddy

[_><_]

Painfully average. I agree with everything Steve said.

[Kevin Lazaroff]

I totally disagree with Steve's review! It seems as if he was expecting it to be a continuation of their last album (which was great). However, this album may be possibly be better than their last album for one reason. S/T was filled with great songs, however MANY of them sounded VERY VERY similar. This album provides diversity (especially in the vocal progressions), but also in the different sounding songs (example: I Keep My Secrets Safe, Changing, On My Own, Say Goodbye, What Were We Made Of, You Never Noticed Me). None of the aforementioned songs sound ANYTHING like others on the record. I loved the last album more, but this one seems like they thought about it more.

And FYI, while the drumming surely isn't as out there as of S/T, there are some excellent drumming parts on songs like On My Own, I Keep My Secrets Safe, and Say Goodbye.

[A7XBlink]

I didn't expect many people on here to agree with this album, due to the fact that it does sound like The Used and Senses Fail, and most people on here give those two bands tons of shit. I thought this was a great album, not as good as the first but at least 75%-80%.

[Yellowcard2006]

Well it seems people either love this album, hate this album, or think it's just okay. After listening to clips and reading everyone's replies, I've decided I'm gonna buy this album. It maybe not be Saosin circa-2003, but I still think I'll like it. (read my blog for extended thoughts on the album)

[kswizzle]

i think one of the biggest downfalls of the album is that they gave away too much too early. people heard versions of "I keep my secrets safe" "why can't you see" and "the worst of me" (formerly love maker) back in like February and "on my own" and "is this real" over the summer. so when the new album came out, the only things that felt like a new album were the remaining tracks. all of those tracks are the ones people seem to not be liking as much, whether due to tempo or what have you. i do agree that i like the demo versions of all the songs better too. I just feel this album would feel a lot better if we hadn't heard so much of the good earlier. although if you can track down "you never noticed me" i recommend that song

[brokenwings]

No man I am serious i asked the same thing to a guy who said the same thing that new saosin is boring,I ask this thing to every one who says they have something better to listen in the hope I also might find something better than them,thanks for info,If you know some other bands that play riffy tracks,cool guitar licks,with cool drumming do tell me buddy
you might enjoy "secret & whisper". they are really similar to saosin but for some reason i enjoyed their album more than saosin's s/t. people also recommend "closure in moscow" to people who like saosin. they have some sweet riffs and great musicianship, but they are also a lot more experimental and "progressive" (what ever that means) than e.g. saosin. i liked their ep a bit better though

[Theher3tic]

I enjoy this band less and less by the album

[ninetyFhOURs]

I didn't like the last album, but I'm still in love with Translating the Name.
I think that's because the S/T production was too good. I like to hear a few flaws in my music - it seems more real. Gritty, if you will. The S/T was too squeaky clean........reminds me of a hospital........blah

[drew_vs_shark]

To all of the comments complimenting Alex Rodriguez's drumming: The best drumming on any Saosin record was Pat McGrath's on Translating The Name. Rodriguez may come out well in the studio when the producer has hours to edit his drums down and fix his mistakes, but live, he's simply awful. I've never seen a major label band (or even an indie-label band or a touring unsigned band) with a drummer who played so sloppily live. His fills would literally go through the ends of measures and throw off entire songs, not to mention the fact that he overplays everything live. One of my least favorite drummers ever. I may not be the most technical drummer in the world, but even I can hold a beat and know when a part is best for a song. In fact, the simplicity of the drums might be the only pro of this entire album. It would've been nice if the songs were less boring and more complex so that the drums could've been more interesting and still fit the songs, but at least the boring, simple drums fit perfectly with this boring, simple record. First improvement for this band in years.

