Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone

[Adam Pfleider]

Crime in Stereo – I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Record Label: Bridge 9

No one expected Crime in Stereo to follow up past releases with 2007's ...Is Dead. No one knew they were about to indulge themselves into a punk rock album that slowly implodes, only to bloom an even brighter star before it finishes. It was hardcore, but only riding the line of receiving a "post" prefix by any means. When all was said and heard, repeat listens of ...Is Dead showcased a foot forward but only in a casual stride.

Crime in Stereo are back and expanding the traditional sense of hardcore into something far beyond the rest of the usual with I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone. Whether it's the mid-album "Young," or the way "Dark Island City" has been morphed into a completely different sound wave from its original track which appeared on 2006's The Troubled Stateside, Crime in Stereo prevails again.

Within the first three songs, the band displays their reach. A vocal circling opener ("Queue Moderns") runs itself into a melodic blaze ("Drugwolf") into one of the best tracks to land on our laptops this year ("Exit Halo"). It's not just the later track's compositional structure that makes it near flawless, but within each vocal part, guitar feedback, and drumming pattern. In essence, the best part about I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone is not the sum of the parts, but the parts that make up the whole.

From the vocal layering on "Odalisque" to whatever-the-hell is happening in the bridge of "Type One," the album is built well because of memorable parts, not songs as a whole. That is the portrait of creativity. It seems today, anyone can write a hook, but it takes a good musician to write a progression or part that leaves a lasting impression beyond a catchy chorus line. Music should be challenging within any genre. Crime in Stereo has certainly set a bar amongst their peers.

Three years since the band declared their death - or simply a possible burial of humble beginnings - the band has sprinted forward and earned an Olympic title of the "P" word. I Was Trying to Describe You To Someone is going to turn heads and only gain more respect and fans in the process. For die hard fans who have been with the band since their Blackout!/Nitro Records days, they will either enjoy the growth or shun it's graduation forward. More so than wanting listeners to catch on, I hope surrounding artists are inspired to run the course as well.

1. Queue Moderns
2. Drugwolf
3. Exit Halo*
4. Not Dead
5. Odalisque
6. Young
7. Type One*
8. Republica
9. I Am Everything I Am Not
10. Dark Island City*
11. I Cannot Answer You Tonight

*key tracks

Glassjaw's El Mark EP; Brand New's Daisy; Poison the Well's You Come Before You

[brothaman]

you failed to tell me really anything about this album. not a good review at all.

[xapplexpiex]

"In essence, the best part about I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone is not the sum of the parts, but the parts that make up the whole."

Awesome. I've been listening to ...Is Dead this week to prepare for this release. I'm psyched for it.

[mcquizzle]

Platinum review! Easily my favorite album of 2010....so far.

[George-Michael]

I can't wait to go buy this, but I have to agree that this review didn't really tell me anything...at all

[KingsCrossing]

Eh. Was a huge fan of ...Is Dead and all their previous work, but after the first few listens this hasn't really struck in the same way yet. I'll have to give it a few more spins.

[MorningStar10]

Never really liked Is Dead.. or their older stuff though i am a fan of all your RIYL so may check this one out.

[billl]

I think this is their best record yet, been listening to it non stop

[E. Clectic]

you failed to tell me really anything about this album. not a good review at all.
I agree.
This album deserved a much better review.

My fave of '10.

[ikikwe]

I cannot express how much I enjoy this album. It definitely took a little time to grow, but after that I've been listening to it daily.

[InaGreendase]

Great album. Likely top 5 of '10 stuff. Top 10 at worst.

[tobuildabridge]

im liking this album more and more each time i listen to it. it takes a while to grow on you though.

[Yellowcard2006]

I can't wait to go buy this, but I have to agree that this review didn't really tell me anything...at all
He Was Trying to Describe The Album to Someone

Oh also I've been giving this some listens. I like a few tracks, not sure if it's a buy yet.

[kirchart1]

Great album, it gets better with each listen. It is a perfect transition from the "Is Dead" record. I don't see too many older fans (i.e. "Explosives", "Stateside") really digging this record, but if you liked the old stuff and you have an open ear, you will be able to enjoy the growth and development of this band through this new record. I really enjoy the spacey and ambient feel to this record, the drums also have a very industrial feel in a lot of the songs. The songwriting is top notch as usual, you can really feel the emotion/anger in Kristian's vocals, he seems to get better every record. Lyrically this album is right up there with "Is Dead", songs speak of addiction and love, and put you in the same room as the songwriter, breaks and bridges in the songs go perfectly with the lyrics and build ups in the songs. To me this record can be described as a combination of "Is Dead", and Brand News' "Devil and God" record. This is just my opinion though.... Everyone will have a different take on this record, because it's simply that kind of record, it makes you think..... It makes you use previous records and musical knowledge to piece together everything into a whole. Once again, just my opinion, but I loved this record, thanks to Crime In Stereo for another gem of a record.

