Blake Solomon
07/29/08, 06:40 AM
Just Surrender – Stronger Now EP
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: August 12, 2008 (Digital Only)
The haters have had plenty of stones to throw at Just Surrender these past few years. From their shameless aping of bands like Taking Back Sunday or The Movielife or Senses Fail or blah blah blah to lyrics about jumping off buildings, it’s surprising I didn’t count myself in with the non-believers – since, you know, I’m super sophisticated. But a song like “Tell Me Everything” doesn’t happen very often, and if it does, the appeal typically lasts for a woefully short time. I knew JS would eventually turn some heads, which sadly didn’t happen with We’re In Like Sin. (I still maintain my original viewpoint (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=258869), but I understand the opposing side's qualms.) Now with this 4-song EP, Stronger Now, we hear the band shedding their teenage outer shells to reveal a little more energy and a lot more sophistication. The screaming is back. The production is much more raw. The cover art is completely devoid of burlesque girls. You’re going to need a new band to pelt.
With two new songs hinting at impending greatness, Just Surrender has recaptured my attention. “Stronger Now” smashes down walls with weaving guitars, meaty screams and an exponentially matured Mr. Maffucci on clean vocals. The lyrics sidestep their usual breakup anthems for a peppier anthem that says f**k you to the music industry. I’ll take ten more songs like this, please. “Crazy” mellows out its verses with synths and the vocal interplay between Maffucci and Simons has never sounded better. There’s never too much strained throatage, so the chorus sticks like gum. I also request 10 more songs like this. I’m thinking double LP.
I guess if I can’t have an acoustic version of “Tell Me Everything,” my next choice would be “I Can Barely Breathe.” This is where all of my claims of vocal improvement fly or die. In my humble – HA! – opinion, the dudes sound great while never laying the angst on too thick. Piano segues and engineered strings add just enough diversity to keep you from putting on the original version. The remix of “I Said It Before,” which was mixed by some dude in some band (www.myspace.com/settingsband), gets a bit too schizophrenic with its frenzied bleeps and trance bounces. I didn’t love this song before - it was something closer to indifference - and the added electronic flair does little to change my opinion. However, I do feel much trendier after having heard this track.
I know Just Surrender doesn’t have to prove anything to us, but they’ve made a statement here. The bar has been raised for their next release. Dual-vocal pop-punk is a crowded category and this is just the type of release that will help Just Surrender gain a little brand recognition. Look out for the aftermath of this little EP later this year. Don’t hate yourself if you like what you hear.
Recommended If You Like: Taking Back Sunday, other bands from New York, knives, more bands from New York, popsicles
www.myspace.com/justsurrenderrock
P.S. This release also comes with a 20 minute video featuring road footage, music videos and the like. I haven't seen the video, so I can't comment on its quality, but I'm sure it's a rockin' good time.
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: August 12, 2008 (Digital Only)
The haters have had plenty of stones to throw at Just Surrender these past few years. From their shameless aping of bands like Taking Back Sunday or The Movielife or Senses Fail or blah blah blah to lyrics about jumping off buildings, it’s surprising I didn’t count myself in with the non-believers – since, you know, I’m super sophisticated. But a song like “Tell Me Everything” doesn’t happen very often, and if it does, the appeal typically lasts for a woefully short time. I knew JS would eventually turn some heads, which sadly didn’t happen with We’re In Like Sin. (I still maintain my original viewpoint (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=258869), but I understand the opposing side's qualms.) Now with this 4-song EP, Stronger Now, we hear the band shedding their teenage outer shells to reveal a little more energy and a lot more sophistication. The screaming is back. The production is much more raw. The cover art is completely devoid of burlesque girls. You’re going to need a new band to pelt.
With two new songs hinting at impending greatness, Just Surrender has recaptured my attention. “Stronger Now” smashes down walls with weaving guitars, meaty screams and an exponentially matured Mr. Maffucci on clean vocals. The lyrics sidestep their usual breakup anthems for a peppier anthem that says f**k you to the music industry. I’ll take ten more songs like this, please. “Crazy” mellows out its verses with synths and the vocal interplay between Maffucci and Simons has never sounded better. There’s never too much strained throatage, so the chorus sticks like gum. I also request 10 more songs like this. I’m thinking double LP.
I guess if I can’t have an acoustic version of “Tell Me Everything,” my next choice would be “I Can Barely Breathe.” This is where all of my claims of vocal improvement fly or die. In my humble – HA! – opinion, the dudes sound great while never laying the angst on too thick. Piano segues and engineered strings add just enough diversity to keep you from putting on the original version. The remix of “I Said It Before,” which was mixed by some dude in some band (www.myspace.com/settingsband), gets a bit too schizophrenic with its frenzied bleeps and trance bounces. I didn’t love this song before - it was something closer to indifference - and the added electronic flair does little to change my opinion. However, I do feel much trendier after having heard this track.
I know Just Surrender doesn’t have to prove anything to us, but they’ve made a statement here. The bar has been raised for their next release. Dual-vocal pop-punk is a crowded category and this is just the type of release that will help Just Surrender gain a little brand recognition. Look out for the aftermath of this little EP later this year. Don’t hate yourself if you like what you hear.
Recommended If You Like: Taking Back Sunday, other bands from New York, knives, more bands from New York, popsicles
www.myspace.com/justsurrenderrock
P.S. This release also comes with a 20 minute video featuring road footage, music videos and the like. I haven't seen the video, so I can't comment on its quality, but I'm sure it's a rockin' good time.