Senses Fail - Still Searching

[Drew Beringer]

SENSES FAIL - Still Searching

In the August issue of Alternative Press, Senses Fail vocalist and lyricist Buddy Nielsen had this to say about his lyrics for the new album: “No violence; no blood; none of that stupid shit. I want to be as honest as possible. Most of the songs are about the past year of my life, when I had a mental breakdown – I basically went crazy.” These words hold true on the New Jersey quintet’s second album, Still Searching. Gone are the songs about chainsaws, digging up dead girlfriends, and his obsession with fire. Instead, Nielsen’s lyrics are self-reflective and open about his struggles with depression and alcohol. This is a nice change from the cliché-ridden lyrics from Let It Enfold You and instantly you can tell Senses Fail have grown up, which was helped by Midtown guitarist Heath Saraceno, who joined the band on tour and then played and influenced the sessions of Searching. Immediately, the musicianship, most notably the guitars, have improved tenfold, thus strengthening all thirteen songs. The effort still has some notable flaws, but that’s not to take away from how much this band has matured and improved over the course of 2 years.

Surprisingly, the album has some nice variety in songs, from the spacey intro of “The Rapture” to the industrial-like sound of “All The Best Cowboys.” The anticipated “Bonecrusher” doesn’t disappoint, as it is a raucous rocker that highlights Dan Trapp’s drumming and the improved guitar work. “Sick Or Sane” produces mixed results for me, as the chorus is quite obnoxious after a few listens, yet the guitar solo in the bridge is sweet and is what keeps bringing me back to this track. “Can’t Be Saved” is one of the catchiest songs of the year, as the guitar riff needles into your brain and never leaves, and the sing-along factor in the chorus is at an all time high. “Calling All Cars,” which is the first single, is reminiscent of a Taking Back Sunday song, while “Shark Attack” piledrives you into submission with bruising guitars and some nice drum work. The title track is one of the harder songs on the album, as Saraceno and Garrett Zablocki’s guitars crush through the song. Nielson sings about how he is losing grip on his life, and his improved screaming helps the cause. Sure, screaming for the most part never sounds pleasant, but he’s improved from the whiney bullshit scream on Enfold to a deeper growl here. “To All The Crowded Rooms” is another barnburner and uses the nice harmony of Saraceno’s vocals to compliment the chorus. “Lost And Found” is my least favorite track, as it kills the vibe of the album. I can respect them trying something different, but it just doesn’t hold my attention. “Every Day Is A Struggle” picks up the pace, as it barrel rolls into your chest with drums at a breakneck speed and dueling guitars. Again, Nielsen tackles past demons in the form of a girl. “Negative Space” is a gentle, atmospheric intro track that continues on into the closer “The Priest And The Matador.” “Priest” is easily the best song Senses Fail has ever written, as the music is equally melodic as it is heavy. Nielsen's vocals are at an all time best here. "Matador" is the highlight of the album and closes the album in fine fashion.

The two things that always come up in any Senses Fail discussion are Nielsen’s lyrics and vocals. While neither are amazing, they have improved dramatically. At least Nielsen has taken the right direction in his writing, dropping the violent lyrics shtick, as it is outplayed and quite annoying. The honest, opened up approach in his lyrics works well for him, although I feel he is one more album away from reaching his peak in writing, as his lyrics are hit and miss throughout Searching. Vocally, he is improved some, but let’s face it, the vocals are never going to be the strong point of a Senses Fail album. The best thing is for Nielsen just to focus on the strengths of his voice and downplay the weaknesses, which I think he does an admirable job here. In the end, the vocals and lyrics have improved, yet they still could use some tweaking.

Still Searching is an interesting album. To me, it’s like listening to a new band, that’s how much I think they’ve improved. Their previous EP and album did nothing for me, in fact, I think they are pretty terrible. So, take notice in the fact that I’m not some Senses Fail fanboy blowing smoke up your ass about this album, I honestly think it’s one of the most surprising albums of 2006 and Senses Fail are one of the more improved bands this year. The musicianship on this album is what sold me, Heath Saraceno is the MVP on this album, which is not the take away from the other members of the band, but his influence is evident on this release. Overall, this album is going to do it for those on the fence with this band, as I believe it’ll change some minds. Still Searching is quite the improvement, and while it leaves some to be desired, it shows that Senses Fail are on the right path to fully discovering themselves.

Tracklisting:
1. The Rapture
2. Bonecrusher
3. Sick Or Sane
4. Can’t Be Saved
5. Calling All Cars
6. Shark Attack
7. Still Searching
8. To All The Crowded Rooms
9. Lost And Found
10. Every Day Is A Struggle
11. All The Best Cowboys
12. Negative Space
13. The Priest And The Matador
Produced by Brian McTernan

Senses Fail are:
Buddy Nielsen : Vocals
Garrett Zablocki : Guitar
Heath Saraceno : Guitar
Mike Glita : Bass
Dan Trapp : Drums

Release Date: October 10, 2006
Record Label: Vagrant Records (http://www.vagrant.com)
Official Website (http://www.sensesfail.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/sensesfail)

[lightcollapse]

low score for the review, but well written

[Jason Tate]

Guess we sent this to the right person to review it.

