bulls2213
06/30/08, 08:55 PM
The Mile After - Armada
Record Label: None
Release Date: July 1, 2008 (digital); July 15, 2008
The Mile After are no strangers to the rock music scene. Hailing from the ever-popular breeding ground for rock acts, this North Carolina-based rock/powerpop quartet has enjoyed quite the ride since their conception in 2003, while picking up a loyal fan base along the way that seems to multiply exponentially by the day.
Over the course of their first five years, the group would independently release a five-song EP in 2004, leading to a contract with the disaster known as Rushmore Records in 2005 (this relationship did not last long - the group politely asked out of their contract a mere year and a half later following disagreements with the label), and undergo a lineup change (the addition of Australian bassist/funnyman Mike Horbacz) in 2007, all while continuously writing songs and touring at a feverish pace.
Despite their frustrations, The Mile After have officially weathered the storm and have put together the debut album which followers of the band knew they were capable of if given the opportunity. One thing that listeners will immediately note is the album's production quality, which is absolutely flawless; this is no surprise considering the trio of acclaimed producers the band picked up to turn the dials. With Mark Trombino (blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, The Starting Line), Angus Cooke (The Ataris), Gary St. Clair (All-4-One), the band have "[pioneered] a new genre of vocal-driven pop rock that balances meaningful lyrics with an endless supply of ear-catching hooks," beginning with the very first track, "Hewlett."
A more-than-suitable kick-off to the album, this intro track (like most in their repertoir) features excellent stick work by Jim Trice and an insanely catchy melody, with vocals being shared amongst the three vocalists in the band (Chase Holfelder, Ben Carter and Mike Horbacz). The track also features a dizzying breakdown that will, quite frankly, put you on your ass.
The following track, "Last Night at Face Value," brings to the front and center the exceptional vocal talents and range of Chase Holfelder. New and (much) improved versions of the fan-favorites "Let It Down" and "The Only One" follow, with the latter featuring an impressive piano intro. The vocals introducing "I Know Something You Don't" may mislead you at first, but this track really brings the rock with its punchy verses and an enormous chorus. The piano returns for the appropriately-titled "Piano Song," overall one of the most solid tracks on the album which screams lead single potential.
The second half of the album kicks off with the anthem "Pass It Along" and the R&B-influenced "So Damn Easy", which contains an impressive key change in its final, super catchy chorus. The album takes a breather with the ballad-esque "I Won't Be Too Far Behind", but returns the rock with a jolt with a fresh version of "Worst Offender." Don't let the track position of "The Way It Should Be" fool you; it is one of the strongest tracks on the album, with a seemingly endless supply of hooks that make the song sound like one giant chorus. Old acoustic hit "Money Is Not A Thing" proves itself to be a perfect conclusion to the album, with the new version transformed into a beautiful arrangement with strings and cellos, clocking in at well over six minutes long.
pop-punk, powerpop, Cartel, The Starting Line, Yellowcard, Holiday Parade, Hit the Lights, All Time Low, Making April
myspace.com/themileafter (http://www.myspace.com/themileafter)
Record Label: None
Release Date: July 1, 2008 (digital); July 15, 2008
The Mile After are no strangers to the rock music scene. Hailing from the ever-popular breeding ground for rock acts, this North Carolina-based rock/powerpop quartet has enjoyed quite the ride since their conception in 2003, while picking up a loyal fan base along the way that seems to multiply exponentially by the day.
Over the course of their first five years, the group would independently release a five-song EP in 2004, leading to a contract with the disaster known as Rushmore Records in 2005 (this relationship did not last long - the group politely asked out of their contract a mere year and a half later following disagreements with the label), and undergo a lineup change (the addition of Australian bassist/funnyman Mike Horbacz) in 2007, all while continuously writing songs and touring at a feverish pace.
Despite their frustrations, The Mile After have officially weathered the storm and have put together the debut album which followers of the band knew they were capable of if given the opportunity. One thing that listeners will immediately note is the album's production quality, which is absolutely flawless; this is no surprise considering the trio of acclaimed producers the band picked up to turn the dials. With Mark Trombino (blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, The Starting Line), Angus Cooke (The Ataris), Gary St. Clair (All-4-One), the band have "[pioneered] a new genre of vocal-driven pop rock that balances meaningful lyrics with an endless supply of ear-catching hooks," beginning with the very first track, "Hewlett."
A more-than-suitable kick-off to the album, this intro track (like most in their repertoir) features excellent stick work by Jim Trice and an insanely catchy melody, with vocals being shared amongst the three vocalists in the band (Chase Holfelder, Ben Carter and Mike Horbacz). The track also features a dizzying breakdown that will, quite frankly, put you on your ass.
The following track, "Last Night at Face Value," brings to the front and center the exceptional vocal talents and range of Chase Holfelder. New and (much) improved versions of the fan-favorites "Let It Down" and "The Only One" follow, with the latter featuring an impressive piano intro. The vocals introducing "I Know Something You Don't" may mislead you at first, but this track really brings the rock with its punchy verses and an enormous chorus. The piano returns for the appropriately-titled "Piano Song," overall one of the most solid tracks on the album which screams lead single potential.
The second half of the album kicks off with the anthem "Pass It Along" and the R&B-influenced "So Damn Easy", which contains an impressive key change in its final, super catchy chorus. The album takes a breather with the ballad-esque "I Won't Be Too Far Behind", but returns the rock with a jolt with a fresh version of "Worst Offender." Don't let the track position of "The Way It Should Be" fool you; it is one of the strongest tracks on the album, with a seemingly endless supply of hooks that make the song sound like one giant chorus. Old acoustic hit "Money Is Not A Thing" proves itself to be a perfect conclusion to the album, with the new version transformed into a beautiful arrangement with strings and cellos, clocking in at well over six minutes long.
pop-punk, powerpop, Cartel, The Starting Line, Yellowcard, Holiday Parade, Hit the Lights, All Time Low, Making April
myspace.com/themileafter (http://www.myspace.com/themileafter)