Audition, The - Great Danger

[Blake Solomon]

The Audition – Great Danger
Record Label: Victory Records
Release Date: March 16, 2010

Before I was who I am now, I was a college freshman. That kid used to wear a brown Matchbook Romance shirt because he thought it put off a slightly aloof, very serial killer-ish vibe. He was also skinny. But this kid had a conversation with another kid, a kid in much skinnier jeans and much oilier skin, which held a lot of truth. The talk revolved around me being a stupid douche who held bands like babies, gently cupping them in my bosom so you, the mouth-breathing masses, could not get to them. This was why, the oily kid posited, I tended to always like the first record of a band and hate the second. It was because the second album typically brought greater success. All this silly snobbery, I remind you, from a kid in a brown Matchbook Romance shirt.

I’d like to think I’ve changed. In an Internet age such as this, there’s no secret collection of bands. And if there is, the bands are probably horseshit. Everything good is known. Anything great is super known. The Audition had a debut with songs I felt were insurmountable (especially “You’ve Made Us Conscious”). Therefore, people who didn’t wear Matchbook Romance shirts started to take notice. The band grew, and despite every bone in my body wanting to hate their third effort Self-Titled Album, I loved it. Although lyrically grounded in the minutiae of, blah, relationships and “making it”, its hyper aesthetic was welcomed and addictive.

But I am confident when I say that Great Danger is the band’s strongest output to date. It succinctly puts all their cards on the table, but does so in a way that artfully toes the dreaded line of recycled tunes. Sometimes a band has to perfect what they do before they can really move on, and at this point I’d be fine with The Audition coming back as a folktronica band. Great Danger is one big pop hit after another, from single “You Ruined This” to aggressive “He’s All You Want” to the hints of dance-punk intertwined throughout opener “Let Me Know.” The whole album plays like a lecture to the million other bands who do this pop-punk style. And after a few listens the message becomes clear, “Checkmate.”

Now yes, you won’t be surprised to hear that Great Danger features a couple attempts at that which isn’t the best for the band: “Run Away” is boring, acoustic and insincere when compared to fast-paced fist-pumpers like “Can You Remember?.” Closer “Final Adventure” is a strange mixture of Angels & Airwaves and, I don’t know, something worse than Angels & Airwaves. But that’s what I’m talking about: now that they’ve graduated from pop-punk, these can be the things they work out next. Maybe the band has it in them to create a concept album using harmonicas. Perhaps production by Machine will turn a song like “Ms. Crumby” into the perfect soundtrack morsel for the (probably) forthcoming Terminator: End Date 2; The End of Dates. Who knows, but at least their options are open. The band should be proud of this lofty accomplishment. Great Danger really is like listening to the top of a mountain peak.

Recommended If You Like: The All-American Rejects, Amber Pacific, tilde, All Time Low, lassos

www.myspace.com/theaudition (http://www.myspace.com/theaudition)

[WhoSaidThat?]

Great review, Blake. It's great to hear from one more person that this is their best album yet.

[Argentine]

That kid in the oily skin reminds me of...me. :-| Fuck.
Anyways good review.

[Blake Solomon]

That kid in the oily skin reminds me of...me. :-| Fuck.
Anyways good review.
you need a new username. i am tired of typing it out in user review threads.

sorry, had to be said.

[Argentine]

you need a new username. i am tired of typing it out in user review threads.

sorry, had to be said.
Dude! I hate my fucking name. I actually wanted to change but I'm not sure if I have to delete my account to do it.

[Blake Solomon]

Dude! I hate my fucking name. I actually wanted to change but I'm not sure if I have to delete my account to do it.
you can have it changed for like 3 bucks or something

[Argentine]

Weird. But I'll try it. I'm tired of always having to sign in with my stupid name. Where do I go?

[Blake Solomon]

Weird. But I'll try it. I'm tired of always having to sign in with my stupid name. Where do I go?
it's probably on the site's FAQ section somewhere.

[Argentine]

Sweet, thanks Blake. I'll look into it.

[aradiantsunrise]

Wow a 76% is high, especially from you. I can't wait to hear this.

[Blake Solomon]

Wow a 76% is high, especially from you. I can't wait to hear this.
what did you think about paragraph 3? I was worried about paragraph 3.

[aradiantsunrise]

what did you think about paragraph 3? I was worried about paragraph 3.
I enjoyed it, made me even more excited to hear the album. I loved the last two sentences the most...
The whole album plays like a lecture to the million other bands who do this pop-punk style. And after a few listens the message becomes clear, “Checkmate.”

I have major respect for The Audition because they always seem to stay true to themselves and have never followed a trend, they just make music that they truly love.