[Blake Solomon]

i really just don't like this record. I've had a hard time pin-pointing why, and the only thing I can come up with is that the songwriting just isn't good. Is Dead succeeded because, although the band changed a lot, there was still plenty of roots in their bread and butter sound. I think this album has moved too far away, into territory where they are, for all intents and purposes, a new band. There's not as much flow, the songs don't really stick in your head and I think its fierceness is there but there isn't any reason for it. I don't believe the drama on this record like I did on Is Dead.

[kirchart1]

by the way, my only dislike about this record is the album cover..... I'm not sure what they were going for with that cover. I also heard a rumor that the title of the album is based off of a short story by Richard Brautigan (beautiful short story). Anyone know if that's true? If so, that makes the album title just that much better!

[dat scene kid]

Solid review. Only gave the album a couple listens so far, but am definitely enjoying it. I agree that "Exit Halo" is a certain stand out, but was a little surprised you didn't mention "Not Dead". One of the best songs on the record IMO

[PlanetDahmz]

I really love this record because I think they pulled off this "new sound", if that's what you wanna call it, much better than I thought they would. Good chance at being in my top 10

[evvandflow]

you failed to tell me really anything about this album. not a good review at all.
i agree, i could barely make it past the first paragraph..

[inthemidst]

i really just don't like this record. I've had a hard time pin-pointing why, and the only thing I can come up with is that the songwriting just isn't good. Is Dead succeeded because, although the band changed a lot, there was still plenty of roots in their bread and butter sound. I think this album has moved too far away, into territory where they are, for all intents and purposes, a new band. There's not as much flow, the songs don't really stick in your head and I think its fierceness is there but there isn't any reason for it. I don't believe the drama on this record like I did on Is Dead.
I agree.

I can't blame them for experimenting, and it's good in that respect, but ...Is Dead was such a good album that the follow-up expectations proved insurmountable. I'll continue to listen to this album, but I don't find myself becoming addicted to listening to this nearly as much as their previous release.

[ebullientsoul]

I am literally stunned that Exit Halo and Dark Island City are your picks from the record. What about I Am Everything I Am Not? Or the closer? Or Republica?

Anyway. Kids, if you're wondering about buying this: Do it now. If you don't like it, you can always go back to listening to whatever it is you were listening to before.

[mybreakingpoint]

awesome review. my AOTY at this point, and will likely stay there until i at least hear JEW's new album.

[SmallFrailBoy]

Solid review. Only gave the album a couple listens so far, but am definitely enjoying it. I agree that "Exit Halo" is a certain stand out, but was a little surprised you didn't mention "Not Dead". One of the best songs on the record IMO
I totally agree - Not Dead has the biggest hook in the whole album - followed probably by Odalisque. ...Is Dead was such a critical darling - and I think this album is just as good. They used a lot of the same sounds though.

I gotta say, in terms of bands that are writing great music these days, Crime In Stereo is still right in the thick of things. At most - people have probably only listened to this album 5 times through at this point - let it gestate for a little while before you knock it. I have a feeling this one might stick with you.

www.dailyriffage.com

[Alex DiVincenzo]

i really just don't like this record. I've had a hard time pin-pointing why, and the only thing I can come up with is that the songwriting just isn't good. Is Dead succeeded because, although the band changed a lot, there was still plenty of roots in their bread and butter sound. I think this album has moved too far away, into territory where they are, for all intents and purposes, a new band. There's not as much flow, the songs don't really stick in your head and I think its fierceness is there but there isn't any reason for it. I don't believe the drama on this record like I did on Is Dead.
Pretty much hit the nail on the head with that comment.

Not sure why people are saying the review doesn't say anything about the album though. It's a good write-up.

[BozzBlonde]

Will be checking this out.

[Chris Fallon]

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this album yet. Blake makes a good point with his comment. I really love their older stuff but this one has yet to give me anything. I'm a patient guy, however, so I will let it sit with me.

[JustAGirl01]

anyone get a Nirvana feel on this album?

[StartAngry&Mad]

I've loved all of their past releases and liked the few songs off of this I've heard so far. Anyone have opinions on the vinyl packaging for this? I was disappointed with the cover, but ...Is Dead had great packaging, so I've hoped they'd put something cool together for this

[Greg.Kushlan]

I love the new album, I think I would rate it at around what you gave it. I think the opening tracks are good, but the last half of the album is what I enjoy the most.

[more heart]

Still need to listen to more of the tracks.

[live.]

anyone get a Nirvana feel on this album?
Yes, especially on "Type One".

[tyramail]

this is the only album i've ever listened to by this band, but i really enjoy it a lot.

[Jet Set Paul]

I just "discovered" this band a few weeks ago, and have been listening to their albums. I personally like "The Troubled Stateside" best. Their new stuff isn't too bad, but I kinda wish they hadn't strayed so far from their punk roots. I would love to hear "The Troubled Stateside part II"

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

I got this in the mail the other day and after a few listens, I really do enjoy it. I agree with what Blake said about them sounding like an entirely different band, but I think that they were able to pull it off fairly well. I don't like it quite as much as ...Is Dead, but it's hard to compare the two when they're so different.
Accurate score and dead-on RIYLs, in my opinion.