[Drew Beringer]

Guess we sent this to the right person to review it.

lol bring it on, I'm ready for all the criticism. I wouldn;t have requested it if I didn't have an interest in it.

[Jason Tate]

lol bring it on, I'm ready for all the criticism. I wouldn;t have requested it if I didn't have an interest in it.
No criticism; if you like it you like it.

Hell, I'm listening to Quietdrive right now which I'm sure you'd absolutely hate.

[Drew Beringer]

No criticism; if you like it you like it.

Hell, I'm listening to Quietdrive right now which I'm sure you'd absolutely hate.

I do hate Quietdrive. But for the most part, Jason, we see eye to eye on most bands, amirite?

[Jason Tate]

I do hate Quietdrive. But for the most part, Jason, we see eye to eye on most bands, amirite?
FBTMOF, The Killers, Senses Fail, Forgive Durden, This Providence, Gatsbys, Saosin, and apparently Quietdrive.

I think are the ones off the top of my head we don't agree on...

(QD is good pop with solid vocals, more my style than SF.)

[moises_naruto]

this album is horrible, one of the worst of the year.. you were quite generous with the ratings... it makes sense, you've been postin everywhere how excited you were about the new SF songs.... but i guess it didnt live up to what you expected, and you called them the most improved....


i admire tate for warnin kids not to listen to this shit.....

[Drew Beringer]

FBTMOF, The Killers, Senses Fail, Forgive Durden, This Providence, Gatsbys, Saosin, and apparently Quietdrive.

I think are the ones off the top of my head we don't agree on...

(QD is good pop with solid vocals, more my style than SF.)
hmm, didn't like FBTMOF, I can see that. I would rate TP, FD, and GAD all the same, all somewhere in the mid to low 70s. Saosin would be a mid 70s for me, and QD is well, yeah, not my style. haha
this album is horrible, one of the worst of the year.. you were quite generous with the ratings... it makes sense, you've been postin everywhere how excited you were about the new SF songs.... but i guess it didnt live up to what you expected, and you called them the most improved....


i admire tate for warnin kids not to listen to this shit.....

Excited? I've just said they are the most improved bands of the year and for kids to give them a chance, I wasn;t making any proclaimations about how great it was or how groundbreaking it is or how many lists it's going to top. You are just set on trying to bring me down.

[Jason Tate]

hmm, didn't like FBTMOF, I can see that. I would rate TP, FD, and GAD all the same, all somewhere in the mid to low 70s. Saosin would be a mid 70s for me, and QD is well, yeah, not my style. haha


Excited? I've just said they are the most improved bands of the year and for kids to give them a chance, I wasn;t making any proclaimations about how great it was or how groundbreaking it is or how many lists it's going to top. You are just set on trying to bring me down.
I'll bring you down ... down to chinatown!

http://www.invision.smileyville.net/smilies/tv%20(8).gif

I just figured out how to make the PM's work how I wanted to - so I'm doing a little dance.

[Drew Beringer]

I'll bring you down ... down to chinatown!

http://www.invision.smileyville.net/smilies/tv%20(8).gif

I just figured out how to make the PM's work how I wanted to - so I'm doing a little dance.

Hahaha, yes, I have claimed that smiley my smiley, since I'm way too fuckin happy all the time.

[moises_naruto]

dont you mean one of the most overproduced, and unoriginal bands of the year? kids don't need to give them a chance, they already love them, they love genric crap

i was browsing through a poll, about which album was better: saosin or senses fail, and i was pissed how the kids say this is a better album.....

[Drew Beringer]

dont you mean one of the most overproduced, and unoriginal bands of the year? kids don't need to give them a chance, they already love them, they love genric crap

i was browsing through a poll, about which album was better: saosin or senses fail, and i was pissed how the kids say this is a better album.....

I don't feel it was overproduced, and there are way more kids here who hate them than love them. And if you want to talk about overproduced, we can talk Saosin. I really don't like the production on that,and that is what kills me the most on it, probably cause I don't like Benson.

[Jason Tate]

Hahaha, yes, I have claimed that smiley my smiley, since I'm way too fuckin happy all the time.

Yes, yes, you are.

dont you mean one of the most overproduced, and unoriginal bands of the year? kids don't need to give them a chance, they already love them, they love genric crap

i was browsing through a poll, about which album was better: saosin or senses fail, and i was pissed how the kids say this is a better album.....

I was quite upset at that poll too.

I don't feel it was overproduced, and there are way more kids here who hate them than love them. And if you want to talk about overproduced, we can talk Saosin. I really don't like the production on that,and that is what kills me the most on it, probably cause I don't like Benson.