[brandon_260]

Really looking forward to this, I have always loved every album they put out

[more heart]

Nice review Blake. I too am very confident in this release. I have a feeling that "The Art Of Living" is going to be stuck in my head all year long.

[XLT917]

Honestly never heard of them (I know, I know, the rock I live under is bigger than I thought), read this review, checked out their myspace, and I dig it. Will most likely be purchasing this and getting their other stuff too. What should I start with?

[aradiantsunrise]

Honestly never heard of them (I know, I know, the rock I live under is bigger than I thought), read this review, checked out their myspace, and I dig it. Will most likely be purchasing this and getting their other stuff too. What should I start with?
I'd listen to the first album, followed by the Self-Titled and lastly Champion, which is their second. Champion was good but my least favorite album of theirs.

[Drew Beringer]

It's true, this is The Audition finally realizing their full potential, nice review Blakey.

[Drew Beringer]

you need a new username. i am tired of typing it out in user review threads.

sorry, had to be said.
what is your favorite track on this album? Mine is The Art of Living.

[tpnations]

Woah...I didn't even realize they came out with another album after Champion. I was, apparently, one of the few people who was able to look around the cliched/terrible lyrical content of Champion and found what was arguably the catchiest album of 2008 (at least IMO). I actually liked it more than Controversy... but that's just me.

Looks like I've got two new CDs to enjoy. Any recommendations of which one I should check out first?

[Chris Fallon]

Good, now I don't have to do that guy who only kind of liked their last album.

[*Ro']

Not convinced but I hope I will finally like one of their albums other than the first one.

[jusscali]

It's true, this is The Audition finally realizing their full potential, nice review Blakey.
Well I mean, essentially if what you guys say is true: that they have returned to form, or have gone back to their roots more than I'm not sure if they actually have. Creating a nice follow-up to their most effective release is a great thing, but until one can say that a record of their's is without question better than the debut, then I don't think they've reached their full potential.

[live.]

I still don't even know every song on Self-Titled haha. Regardless I'm excited to bump this!

[HometownHero]

Only really like the first album but damn this band is productive

[cristinaa]

I really want to hear this.

[Yellowcard2006]

I was expecting a higher rating. Good review. I really want to hear this album

[tyramail]

looking forward to this so much.

[hiya]

a strange mixture of Angels & Airwaves and, I don’t know, something worse than Angels & Airwaves.
hahaha. Really excited to hear this album, this band has never dissapointed me.

[billyboatkid]

Super stoked to hear this.

[nathaniel]

That's wierd, this album flew way under the radar for me. I had no idea they were putting out a new album this soon.

[theintention]

good review, but I'm pretty sure champion was their 2nd full length. review makes it seem like the self titled is. but i could be wrong. wanna check this out.

[sweepthenation]

If this is better than the S/T I'll give it a shot

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Good, now I don't have to do that guy who only kind of liked their last album.
You're not alone :wave:

[Gin]

Cool, this could be the second TA album I'm gonna buy buy after their first one. Okay...I also bought "Champion", but sold it after a few months, because I just didnt like it :/

[denissuxx]

It's on par with the debut, for sure

[iseejosh]

I'd listen to the first album, followed by the Self-Titled and lastly Champion, which is their second. Champion was good but my least favorite album of theirs.
start w their first cd, then go in order, cause honestly its a progression. and every cd is amazing in its own way. they truely are on of the greatest underrated pop punk bands out there. hopefully this will get them them credit they deserve. i doubt it though....thanks victory.

[iseejosh]

good review, but I'm pretty sure champion was their 2nd full length. review makes it seem like the self titled is. but i could be wrong. wanna check this out.
champion is their second full lenght. 'controversy loves company' is the first.

[cory-182]

I enjoyed their first album. Their second two...not so much. I'll give this one a chance.

[Chiodosbros13]

I've been waiting for a review of this CD
Im a big The Audition fan and hearing that it is their best release yet makes me really excited

[Mattylikesfilms]

Honestly never heard of them (I know, I know, the rock I live under is bigger than I thought), read this review, checked out their myspace, and I dig it. Will most likely be purchasing this and getting their other stuff too. What should I start with?

Champion is their best album.

Everything else is ehhh imo.

[billyboatkid]

So I'm guessing you have heard the bonus track from iTunes... Wonder if it's any good. They never release bonus songs or b-sides.

[Mattylikesfilms]

I'd listen to the first album, followed by the Self-Titled and lastly Champion, which is their second. Champion was good but my least favorite album of theirs.

Whaaaaa? Champion was their best. That album turned me onto the band. Then I got the s/t and was insanely dissapointed.