[Sing-The-Sorrow]

I don't think In Search Of Solid Ground is nearly as bad as everyone is saying it is. Of course they're not going to top S/T... that album was perfect. If you continue to compare all their future releases to that album, you'll never be satisfied. Take ISOSG for what it is. There's only 2 songs I don't like: It's All Over Now and What Were We Made For. I liked the original version of Why Can't You See better, but the other remakes were nicely done. Say Goodbye, On My Own, Is This Real, and Nothing Is What It Seems are my fave tracks. I think Fireflies was a beautiful song to end off the album. To all those reading this who haven't heard the album yet, don't let these negative comments influence you. Listen to the album and take it for what it is. Again, It's NOT going to be better than S/T. But that doesn't mean it's still not good.

[ActorInThisPlay]

95% for their s/t and then 64% for this one...seems kind of off since they are pretty similar

[Big_Guy]

agree with this review. I'm glad this site had the balls to post a negative review of Saosin

[punk89]

I just listened to this. It is in the truest sense of the word, average. But it's not like I was surprised at all listening to this. After the S/T was released, Saosin said that they were excited to do more songs in the vein of "You're Not Alone." While that is not a bad track, it's definitely the new side of Saosin that is not innovative or original. The new album has absolutely no bite whatsoever.

This is no longer a debate over Cove and Anthony. The band collectively has scaled back the riffs, fills, and intensity that brought Saosin instant recognition several years ago.

[Steve Henderson]

I just listened to this. It is in the truest sense of the word, average. But it's not like I was surprised at all listening to this. After the S/T was released, Saosin said that they were excited to do more songs in the vein of "You're Not Alone." While that is not a bad track, it's definitely the new side of Saosin that is not innovative or original. The new album has absolutely no bite whatsoever.

This is no longer a debate over Cove and Anthony. The band collectively has scaled back the riffs, fills, and intensity that brought Saosin instant recognition several years ago.
Bingo. And given the fact that "You're Not Alone" is my least favorite track off the last record, it makes sense that I don't care for the direction they have taken.

[zubinmoosa]

damn, reading this review hurt. I'm such a big fan of these guys, but I really respect Steve and his opinions... but shit, I hope it's not this bad. I'm scared to listen now...

[jacobcm]

Its no surprise to me that Saosin have gone down this route - The S/T album was evidence that most of the spark from 'Translating the Name' had disappeared. The drums on that EP were absolutely phenomenal, brilliantly produced and technically excellent - The only song on the album that had even a glimpse of the old drum style was 'Sleepers' (and even that was an anodyne version of what came before)

I know that most people focused on the change of vocalists as the biggest single difference between the two incarnations of Saosin, but personally, its been the death of the drums which has made the biggest impact.
i disagree. i think follow and feel is probably the gnarliest drums on the album.

[brenByah]

To all of the comments complimenting Alex Rodriguez's drumming: The best drumming on any Saosin record was Pat McGrath's on Translating The Name. Rodriguez may come out well in the studio when the producer has hours to edit his drums down and fix his mistakes, but live, he's simply awful. I've never seen a major label band (or even an indie-label band or a touring unsigned band) with a drummer who played so sloppily live. His fills would literally go through the ends of measures and throw off entire songs, not to mention the fact that he overplays everything live. One of my least favorite drummers ever. I may not be the most technical drummer in the world, but even I can hold a beat and know when a part is best for a song. In fact, the simplicity of the drums might be the only pro of this entire album. It would've been nice if the songs were less boring and more complex so that the drums could've been more interesting and still fit the songs, but at least the boring, simple drums fit perfectly with this boring, simple record. First improvement for this band in years.
I have to disagree about Alex's live playing, he's always been solid and amazing when I've seen them.

[The Boat]

love this album
and steve id have to say this isnt a very good review, it kinda just seems like youre pissed they didnt write the record you wanted rather then accepting it for what it is. the self titled is still one of my favourite albums that i listen to regularly and im not dissapointed at all by this album.

[drakey]

Saosin's self-titled is not easy to follow up, so I understand how they wouldn't do so great. You know, Saosin was accused of every song sounding the same on the debut, so maybe they just didn't want to write the same album. Either way, I love this album on it's own, so I like to pretend it came out BEFORE the self-titled and that I'm just purchasing it really really late.