Beau did most of the production, Benson focused on the vocals. It's all in our interview and on the DVD (which I recommend getting).

So let’s switch gears here for a second. How was working with Howard Benson? Did you ever think you’d be linking up with such a big-name producer for your debut?

Beau: We kind of go into it on this “making of” DVD that we recorded, but as soon as we started talking to Capitol about who we wanted to record with, at first, I wanted it to be me, and collaborate with someone else. But after I while we needed to bring in an outside ear on stuff.
Cove: We needed a referee.
Beau: We were all hating each other and stuff.
Justin: And Cove was the new guy in the band. He needed some guidance, and we couldn’t really give it to him. I think in the long run, Howard pulled some shit out of him he could have never done himself.
Cove: I definitely worked with Howard the most on the record. He’s a vocal guy, you know?
Justin: And we talked to some other big name guys like Ross Robinson and guys like that.
Cove: When Capitol brought up Howard Benson, we were like no way. Just based off the records he has done in the past like Hoobastank, All American Rejects, and cheesy pop bands like that. We thought he was going to steal everything out of our music.


I was worried about that too. I wondered if it was going to be crunchy, pop-rock sounding crap, but really, I am surprised how consistent it sounds with the production Beau did.

Justin: There were a couple things that he really had an opinion on, but those were really only at the point where the vocals weren’t done. So if there was a part with a shredding guitar riff, and the vocal was better, we might bring it back a bit. But for the most part, the music was done and he wasn’t really there. We just went in there and got to do our own thing.
Beau: That was actually pretty cool, because we could go in there and shred and play around and we didn’t have to worry about him breathing down our necks and stuff like that.
Cove: It was so sweet working with him, though.

[Drew Beringer]

Yes, yes, you are.



I was quite upset at that poll too.



Beau did most of the production, Benson focused on the vocals. It's all in our interview and on the DVD (which I recommend getting).

Yeah, I should have clarified about what part of production I meant. I think the music is great on Saosin, vocals bother me a little in some songs, I wish Benson didn't have anything to do with it, but whatever, for the record I like the Saosin record more, I just wanted to have some fun with that poll, which I accomplished.

[catscradle]

interesting. i might have to give this a spin and see if i like.

[Drew Beringer]

interesting. i might have to give this a spin and see if i like.

That's all I ask. If you like it or dislike it, so be it, it's your opinion, I just want people to give it a chance at least.

[Drew Beringer]

Haha, anyways, no more Saosin talk! lol

[hobbes2809]

I like it. a lot actually.

[Jason Tate]

I like it. a lot actually.
:hobbes:

[Drew Beringer]

:hobbes:

:calvin:

Damn, this thread is getting off topic haha

[hobbes2809]

<3 :calvin: & :hobbes:

I'm damn proud of owning every book collection of it.

[bobbo8]

dont you mean one of the most overproduced, and unoriginal bands of the year? kids don't need to give them a chance, they already love them, they love genric crap

i was browsing through a poll, about which album was better: saosin or senses fail, and i was pissed how the kids say this is a better album.....

Yeah i get pissed at kids with their own opinions too. Seriously, if you don't like the CD that's fine. Dont start shitting on kids who do like it. To tell you the truth I do like the Saosin album better but I still really like the Senses Fail album too. I was really suprised with how much of an improvement it is from LIEY. So don't bitch about kids who like SF better, it's their opinion, they are entitled to it jackass.

[SePaMc]

I liked a couple tracks off the last CD (maybe 2) and then I enjoyed their EP. Sure the lyrics were nothing amazing, and not where the band is now, but I still enjoyed it when I was 15.

However, the new CD sounded a lot like Halifax to me. It was interesting. Like the guitar solos, the way the chrous was chanted anthemically. Just...I dunno.

[Anton Djamoos]

Heath Saraceno is the MVP on this album, which is not the take away from the other members of the band, but his influence is evident on this release.
Go Heath.

Literally, back to Midtown.

[Anton Djamoos]

<3 :calvin: & :hobbes:

I'm damn proud of owning every book collection of it.
Me too. Bill Watterson is a genius.

[basketcase_006]

Not to be a grammar whore but shouldn't it be best song they have ever 'written' not 'wrote'? Just sayin.

Anyways, I love this album, and agree with the review. There's some real standouts on here, them musicianship has improved ten-fold (check out the title track), whereas vocals and lyrics still suffer a little. Having said that, this work outclasses their previous full length by a country mile.

[xcandynecklacex]

good review.
i <3 this cd.
one of my favorite albums of 2006.
:)

[NFG4ever]

great review , I tottaly agree.

[DroppedUrPocket]

The vocals should seriously be like a 3 or something. and the lyrics should be a 0. So generous, my dear Drewy.

