Classic Crime, The - The Silver Cord

[Drew Beringer]

The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Record Label: Tooth & Nail

The current Tooth and Nail roster is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get. You have labels that are consistently solid with their roster (Equal Vision) or consistently bad (Victory), but the music being played at the Nail is always hit or miss. Either you’ll discover a great band like Anberlin or you’ll hear a band desperately trying to sound like Anberlin (Search The City anyone?). What I’ve come to noticed is a lot of their current bands’ sound may be reminiscent of a band that was previously on the roster. Case in point The Classic Crime. Their aggressive blend of melodic rock will remind your ears of former bands The Juliana Theory and Further Seems Forever. There is a fine line between being inspired and plain ripping off, and the boys in The Classic Crime walk that line perfectly.

Their 2006 album, Albatross, was a solid debut; nothing too exciting but not a horrible piece of work. With the sophomore effort though, the Seattle quintet turned up the amps and turned off the light, as The Silver Chord (nicely produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Incubus, Story of the Year)) is heavier and darker than their debut. Clocking in at almost an hour, the fifteen-track album is like journeying through a valley: there are plenty of highs and lows throughout.

What carries this album are Matt Macdonald’s vocals. They are gritty and melodic, and he can hit the notes when he needs to, as evident on “Just A Man,” as he flawlessly goes from a falsetto to a scream during the rising chorus. “Grave Digging” is very fast-paced catchy tune, featuring driving riffs from Justin DuQue and Robert Negrin. “The Way That You Are” may be the poppiest track, while “5805” comes across as an overdramatic ballroom dance song. Throughout the first half of the album, some songs catch you and others are instantly forgettable.

“Abracadavers” is my favorite track on the album as it starts with shredding yells from Macdonald and jittery riffs. The song drives with a purpose and doesn’t leave anything behind in its path. “R&R” slows down the album a bit and shows off the versatility in Macdonald’s voice. “God & Drugs” calls back and forth with deep piano keys followed by menacing guitar chords. The Silver Cord’s second half picks up the album, as it’s rounded out nicely by different vibes and paces. The final track, cleverly titled “The Beginning,” is the best song on the album, as it starts out gently and slowly builds up into a huge payoff, again showcasing Macdonald’s powerful vocals.

The biggest question about The Silver Cord is its replayability. It has a good handful of good tracks, with some poor tracks scattered in between, but with fifteen tracks and its lack of offering anything new or fresh to the listener, it may not get a lot of plays from the casual fan. Needless to say, if you’re into bands like Further Seem Forever and/or were a fan of Albatross, you’ll adore this. The vocals save this album from being completely forgettable. The Classic Crime are slowly progressing and are just a few steps away from creating something really special. Hopefully the third album will be the charm.

Track Listing:
1. The End
2. Just A Man
3. Grave Digging
4. The Way That You Are
5. 5805
6. Salt In The Snow
7. Abracadavers
8. R&R
9. God & Drugs
10. Medisin
11. The Ascent
12. Sing
13. Everything
14. Closer Than We Think
15. The Beginning
Produced by: Michael Baskette

The Classic Crime are:
Matt Macdonald – vocals
Justin DuQue – guitar
Robert Negrin – guitar
Alan Clark – bass
Paul Erickson – drums

Buy the album now at http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=284439598&id=284439592&s=143441)

Official Website (http://www.theclassiccrime.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/theclassiccrime); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/theclassiccrime)

[joshy hizzle]

I think it deserves somewhere in the mid to high 80's..

[liar23]

great review; agreed completely on the score

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

I think it deserves somewhere in the mid to high 80's..

i think i'd give this one a b- so yeah 80-81.

[Jeremy Aaron]

I personally enjoyed this quite a bit and have given it a few spins in the past week. The review and rating are spot on, though, except my reviewer tilt would have been higher. Nice job.

[Matthew Tsai]

it's not a bad record by any means, but song structures and melodies are immature for a band on their sophomore record. i mean, the choruses on 5805 or the way that you are are stuff anyone could whip up in 10 minutes.

[Chris Fallon]

I agree 100% with that last part: they're on the verge of creating an album that is incredible.

[hockeyguitar99]

I agree with the review and the score. Nicely written Drew.

[blindrider529]

I think this album and this band have potential to be huge in the mainstream arena. I think it could be huge on rock radio. It crosses enough "rock" boundaries to get the attention of fans of many of the alternative rock subgenres.