[Yellowcard2006]

Whaaaaa? Champion was their best. That album turned me onto the band. Then I got the s/t and was insanely dissapointed.
Champion is what got me into this band too. I found their debut to be kinda bland ( aside from a few songs) but unlike you I enjoyed the S/T, but not nearly as much as Champion

[kabir]

Creo en tus palabras Blake, ahora tengo que escucharlo

[hiblair]

I don't post much but i figured I had to, to say that I agree 100% with this being their best album. I really enjoyed your review.

[cherbrand11]

I don't think they'll ever top Champion. And if the rest of the album sounds anything like You Ruined this then it's going to be terrible

[luvsickcatalyst]

Eh, I'm honestly usually more entertained by your reviews, Blake. I liked the whole "Matchbook Romance" thing, but just not your best review. And you made it sound like Self-Titled Record was their second album in the 2nd paragraph. Kind of caught me, especially since Champion is my favorite record of theirs thus far (never really dug their first record and Self-Titled did nothing for me) Can't wait until this record though.

[tossit]

sweet...I'll check this album out later. Great review

[eabraham]

I felt like you did about "Controversy Loves Company" - that is one of my top albums of all time (and I'm a lot older than most of you). But I've liked everything since, if not always as much as that first one, and I know we have yet to see what they can accomplish as they continue to grow and evolve.

[Max_123]

if you could compare the album to any of their other 3, which one would you say it's the most like?
i really only like their first one so i hope it's like that one

[xmhackx]

I'm so glad you gave this cd such a great review. A lot of people are putting it down because they don't like the single. I also agree with you about the opening song. It has potential to be my favorite song on the new album. Even if you hated everything the audition has put out previously you can find something to love on Great Danger. I might even say this is my favorite album from them to date.

[vegasbabyvegas]

Great record.

[ffafan]

im gonna beat the dead horse and say you did make it sound like self titled was their second record. Champion should not go unnoticed. My favorite record. The first and third record just didnt do much for me but Ill pick this one up.

[Blake Solomon]

if you could compare the album to any of their other 3, which one would you say it's the most like?
i really only like their first one so i hope it's like that one
1/3

[Drew Beringer]

Champion is their worst record by far.

[newfoundmichael]

Champion is their worst record by far.
Agreed. Excited for this one though!

[Color Morale]

their first album was best

[Punk_T]

if you think that this is a good album it will hopefully fulfill my expectations. it makes me want to hear the record immediately especially since this is a The Audition release.
btw the kid in the matchbook romance shirt kinda reminds me of myself. i often just like band's debuts and hate to see them getting more success just because i know they probably will change their style for the bigger crowds. but some bands still fascinate me. =)

[InBetweenAisles]

Excited to hear this record.

[Big_Guy]

this band is absolutely terrible.

/unnecessary post

[Sarcasm]

I'm pretty excited to hear this.

Great review Blake, liked the 3rd and 4th paragraphs.

[introduction]

so nothing groundbreaking?

once again, another awesome review.

edit: zing.

[birtcho]

Can't wait for this

[Naenia]

I really like the throughline of this review. The Audition are always hit and miss with me, (obvioulsy) hoping this has more hits for me.

[yourbiggestflan]

This might possibly be the best review i've ever read on this site. and one of the best in general. VERY good, honest review.

i need to read more of your stuff.

[atticus18244fss]

Great review. Opening paragraph is great.

[foreverSWEET]

I don't buy physical albums anymore, with the exception of a few bands whom I adore. The Audition are one of them - I have a hard copy of each of their albums, and I'm excited to add this one in. Thanks for the awesome review, I can't wait!

[aradiantsunrise]

Whaaaaa? Champion was their best. That album turned me onto the band. Then I got the s/t and was insanely dissapointed.
Well I still think it's a good album but I find myself listening to only a few songs from it lately. Edinboro, Ether, Make It Rain, and What Gets You Through the Night. My appreciation for it is still there though, I used to listen to it straight-through a crazy amount of times, haha.

[guigs]

Blake said that Self-Titled was their third effort, as a full-lenght, as far as Champion was their second, for those who are misunderstanding that line.

And I'm reeeeeeally looking forward to this, I went days listening to Self-Titled withouth skipping a single track, and if this is better, it will be like a heroine hahah.

Great review, btw. I used to be like you with my favorite bands.