[crazytoledo]

This album isnt bad, but its nowhere near being really good. Okay for a few listens I guess.

Meh.

6 out of 10.

[Chemical Love]

Good review.

[jusscali]

No criticism; if you like it you like it.

Hell, I'm listening to Quietdrive right now which I'm sure you'd absolutely hate.
ha quietdrive, the same band in my sig that you said i had no right to post on here anymore because my taste in music was so bad....oh and that you hated me

oh the irony

[a speedo model]

good review, Drew. made me want to hear this even more...

[unwritten]

Review is right on.

[IATA4224]

Let It Enfold You > Still Searching

Album leaked out two days ago... Not entirely impressed with it

[TBSowns524]

good review, but the score seems low for the positiviy of the review

[Jason Tate]

ha quietdrive, the same band in my sig that you said i had no right to post on here anymore because my taste in music was so bad....oh and that you hated me

oh the irony
I do hate you.

[heartkarl]

all i know is im stuck in a coma.

thats the only song ive heard so far and its catchy as hell but ill have to wait till the cd comes out before i can grade it.

[Gabe Gross]

well put...still not a respected band in my eyes but its nice that buddy figured out that he wrote like shit and stepped it up in lyrics department

with that said, well-written review drewsky

[Gabe Gross]

I do hate you.i heard he stalks like i use to.

[JunkBondTrader]

drew. the new killers album is pretty sweet. nice avatar.

[xtbs7645x]

The vocals should seriously be like a 3 or something. and the lyrics should be a 0. So generous, my dear Drewy.

Their new cd is amazing, ive always loved senses stuff.. i honestly dont understand why people trash them so much, their deffintly not as bad ad people say.

[DroppedUrPocket]

Their new cd is amazing, ive always loved senses stuff.. i honestly dont understand why people trash them so much, their deffintly not as bad ad people say.

I hope you have a warranty on those ears of yours because they seem to be broken.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Guess we sent this to the right person to review it.



hahahaha....no seriously i dig this cd. its decent.

[Dashy]

This album sounds so dated... like it should've came out 3 years ago.

[Drew Beringer]

good review, but the score seems low for the positiviy of the review

It's positive yet realistic.

[Drew Beringer]

This album sounds so dated... like it should've came out 3 years ago.

Haha, that's pretty much how it is for most bands in this genre.

[rcrook]

i love it but i can see how people can dislike it...you just have to go into it knowing buddys vocals will be off and the lyrics will be out there

[itherowen]

you should all probably go to http:///www.myspace.com/killyourex
love and erections.

[gonjagoo]

so pretty much, this is the worst band, with the worst vocalist, who made the worst decision to kick out dave miller. its pretty rediculous that this is one of the biggest bands in the world.

[YourMusicSucks]

I liked their EP, and their CD was a guilty pleasure for me.

At this point I can listen to neither, whatsoever, unless I'm trying to make myself suffer. I might check out this release

Great review, very straight forward and honest.

[underthetalking]

dont you mean one of the most overproduced, and unoriginal bands of the year? kids don't need to give them a chance, they already love them, they love genric crap

i was browsing through a poll, about which album was better: saosin or senses fail, and i was pissed how the kids say this is a better album.....


Trick question. Both of them are boring as shit.

[underthetalking]

i love it but i can see how people can dislike it...you just have to go into it knowing buddys vocals will be off and the lyrics will be out there

I go into it thinking its going to be fucking terrible and its still disappointing.

[Scott Weber]

This is probably the best Senses Fail release. There are a couple really good songs on this record, but the vocals are poor and the lyrics are often questionable at best. I'd put it around a 6.5, but I think this might be better than new Saosin, sadly. There's more variation and it's catchier.

[fifpb99]

Listened to like 3/4 of the CD and it is'nt bad perse... I even found myself singing to one of the songs, but I also stopped listening to it and put mewithoutYou back in so 60-75% sounds good to me. Definitley not something I'll listen to regularly. (Was surprised I didnt hear much screaming until like the 4th song though...)

[zizou1790]

im excited for this

[Throwthefight]

ehhhh for my own taste i still wouldn't listen to it.. their ep was awesome.. but i will say musically and vocally it got better... but maybe it's because the guitarist from midtown filled in... the lyrics make me wanna punch things cause they're so lame...it's just another cd for the younger crowd

[Raiden]

I think that album is very good. I loved Let it Enfold You and the ep. Ya buddy isn't the greatest singer, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the cd's none the less. With the whole saosin vs senses fail thing I would give it to Saosin. I really enjoyed that cd.

[VoiceoffCamera]

I'm not a fan of this band at all but I enjoy this cd. It's alot better than I thought it would be.

[SLADE775]

Good review, Drew.