I do really like "Changing" and "Deep Down" I do think they went over the top with "Fireflies." Usually when a band has an eight minute song, they change it up so it doesn't just drag. Imagine of Anberlin's (*Fin) just kept going on an acoustic loop with different lyrics each time.

But I give this a 7/10 as an album, while the self titled was 5435643254/10

[Ankit]

you might enjoy "secret & whisper". they are really similar to saosin but for some reason i enjoyed their album more than saosin's s/t. people also recommend "closure in moscow" to people who like saosin. they have some sweet riffs and great musicianship, but they are also a lot more experimental and "progressive" (what ever that means) than e.g. saosin. i liked their ep a bit better though
thanks man!I checked out s&w.vocalist sings like anthony green,but I still cant feel their guitarist & drummer,I wll check em out more

[what_ever]

disappointed does not even being to describe.

[what_ever]

I don't think In Search Of Solid Ground is nearly as bad as everyone is saying it is. Of course they're not going to top S/T... that album was perfect. If you continue to compare all their future releases to that album, you'll never be satisfied. Take ISOSG for what it is. There's only 2 songs I don't like: It's All Over Now and What Were We Made For. I liked the original version of Why Can't You See better, but the other remakes were nicely done. Say Goodbye, On My Own, Is This Real, and Nothing Is What It Seems are my fave tracks. I think Fireflies was a beautiful song to end off the album. To all those reading this who haven't heard the album yet, don't let these negative comments influence you. Listen to the album and take it for what it is. Again, It's NOT going to be better than S/T. But that doesn't mean it's still not good.
It's painfully hard to take something for what it is when you have seen what the band used to be and still could be. I refuse to accept squandered potential. There is ample talent going to waste.

[mattplayscheap]

their tour manager bugged out on me when i threw a bottle at cove at warped tour...haha.. thats how much i dont like the new songs... i have to attack one of my favorite bands.

[brokenwings]

i've finally listened to the record and while there are quite a few good songs in the first half of the record, the album is ruined by just as many bad songs. in that way it reminds me very much of the s/t. saosin just don't seem to be able to write an entire full-length worth of good material. at least not within 3 years...

[brokenwings]

their tour manager bugged out on me when i threw a bottle at cove at warped tour...haha.. thats how much i dont like the new songs... i have to attack one of my favorite bands.
still a pretty shitty thing to do

[jacobcm]

why are so many people obsessed with the s/t on AP?
it was good but nowhere near the incredible 94% rating it has on this website.

[cockers]

It's not that bad. You make it sound like a Say Anything record. Thats right, I said it.

The cd is much more aggressive at times and dynamic then the s/t. I would definitely disagree with Alex not being used as much as he should be. I would go as far as to say that A Rod gets the gold star of this record because there are many tempo changes that would be impossible to do without him. See "On My Own" and "Is This Real."

I wouldn't say that it is the best thing they will ever produce, but it definitely has it's highs and lows. Cove's voice sounds way better and the drumming is (as always) phenomenal. The guitar work seems very under developed and cliche. It seems like the band took a page out of the "Thrice book," which sucks because look at how terrible they are now. Hopefully they will learn. But hey, it is definitely cool to see the band still plugging away. I think the band has maybe lost a certain energy that they once had seeing as the whole record ends on a very slow and weak note.

[Silentbob1]

It's not that bad. You make it sound like a Say Anything record. Thats right, I said it.

The cd is much more aggressive at times and dynamic then the s/t. I would definitely disagree with Alex not being used as much as he should be. I would go as far as to say that A Rod gets the gold star of this record because there are many tempo changes that would be impossible to do without him. See "On My Own" and "Is This Real."

I wouldn't say that it is the best thing they will ever produce, but it definitely has it's highs and lows. Cove's voice sounds way better and the drumming is (as always) phenomenal. The guitar work seems very under developed and cliche. It seems like the band took a page out of the "Thrice book," which sucks because look at how terrible they are now. Hopefully they will learn. But hey, it is definitely cool to see the band still plugging away. I think the band has maybe lost a certain energy that they once had seeing as the whole record ends on a very slow and weak note.

You have immediately disqualified your opinion as being taken seriously, sorry.