I'm not saying this album sounds like the following bands (though I can find elements of their sounds on the album), but I could easily imagine this album pulling in thousands and thousands (if not millions) of fans of "scene" bands like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Anberlin, Saosin, The All-American Rejects, Panic at the Disco, Further Seems Forever, Yellowcard, Story of the Year, etc...AND pull in fans of more straight forward radio rock bands like Nickelback, Trapt, and all that other stuff that I can't name because I don't listen to it. It could also pull in fans of bands like Switchfoot and a lot of the more positive energy type of bands (yes...I know that was a horrible description of Swichfoot. I love them, though!).

They put together an album that I could really see a lot of rock fans in general really getting behind. They have several potenially huge mainstream rock radio hits on this album.

Good call on the Further Seems Forever comparison. I hadn't thought about that at all. I definately hear it in some of the guitar parts. The song, Medisin, kind of sounds like Further Seems Forever, Thrice, and The Classic Crime had a threesome.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM. I think they are contending with and in many areas reaching a higher level than most of the bands playing similar music. ESPECIALLY in the vocals department.

[irishpunk14]

they don't really remind me of fsf at all but i agree about the juliana theory. overall this album didn't grab me like albatross did but i'l still check it out.

[chillinlikebob]

I really like this cd in a lot of ways. I think its a grower. But nothing beats "Emotion is Dead"

[onenateseven]

something about this album reminds of the new emery cd as well... i enjoyed it.. well, continue to enjoy it.

[S9Dallasoz]

I think this album and this band have potential to be huge in the mainstream arena. I think it could be huge on rock radio. It crosses enough "rock" boundaries to get the attention of fans of many of the alternative rock subgenres.

I'm not saying this album sounds like the following bands, but I could easily imagine this album pulling in thousands and thousands (if not millions) of fans of "scene" bands like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Anberlin, The All-American Rejects, Panic at the Disco, Further Seems Forever, Yellowcard, Story of the Year, etc...AND pull in fans of more straight forward radio rock bands like Nickelback, Trapt, and all that other stuff that I can't name because I don't listen to it. It could also pull in fans of bands like Switchfoot and a lot of the more positive energy type of bands.

They put together an album that I could really see a lot of rock fans in general really getting behind. They have several potenially huge mainstream rock radio hits on this album.

Good call on the Further Seems Forever comparison. I hadn't thought about that at all. I definately hear it in some of the guitar parts. The song, Medisin, kind of sounds like Further Seems Forever, Thrice, and The Classic Crime had a threesome.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM. I think they are contending with and in many areas reaching a higher level than most of the bands playing similar music. ESPECIALLY in the vocals department.

I was just thinking that they should maybe hit the road with a Chevelle or Trapt, or some other popular mainstream rock band to pull in some fans.

[stealthpeng]

well, i'm a big Juliana Theory fan, so, i kinda disagree with that...

and, I haven't listened to this whole album yet, but, it seems a lot better than Albatross, imo (i thought there were a FEW good songs on that album... and, the lyrics weren't terribly good, imo)

[cereal4life]

I agree 100% with that last part: they're on the verge of creating an album that is incredible.

Me too! For now, I think "Abracadavers" is my pick of the album too. Good review Drew.

[Ryzenfall]

Good review. I should listen to this again. I agree... Matt definitely is a huge reason this band could stand out.

[TooLateF0rRoses]

score is too low. This album is much better than you are giving it credit for even though i understand where you are coming from.

[SweetThye]

Personally I think the album isn't on the verge of being incredible, it is incredible! I don't understand the whole "they're ripping off these bands, and have no replay ability" mentality. The major reason I love The Classic Crime is because they are so unique and different from every band today. I could listen to this album everyday and not get bored. Every track stands out. It doesn't get repetitive. I don't think you really gave it a chance.

[ship of fools]

if they can combined what they did on this album with the amazingness of the first album...watch out.

[splitsecond]

This album, if not more original, is at least very different from 90% of the shit being made today, and given even higher scores on this site. I agree with the FSF comparison, because thats pretty much the only other band I could think to compare in writing style. I also agree that this band is capable of creating something incredible, but I think the album is much closer to that than you gave it credit for.

In all honesty, if ever there should be an inflated score on a review, its for this album, after all we should be encouraging unknowing AP readers to listen to something besides ATL/The Maine/other fuckpop bands.