[RiCCioLi]

Good Review, but I just cant wait to hear it! I just finished reading the AP interview with Buddy and now Im dying to hear it. Buddy and I are very similar because i do had a year filled with panic and anxiety attacks to the point where I was seeing shrinks and would not leave the house at the beginning of the year. I just know I will be able to relate to this album alot. Plus...Heath is playing! Cant wait to catch them tonight at Maxwells and hear some new material!

[jtrocka182]

This album definitely surprised me. I like it, not my favorite this year, but I've always liked them.

[bradyreier]

very good review drew.

[Drew Beringer]

Good review, Drew.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Good review. It is an improvement and a fun album.

[gonz]

Good review, I'd score it a bit lower but I was surprised by it. I really like maybe three of the songs, a lot are pretty meh, and the rest are pretty bad but there are a couple really good ones. The title track I think is the best song they've ever written, I'm surprised you didn't mention it. To All The Crowded Rooms, Every Day Is A Struggle, and Shark Attack are other decent songs.

[*crying stars*]

i'll give this album a chance.

[Koopato]

Glad the lyrics have improved... i never listened to SF because i couldn't stand the lame lyrics.

[Drew Beringer]

Good review, I'd score it a bit lower but I was surprised by it. I really like maybe three of the songs, a lot are pretty meh, and the rest are pretty bad but there are a couple really good ones. The title track I think is the best song they've ever written, I'm surprised you didn't mention it. To All The Crowded Rooms, Every Day Is A Struggle, and Shark Attack are other decent songs.

I did mentioned the title track.

[Mitch]

Good review, I'd score it a bit lower but I was surprised by it. I really like maybe three of the songs, a lot are pretty meh, and the rest are pretty bad but there are a couple really good ones. The title track I think is the best song they've ever written, I'm surprised you didn't mention it..

I agree with you completely.

I love 3 of the tracks*, can't get into any of the rest.

*Can't Be Saved, Still Searching, and Calling All Cars.

[boxcarcola324]

sounds like an awesome album

[againstthecoast]

you did a really good job on this review. i agree with most everything you say about this album and about buddy. i dont think the rating is very accurate, but this will easily be one of the best albums of the year. as a long time senses fail fan, i didnt know what to expect after the disappointment of let it enfold you, but im really impressed with most every track on this cd.


definately one of the better reviews ive read on this site.

[J4xoR]

good stuff lol

[fedhed7]

I loved that Senses Fail album like a year and a half ago.

Now it does nothing for me. Still trying to decide whether I want this or not.

[jon_drummer]

This album has excellent production (thanks to Brian Mcturnen), not bad music but nothing to write home about... and awful vocals. I can just imagine how frustrated Brian must have been in the studio tracking vocals with Buddy..In my opinion the the music has matured nicely leaving buddy's vocals far far behind...it gives off a wierd feeling when listening to it.

[TheBestBet]

When i first listened to their EP when it was released on ECA I loved it, but I was really young at the time. It quickly grew out of it and i began to pretty much think it was garbage. Then their full legnth came out and I gave it la listen and I thought it was more garbage. Now I'm listening to a few of their new tracks and I must say I do not hate it. You could not be more correct in saying that this band has improved greatly. I'm not in love with it by any means but it's definatly something that i won't hit the stop button in my girlfriends car when she puts it on.

[WakingTheMisery]

I think I would agree.

[FuckSuperman]

Deat Ap.net staff and fellow forum users,
You are a disease, a disease that is infecting the music scene. You have turned the true essence of music like having fun and enjoying it, into a game of whats cool and what sucks based on obscurity and or personal hatred towards bands. Where do some of you people get off saying that one band is better then the next or that on ex-band member needs to go back to his original band and his new band is terrible? how can people who most likely have no musical talent or industry know how say such terrible things? Why are buddies lyrics so bad? is it because they make sense to alot of people who have faced problems with anxiety and therapy? their new cd may not be great to you it may not be earth shattering but how can you say his lyrics are terrible and that they have no heart? cmon kids lets back some shit up with your comments or is it that youve talked so much shit you cant turn back? what is the perfect album? what is the perfect lyric? well to me its what ever the fuck you want it to be. Im not gonna sit here and lie and say ive never said a band doesnt suck as a matter of fact i say it all the time but it doesnt give me the right to tell any band that thery'e scum and they're members suck because they left a band. But it seems to me if the main users and people on this site had a choice wed all listen to the same 10 bands and all be happy. I cant imagine how great the world would be if everyone listened to brand new, over it, tacking back sunday, gatsbys american dream, and so on, let me not forget justin timberlake is now an honory member of the elite we all love who ever this site says to love gang. I wonder how tate jumps in new members of his gang? does he beat them up or does he suck their dicks till there so last summer? who knows. I think next time i go see a show im gonna hold a sign up that says on your next album can you sing in latin, write your liner notes in binary code and play instruments that havnt been invented yet because then all the fucks on AP.net who ruin music will jump on the i heard the new obscure shit that sucks but ill say its cool band wagon they created. I dont care if people say im stupid or i have no point because in reality your all lost in a world that doesnt give 2 shits about you. In other words go buy whatever you want, because if you dont your missing out.