Edit: actually, now that I look at the score again, it might be a bit too high. I would've rated it lower 80s I think. Still better than the 94% user reviews..that's a little overblown.

[LastDeclaration]

The first paragraph barely even makes sense. I like the album though.

[Mr_Ian]

This is a stunning piece of art, I was floored the first time I heard it. Perhaps the best "break-up record" I've heard and from a band I never thought would do that kind of thing. For me, this is the record Daisy should've been. Everyone do yourselves a favour and give it a few spins on a dark night before you dismiss it!

[JustAGirl01]

Yes, especially on "Type One".
I'm not that big a fan of Nirvana but I really enjoy how CIS incorporates some Nirvana-like elements into the new cd.

I honestly play this cd more than ...Is Dead. Or any of their releases for that matter. I love the progression. I'm a sucker for when bands try new things with their sound.

[concealer611]

I definitely get a Brand New and a little of the Nirvana vibe on this album.

I enjoy this album alot, like any great album the more I listen to it the more subtle nuances I hear come out, which is great.

"Not Dead" is one of the best tracks they have ever written.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

anyone get a Nirvana feel on this album?
first thing that popped in my head on listen 1.

[SomedayTheFire]

Love this album, good review :)

[doomcrs04]

These new songs sound amazing live.

[superBMRuth]

My album of the year.

[Drew Beringer]

It's a mixed bag for me, some songs I adore, other songs just bore me.

[Christian Otte]

you failed to tell me really anything about this album. not a good review at all.
So true. If I didn't have a faint idea of how this band sounds, this review wouldn't have made any sense.

[therookielot]

Love this album, good review

[HometownHero]

This review does not make any sense. I'll still check it out tho

[taylorroberts]

This is the first Crime in Stereo album I've picked up, and it is excellent.

[jhog3411]

I agree.
This album deserved a much better review.

My fave of '10.

I don't care for this review. I don't get a feel for what the music is like at all. As a column or article about the band, sure, it works.

This record is great. They are really one of those bands that, for me, brings something fresh and engaging for each album. One of the best bands going right now. I can't wait to see these guys play new stuff this weekend.

[Ryan Gardner]

Solid review, I still need to check this record out soon.

[xManOverboardx]

really excited to get this

[Clark]

That was less of a review and more of an essay.

[Burn That Shit]

awful artwork. awful album.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Sooooooooo Good.

[InaGreendase]

I also heard a rumor that the title of the album is based off of a short story by Richard Brautigan (beautiful short story). Anyone know if that's true? If so, that makes the album title just that much better!

It is. Alex must read 1 book every week of tour or something.

Anyone have opinions on the vinyl packaging for this? I was disappointed with the cover, but ...Is Dead had great packaging, so I've hoped they'd put something cool together for this

It's pretty straightforward. I don't have the CD to compare but it's a single liner sheet with the lyrics spread all over the place. That symmetrical new logo of theirs is the "center of the record" art.

[cavalierjack32]

I love everything about this record. ive been listening to it for 12 hours strait. id say its every bit as good as ...is dead, if not better.

[Tribute2Ben89]

I love this album, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the song "Young". Definitely my favorite on the album, maybe minus the noise break in the middle.

[Poochemist]

Nice RIYL section. I love me some Glassjaw El Mark.

[PomonaForEmpusa]

this release is gonna be in the running for Album of the Year.

[James RE Hughey]

Maybe I have to givethis album some more tries, but so far I keep getting frustrated when I hear it. It is almost like the purposefully changed to sound like Brand New and left what made them them. Maybe I am completely wrong, but I really liked what they had done and this album just makes me think they are just going against it all to be the next Brand New copy.

[kco24lp]

well written indeed

[thatwasamoment]

I hope they continue to progress even further

[signal to noise]

album of the year for me so far.

Anyone find out what all the japanese on the cover and disc translate to? Thats been bugging me ever since i saw the cover.

[TheBaroness]

i really just don't like this record. I've had a hard time pin-pointing why, and the only thing I can come up with is that the songwriting just isn't good. Is Dead succeeded because, although the band changed a lot, there was still plenty of roots in their bread and butter sound. I think this album has moved too far away, into territory where they are, for all intents and purposes, a new band. There's not as much flow, the songs don't really stick in your head and I think its fierceness is there but there isn't any reason for it. I don't believe the drama on this record like I did on Is Dead.
My thoughts exactly. Very disappointed in this album.

[LeoBaldessareli]

This album have surprised me, it's so better than i always imagined this band going to make.

[mvbead]

listened to this because of the comparison to brand new. it does remind me of it and I really enjoy this cd.

[Alex1410]

I really enjoy this album. Im so glad they went in this direction.

[ThisIsNotDan]

"Exit Halo", "Odalisque", and "Type One" are my favorites, and some of the best tunes CIS has made. very respectable follow up to Is Dead

[Yellowcard2006]

Just picked up the album on tuesday. It's fantastic.

[Scott Weber]

this album is such a grower. it moved from letdown to pretty good to my favorite album of the year over the past 6 months.

[LetterBomb31]

I love this album.