[brenByah]

It's not that bad. You make it sound like a Say Anything record. Thats right, I said it.

The cd is much more aggressive at times and dynamic then the s/t. I would definitely disagree with Alex not being used as much as he should be. I would go as far as to say that A Rod gets the gold star of this record because there are many tempo changes that would be impossible to do without him. See "On My Own" and "Is This Real."

I wouldn't say that it is the best thing they will ever produce, but it definitely has it's highs and lows. Cove's voice sounds way better and the drumming is (as always) phenomenal. The guitar work seems very under developed and cliche. It seems like the band took a page out of the "Thrice book," which sucks because look at how terrible they are now. Hopefully they will learn. But hey, it is definitely cool to see the band still plugging away. I think the band has maybe lost a certain energy that they once had seeing as the whole record ends on a very slow and weak note.
Say Anything and Thrice > new Saosin. It's really not even close.

[jacobcm]

Say Anything and Thrice > new Saosin. It's really not even close.
i'm really really not a say anything fan. but, i love thrice but i just can't seem to get into beggars yet :/

[zubinmoosa]

why are so many people obsessed with the s/t on AP?
it was good but nowhere near the incredible 94% rating it has on this website.
not everyone thought it was worth a 95%. That review was written by Steve, and his opinion, not that of the whole site. In fact, most people here shit on the s/t. The staff members on AP are individuals and are not zombies that are hired just because their music tastes line up perfectly with the traditional AbsolutePunk profile. The reviews here I love the most is when they really contrast with the general viewpoint of the majority of the site, especially when they're staff members.

and BTW I totally agree with the high score on the s/t. Great fucking CD

[Steve Henderson]

not everyone thought it was worth a 95%. That review was written by Steve, and his opinion, not that of the whole site. In fact, most people here shit on the s/t. The staff members on AP are individuals and are not zombies that are hired just because their music tastes line up perfectly with the traditional AbsolutePunk profile. The reviews here I love the most is when they really contrast with the general viewpoint of the majority of the site, especially when they're staff members.

and BTW I totally agree with the high score on the s/t. Great fucking CD
Well said.

[brenByah]

Translating the Name is the only Saosin disc I'd give a 95%, though I did enjoy the self titled. This review seems pretty dead on from what I've heard from the disc thus far.

[Clark]

It's odd that this review is posted before this album's been released, but there's still no review for the new The Used album, which was released last week.

[pr0digy]

I'm giving this a first listen as I'm writing this and I'm just so disappointed in the complete lack of energy all the way throughout. S/T is still one of my more favorite albums to listen to, just because of the energy and emotion that not only they showed as musicians, but that cove put into how he sung. There are hints here and there in a couple tracks, but overall it just seems so lethargic...Damnit Saosin :(....



Quick edi- fireflies might be one of my favorite saosin track's ever, but I'm still overall disappointed with this album.

[ghsNICK!]

Ok, this is kind of lame but I need to know.

I want this (http://absolutepunk.net/this) but is it only through Pre-Order or will I be able to buy it tomorrow in stores with the DVD content and 5 Songs?

[Aperi Oculos]

They actually asked Howard Benson to do that again for ISOSG but he said no...
Hahaha is this really true? "Fuck you guys I gotta produce Hoobastank". I thought Benson's production of the s/t album really was another element of that album that really helped. Even drums were sampled here and there and it might have been overproduced it was overproduced well and he might have made the vocal melodies on this album a little more interesting.

[aradiantsunrise]

Ok, this is kind of lame but I need to know.

I want this (http://absolutepunk.net/this) but is it only through Pre-Order or will I be able to buy it tomorrow in stores with the DVD content and 5 Songs?
It was in the Best Buy ad so I'm pretty sure it will be in stores.