[basketcase_006]

Deat Ap.net staff and fellow forum users,
You are a disease, a disease that is infecting the music scene. You have turned the true essence of music like having fun and enjoying it, into a game of whats cool and what sucks based on obscurity and or personal hatred towards bands. Where do some of you people get off saying that one band is better then the next or that on ex-band member needs to go back to his original band and his new band is terrible?

BUUUUURN

[jon_drummer]

Deat Ap.net staff and fellow forum users,
You are a disease, a disease that is infecting the music scene. You have turned the true essence of music like having fun and enjoying it, into a game of whats cool and what sucks based on obscurity and or personal hatred towards bands. Where do some of you people get off saying that one band is better then the next or that on ex-band member needs to go back to his original band and his new band is terrible? how can people who most likely have no musical talent or industry know how say such terrible things? Why are buddies lyrics so bad? is it because they make sense to alot of people who have faced problems with anxiety and therapy? their new cd may not be great to you it may not be earth shattering but how can you say his lyrics are terrible and that they have no heart? cmon kids lets back some shit up with your comments or is it that youve talked so much shit you cant turn back? what is the perfect album? what is the perfect lyric? well to me its what ever the fuck you want it to be. Im not gonna sit here and lie and say ive never said a band doesnt suck as a matter of fact i say it all the time but it doesnt give me the right to tell any band that thery'e scum and they're members suck because they left a band. But it seems to me if the main users and people on this site had a choice wed all listen to the same 10 bands and all be happy. I cant imagine how great the world would be if everyone listened to brand new, over it, tacking back sunday, gatsbys american dream, and so on, let me not forget justin timberlake is now an honory member of the elite we all love who ever this site says to love gang. I wonder how tate jumps in new members of his gang? does he beat them up or does he suck their dicks till there so last summer? who knows. I think next time i go see a show im gonna hold a sign up that says on your next album can you sing in latin, write your liner notes in binary code and play instruments that havnt been invented yet because then all the fucks on AP.net who ruin music will jump on the i heard the new obscure shit that sucks but ill say its cool band wagon they created. I dont care if people say im stupid or i have no point because in reality your all lost in a world that doesnt give 2 shits about you. In other words go buy whatever you want, because if you dont your missing out.


Why the fuck do you even care what people think abotu albums...you're being a hypocrit by even posting a message...if you really didnt give a shit about what music sounds like and why other people do or dont like it then you wouldnt be reading this forum in the first place. Thats great if you think buddys lyrics are deep and meaningful...but lets face it, hes no goeff rickly, or dustin kensure....oh and his range is about 7 notes....and i know that because im a musician. CHEIF.

[Romancebled]

good review. i personally enjoy this album. it's a huge improvement.

[BroodWar]

...but lets face it, hes no goeff rickly, or dustin kensure....oh and his range is about 7 notes....and i know that because im a musician. CHEIF.

If you think geoff rickly can sing and you're claiming "musician", then I hope anything musical that you're involved in never goes public.

[FuckSuperman]

Ya whew your right, im glad ive been enlightened by you. But why direcly after i post this the review is booted off the first page? Ya buddy is no rickley or kensrue possibly because he is buddy and if he was the other 2 that mght cause a rift in the space time continium. Im also glad you're a musician maybe you can have a band that i can talk shit about and say that you drum like a chimp on valium and see how you react but my guess is youll say you wont care because mainly its not gonna ever happen to you so you wont have to deal with it.,

[allisterkid]

Interesting. Not trying to call you out, really, but there are just certain memories that I will always have of this site and one was that not long after Senses Fail signed to Drive Thru, you Jason, had a posting about how "AP.net loves new Drive Thru band Senses Fail".

Once again, not to call you out or anything, I just have a few of those fond memories I will never forget.

[Scott Weber]

Interesting. Not trying to call you out, really, but there are just certain memories that I will always have of this site and one was that not long after Senses Fail signed to Drive Thru, you Jason, had a posting about how "AP.net loves new Drive Thru band Senses Fail".

Once again, not to call you out or anything, I just have a few of those fond memories I will never forget.
Tastes change, dude.

[allisterkid]

I know, like I said, I'm not trying to be a dick... I just remember stuff I read really clearly from here for some reason. I always seem to have flashbacks when I see stuff like this and this one I just happened to post for some reason.

[Scott Weber]

I know, like I said, I'm not trying to be a dick... I just remember stuff I read really clearly from here for some reason. I always seem to have flashbacks when I see stuff like this and this one I just happened to post for some reason.
I know, I was just saying that Senses Fail was one of my favorite bands in 2002, and that's definitely not the case anymore.