[xjdizzle]

Sweeet i'm so happy these guys made an awsome album .. Seriously All Time Low can go play in traffic with the their sad and pitifu attempt at thinking they are a high quality pop punk band that will be rememebered. like Blink..I think The Audition should never had been openiig for them and Boys like Girls .it should be a fucking crime ..The Audition officialy restored much needed hope in this joke thje scene has been turning into.:)

[xsinkshipsx]

Dude! I hate my fucking name. I actually wanted to change but I'm not sure if I have to delete my account to do it.
I'm with you bro...effing hate my username...made it during the 3 weeks in which I was edge hahahahhaha BAD idea...it's like absolutepunk version of getting an edge tattoo

[Argentine]

Haha you can pay to get a tattoo removed though. Not sure about this one

[gabegr]

i liked their debut a lot but champion was god awful. so will i like this?

[fobmcrafi6]

Blake + amazingly personal in his review = epic review.

[madam1888]

Really, the thing that's been missing since Controversy Loves Company has been quality lyrical content. I've loved the music on all their albums, but it stands apart from the rest because its lyrics don't make anyone cringe. If they've improved that, they deserve to be getting a ton of attention.

Great review, btw. Highly entertaining.

[inthemidst]

I enjoyed their first album. Their second two...not so much. I'll give this one a chance.
Agreed.

[DungeonsnDragon]

I love the audition, I just wish they never started listening to maroon 5 on a daily basis.

[handlikesecret]

In an Internet age such as this, there’s no secret collection of bands. And if there is, the bands are probably horseshit.
nailed it!

oh, and awesome review! looking forward to hearing this. these guys always make for a good listen.

[Bruycker]

I could take some songs out of every album and mix them into One great album.

Always been hit or miss, some songs I really dig, some don't. Oh well. Good Review nonetheless.

I've been dissapointed once and that was with the "Come Now Sleep" review. Otherwise always solid writing even though I don't like the albums.

[Meeze]

sounds like The Audition...

[TalkShowsOnMute]

Great review, I felt the same way about their second and third albums but think this is their best. Can't stop listening to it.

[shrem]

Awesome review. Love "The Art Of Living".

[BozzBlonde]

Sounds good but I won't buy this.

[aradiantsunrise]

Meh. Best Buy didn't get the album so I ordered it online. More waiting now. :-(

[Young Machetes]

Just got this album. I really dig this. I dig how Danny's voice isn't as overbearing as it has been in previous songs. He shows his range just enough.

Buy this.

[xapplexpiex]

A 6 for lyrics? Eh. If it wasn't for the terrible lyrics on their past albums, I might give them another chance...

[niclliot25]

Really liking the album so far. I guess a lot of people dont like their last album, I thought it was probably their best. I liked every song with maybe the exception of one. But to be honest theyve all been good, though Id rank Champion last, but thats not bad considering Ive liked all of them.

[HeadSock]

After only hearing "You Ruined This" before the rest of the album, I can honestly say that I didnt expect the album to be the way it is, musically. At first, I was not fond of the moments when Danny hit those high notes in "He's All You Want" and "Ms. Crumby." But after some repetitions it has definitely grown on me. Ive only had it for a day but I can say I already like the album, hopefully Ill love it with more time.

[JuneJuly]

Should I buy this? Is it good enough?

Not a single 30 second previews on iTunes impressed me, but that obviously isn't a great way to judge if I'd like it, especially because I love everything they've done thusfar.

[tpnations]

Should I buy this? Is it good enough?

Not a single 30 second previews on iTunes impressed me, but that obviously isn't a great way to judge if I'd like it, especially because I love everything they've done thusfar.
Check it out on Lala.

[The Plot Sucks]

I love the audition, I just wish they never started listening to maroon 5 on a daily basis.
Nothing wrong with taking some pointers from maroon 5 IMO...

regardless, the album has its own sound, trademark "the audition" - its catchy and great.

[fashionshowdown]

This album is FANTASTIC. It shows such a mature growth in the band. I saw them in a frat basement 4 years ago, my how times have changed. This record is way more than I could have hoped for, really content with it!

[HeadsGone182]

Great Review and I AGREE! kinda drifted off my radar after second album but now im listening to this and their previous effort loads

[Jzlau]

yeah sweet review i also liked Shred (http://www.shrednews.com/the-audition-great-danger-cd-review/)'s review of the album too

[IndieKid!]

I like the review but.. i have listened to the album a lot trying not to hate it, the first track just annoys me and nothing else is grabbing me, am i broken? or do i just not have the correct firmware to enjoy this? Super Weak :(

[cheesypepsi]

Nice review, although I've found this album to be hit or miss with everyone that knows about The Audition. My friend actually hates Great Danger, but she is in love with Self-Titled. Go figure; I like this one way better because it feels like the band is more locked with each other in this record than the others. I don't think anything will ever beat "Champion," in my opinion, though.