[jr0d5]

yeah i'm not feeling this album at all

[bifforama1]

Okay, listening to the leak as we speak. Really disappointed... :( The songs that I had were all good and sounded like old Saosin. I had "Keep My Secrets Safe", "Why Can't You See", "Changing", "On My Own", "Is This Real?", and "The Worst of Me". All those songs are great!
Upon first listen, I completely agreed with you. However, it's growing on me. :) I can honestly say I at least like every song. :)

[i2ockbotm]

I was pleasantly surprised at first listen. I don't know if this review eliminated any expectations I had or what, but the first 10-11 tracks (or at least the streaming order on myspace) were enjoyable enough to make this album purchasable for me. The last two seemed a bit bland. Deep Down is a standout for me

[PenThrive]

"What Were We Made For?" is not listenable. I'm listening to the album stream on myspace, and (if the ordering on myspace is the same as the actual album) it is certainly a top-heavy album. I enjoyed the first 5-6 tracks, then the album did a complete free-fall to boredom and repetition. It's a tired, tamed effort at best.

[Shatter_Glass]

i've only toyed with listening to the record, but i can honestly say it's better than i thought it was gonna be (especially after reading this review) to each is own, i might see the polished-turd when i listen with headphones :shrug:

[Shatter_Glass]

The more and more I listen to the album, the more I enjoy it. To each his own.
i've scanned it twice now. really enjoying it, even more so than the last full length. They are not the studs they were when Ant was in the band. I don't know what people are expecting from these southern californians?, OK Computer ?? Embrace the cheeze. 14 year old skater kids are going to really connect with this record (without a hint of sarcasm in that sentence.)

Saosin bring a welcomed corniness to my musical tastes and really hit a warm spot, something a " Red Jumpsuit Apparatus" or a "Boys Like Girls" could never do these days.

[El_Ewok]

i've scanned it twice now. really enjoying it, even more so than the last full length. They are not the studs they were when Ant was in the band. I don't know what people are expecting from these southern californians?, OK Computer ?? Embrace the cheeze. 14 year old skater kids are going to really connect with this record (without a hint of sarcasm in that sentence.)

Saosin bring a welcomed corniness to my musical tastes and really hit a warm spot, something a " Red Jumpsuit Apparatus" or a "Boys Like Girls" could never do these days.

WTF.


Are we in that place? Comparing Saosin with BS bands, and justifying it with age demographics? Come on.

Saosin released a mediocre album. I still think they're one of the best bands of the genre (at least on studio), I hope they don't follow this path from now on. And for god's sake release B sides......good B sides.

[burn with power]

did anyone pre-order for bury me? i bought the album, just not off itunes, and i really want to hear bury me, anyone have a link to it or something?

[kswizzle]

i have You never noticed me which I have to say is quickly becoming on of my favorite songs by them, harder and more energy than the rest of the album, why it didn't make it I have no idea

[MFSchris]

I loved the self-titled. But honestly, after how horrible Cove was live at warped... I can't support them. He came out looking stoned, with an idiotic smile on his face, and just stood there not rocking out and singing super off key. The rest of Saosin is great, but when the lead singer isn't even trying, pretty disappointing to a fan. :-(

[jacobcm]

not everyone thought it was worth a 95%. That review was written by Steve, and his opinion, not that of the whole site. In fact, most people here shit on the s/t. The staff members on AP are individuals and are not zombies that are hired just because their music tastes line up perfectly with the traditional AbsolutePunk profile. The reviews here I love the most is when they really contrast with the general viewpoint of the majority of the site, especially when they're staff members.

and BTW I totally agree with the high score on the s/t. Great fucking CD
i agree.
i understand your point. i really like the album. just don't think 95% is the right score.

[Rickaly]

i knew before the album came out that it wasnt gonna be as great as their s/t but now that i got it i thinks its pretty good, but not amazing like the s/t. for me 75-80%. i still dont see how it got a significantly lower score than ASD's Adelphia.

[Shatter_Glass]

WTF.


Are we in that place? Comparing Saosin with BS bands, and justifying it with age demographics? Come on.

Saosin released a mediocre album. I still think they're one of the best bands of the genre (at least on studio), I hope they don't follow this path from now on. And for god's sake release B sides......good B sides.

simply: yes. This isn't animal collective we are dealing with here. Saosin is a scene band at best.