[allisterkid]

Absolutely, same here. I listened to Let It Enfold You so much when the unmastered leaked like 8 months before the mastered got released and this album certainly is a little bit better, but with my changed music tastes I probably won't listen to this near as much as I listened to Let It Enfold You.

[FuckSuperman]

I know, I was just saying that Senses Fail was one of my favorite bands in 2002, and that's definitely not the case anymore.
ya whew tastes change mr.weber saosin now theres a real original band, and allister kid dont let these dudes bully you around you have a valid point just cause some premadonna says your wrong dont buy into it so fast and who cares if your being a dick for pointing it out what are they gonna do to you? tell you your music tastes suck?

[Scott Weber]

ya whew tastes change mr.weber saosin now theres a real original band, and allister kid dont let these dudes bully you around you have a valid point just cause some premadonna says your wrong dont buy into it so fast and who cares if your being a dick for pointing it out what are they gonna do to you? tell you your music tastes suck?
Uh, I actually think the new Saosin is really boring and poor, I've been plenty open and vocal about that on the site, as you can see I listened to 15 songs last week (1 listen through the album and a half) so I could generate enough of an opinion. But thanks..

[Ryne]

I did not like this album at all, pretty much.
I thought it would be much better.

[jon_drummer]

ya whew tastes change mr.weber saosin now theres a real original band, and allister kid dont let these dudes bully you around you have a valid point just cause some premadonna says your wrong dont buy into it so fast and who cares if your being a dick for pointing it out what are they gonna do to you? tell you your music tastes suck?

why are you still posting? and i compared geoff rickly in a lyrical sense not a singing sense....he does have a range higher 7 notes though.

[BroodWar]

why are you still posting? and i compared geoff rickly in a lyrical sense not a singing sense....he does have a range higher 7 notes though.

You can't just say someone has a range of 7 notes when you don't factor in key and octave...Stick to drums, leave claims like that to people of higher intelligence.

[newfoundmichael]

i'm looking forward to hearing this...and for those of you fighting about the new Saosin album, it is very good, but slightly overproduced.

[Beloved Broken]

The best Senses Fail release to date, IMO. I like it.

[suchabratass]

The best Senses Fail release to date, IMO. I like it.

Same here.. and i even didn't use to be a fan.

Best 2k6's song so far according to me:
SENSES FAIL - Negative Space + The Priest And The Matador

Way underrated review.

[jon.fftl]

I'll probably check this out. Their EP was alright, but Let It Enfold You got old real fast.

[brutusUbastard]

This Cd is a pretty good pop rock disc. Much more enjoyable than Saosin

[safetycanary]

Massive improvement on LIEY in my opinion.. it sounds like they can actually play now, for one thing.

[youwithoutMe]

i think 70-75% is about right..it has like 4 decent songs

[Chris Fallon]

Well written review, Drewseph. I haven't been excited or anxious in the least to hear this album all year until now. Not sure why, because I like Let It Enfold You for the most part, albeit I haven't listened to that disc in quite some time.

I seem to like what I've heard so far though, and will end up buying this regardless. It seems like whatever bands you and Jason like, I like too - even if one of you doesn't, like Quietdrive and FBTMOF, two bands I thoroughly enjoy.

[Demos16]

Very well written review. I did enjoy the EP as well as Let It Enfold You, but I must say that this is by far the best album they have recorded so far.

[Stereo Mike]

Excellent review.

I like this album a lot.

[pressingon07]

I agree, Matador is my favorite song on the album. :)

[koala72]

The most disapointing album of the year by a mile for me, it was just boring and no songs where catchy (with the exception of Lost And Found which is different). I also hate the lyrics just all so fucking depressing about alcohol abuse and shit, really annoys me (not usually the one to care about the lyrics either)
Yet this line from The Priest And The Matador makes me laugh and is a stand out for me:
A man bends down and says, "Son
we're going to get through this one
take my hand and let us pray."
I scream, "Please get the fuck away."

dont you mean one of the most overproduced, and unoriginal bands of the year? kids don't need to give them a chance, they already love them, they love genric crap

i was browsing through a poll, about which album was better: saosin or senses fail, and i was pissed how the kids say this is a better album.....
Senses fail better than Saosin? What a joke! Saosin is amazing and i still try to listen to it daily.

[Ailite]

I bought this; it sucks.

[kuriousmax]

hmmmm.
well i absolutely love senses fail. (including this album)
and saosin.
and quite a few others.
and i dont agree with this review at all.

and i think if you listen to the lyrics they are amazing, although somewhat depressing.

[baton]

i just listened to it once, as for me it's really good, maybe generic, but not that much, and it has its moments, i only thought heath would sing a little more, i can't really hear him, where are the songs they were recording on that preview video on official site in january?

[Vanilla Bear]

This album is really good...surprisingly. LIEY was good for a couple days and got really old. As far as the lyrics I think they are really good. I mean yeah, they are somewhat depressing, but I've been in shitty situations and this cd lets all that anger out for me. I can see where Buddy is coming from and I think you can definately see true emotions in the record.

[hollywoodending]

I dont get how people will think that this is their best album. I do agree that it is good, but in my opinion, the EP was better, and their last LP was a close second to this. My main thought is that while the muscianship and vocals may be better on this latest release, let it enfold you had more solid songwriting. And while you said that Senses Fail have matured and they no longer write stupid and cliche lyrics, I see the exact opposite. On the new album, its just cliche whining about how organized religion is wrong and how alcohol and pills can fuck you up, etc. etc. On let it enfold you, at least he was trying to me mildly poetic about violent things, now he just seems bitter and stupid. I was really really stoked for this album, but after listening to it about 10 times, I realize that it is only slightly better than their last effort, and that their definitely the same band. I still like 'em though.

[BrettTheJones]

Every body is saying Bubby volcas are bad and yeah there not the best ever I agree but Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends Adam does not have the best voice either and that is one of the greatest albums ever so you really dont need an amazing voice to have a good album but I would give Senses Fail- Still Searching A B-.

[BrettTheJones]

Oh and Drew Is my least fav reviewer on AP.NET I think most of his reviews suck.

[Ladron]

I would give this album a higher rating. I'm pleseantly surprised at how good it is.

[Inlikeflint4]

I was actually pretty impressed with this album, my opinion on SF is that they are a band that you have to develop a taste for. I agree with what you said about how the vocals are much better, and so is the guitar work. Good review, but scores were kind of low for me. But again it wouldn't be your opinion if someone else said it.

[sensesgrl187]

I love all of senses' stuff...but this album sounded almost nothing like their normal stuff...i like maybe 4 songs but hey i still love em

[myARMISTICE]

let's applaud senses fail for really improving alot!

i love this band

[Darkgem187]

well the review was harsh yet honest it was well written anyway. The cd in my opinion was great the lyrics are diffrent from let it enfold you but its still an awesome cd and people should go and buy it.

[abusedcat]

this album was a very plesant suprise. i had become interested in it once i heard they had mcternan producing & heath on board, but when my girlfriend said she really liked it i went out and bought it. it's heavily movielife-influenced at parts, and heaths an amazing addition to the band. this record hasn't left my cd player since i got it, aside from quick listens to sunny day real estate and minus the bear.

[abusedcat]

Every body is saying Bubby volcas are bad and yeah there not the best ever I agree but Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends Adam does not have the best voice either and that is one of the greatest albums ever so you really dont need an amazing voice to have a good album but I would give Senses Fail- Still Searching A B-.you have 12 posts and you already have a 'least favorite reviewer'? c'mon bud, i agree with drew on this record, and yeah, tell al your friends is an amazing record, but in my mind you had to have seen them live in support of that record to really 'get' it. and you want to hear a good album with amazing vocals? heres a list:
Jeff Buckley - Grace
Sunny Day Real Estate - How It Feels To Be Something On
Saves The Day - Stay What You Are
ActionReaction - 3 Is The Magic Number

[luca455]

My compliment for your show in Bologna in Italy

[ItsCountEjacula]

I thought this album was very good and more mature than the last disc. I really enjoy the energy it brings

[floody]

I was really suprised with this record, while i like "Let It Enfold You" it does get a bit repetitive with the lyrics and so on, but i really thought they took a step up with this one, not least with the guitar.

[thisyearstrend]

i believe heath is to much of a talent to be in this band. even if midtown is done for good. i always pictured heath being a good lead man for a band. since i preferred his vocals over gabes in midtown. as far as this album its nothing i havent heard before.

[KillyourIdols88]

Amazing review, i know i am a few years late but it's an amazing review

[jamesmustdie]

My favorite album of all time. Senses Fail really nailed this CD. I agree that the addition of Heath Saraceno was a huge factor in the genius of this record; however, that isn't intended to take anything away from any of the other members' hard work. Dan Trapp is amazing. He has been for the entirety of this band's existence, and will continue to amaze me. I look forward with relentless fervor to the next release.

[Rubbersoul87]

album is ballah status

mason's revenge is a really good song

[MBIIdollaBill]

Oh cmon i liked the violent crap of Let It Enfold You :-d Hahaha buried a lie was great, and bite to break skin was sweeeet... oh well i dig all senses fail albums, they are one of the bands that does the pop-punk thing better. I've started to notice all the better bands of the genre reign from the New York/New Jersey area. Taking Back Sunday and Brand New are a couple examples.

[ManInMusicBox]

I know my comment is way late (its 2010...currently streaming "The Fire") but Still Searching still is my favorite all-time. Still can't get enough of it. That is all =)

[Froggiefied]

Haha, The Deluxe edition is also very good, check it out guys, it ft's songs like ''Champagne'' and ''Mason's Revenge'', both great songs

[herbienay]

I didnt expect to, but I pretty much agree.