[Jake Denning]

I think this actually deserves the 85-95% range, its a flat out amazing album.

Favs: Gravedigging, 5805, Abracadevers

[TheArdentLove]

Nice review, although I would disagree with the Search the City comment. There are some parts that sound a little like Anberlin, but that album is fantastic and I feel that it's one of the better records that Tooth & Nail have put out recently.

As far as The Silver Cord, I completely agree about the replayability. I think they could've shaved off a few songs that make the album drag a little. But it is still a very solid release and they've gained a new fan in me.

[fftsjason]

I'd like to comment on the stab taken at Search the City. They are much different than Anberlin, and a great band. The guitar work and interesting time signatures thrown in now and then really make for a refreshing take on pop rock.

[micahistheballs]

I did not care for their first record at all except for one song, but I may have to look into this.

[latessagata]

i can't stop listening to R&R. the way matt sings "how long, how long" gives me the chills

[blindrider529]

i can't stop listening to R&R. the way matt sings "how long, how long" gives me the chills
For real. A lot of the vocals on the Seattle Sessions EP do the same thing to me.

The bliss brought on by the vocals on this album cannot be overstated. Matt has such a strong voice.

He's a great representation of a male singer who doesn't have to sound feminen or sing high to have a killer voice.

[airik625]

Riyl?

[d00d81that]

im a really big fan of tcc. and im really diggin this album. i think its such a huge improvement from albatross. and the video for abracadavers is intense.. great review btw!!

[michaelc5588]

nothing good has come out of victory??? ok...

[Jamos4184]

A fair review. As good an album The Silver Cord is, it isn't without it's flaws and low points. They can only go up from here (let's hope).

[rocktwin22]

Great review! I was a huge fan of Further Seems Forever, so now I understand why I love this album :-)

[Romancebled]

good review, but i'm going to have to disagree with the "Search The City" part. i think they're a pretty solid band and are good at what they do. i don't really understand the hate.

as for The Classic Crime, i'm really enjoying the direction that they took on this new album. it's definitely heavier and more intense. they're also an excellent live band, so i would highly recommend checking them out if they come around your area.

[Nick Le]

i really like this album.

[Drew Beringer]

nothing good has come out of victory??? ok...
I did not say that noting has been good, Victory just has an overall bad roster save for a few bands like bayside

[alilbravetoaste]

Personally I think the album isn't on the verge of being incredible, it is incredible! I don't understand the whole "they're ripping off these bands, and have no replay ability" mentality. The major reason I love The Classic Crime is because they are so unique and different from every band today. I could listen to this album everyday and not get bored. Every track stands out. It doesn't get repetitive. I don't think you really gave it a chance.


Amazing icon.

[briXinRhands]

good review drew. i would have scored it a little higher and i don't really think they are trying to rip any previous bands off, but for the most part i agree with you, especially on The Beginning...such a great closer

[EchoPark]

great review Drew.

I've been listening to this album a lot.

[blindrider529]

The fact that the member rating has every single category at 8+ lets you know that this album is solid all the way around.

[selectreset]

I definitely agree about the vocals, and pretty much the whole review.

[boomy2008]

This album rocks! Its better than Albatross! Good Job!

[awakeohsleeper]

I cannot wait till I buy this CD.

[albatrossflyer]

Personally, I'm going to need some more convincing before I buy this cd. I loved Albatross, but I'm not so big on "Abracadavers" or "Gravedigging". I heard "The Beginning" on their purevolume, and I love it, but if that's the best song on the album, I'm not sure if it's really worth my money...

I really want to love this band, I was such a huge fan of their first record but (except for the Beginning) the songs that I've heard don't really grab me in the same way that "The Coldest Heart" or "The Fight" or "All the Memories" did. They more remind of songs that I personally thought were weaker like "Blisters and Coffee".

Edit: sorry if this causes "controversy", but I'm being honest here.

[Paulb-182]

cool review

just bought the album

id give it about 7.5/10

[Brandao]

Good Review!!

And I wasn't so sure about getting this album...I liked "Albatross" but my fave was "Seattle Sessions" but this album is totally worth it!

Catchy songs, great vocal work, and not so bad lyrics!

Really solid album!

[solo.nate]

This record blew me away. As soon as I heard the first song (Abracodavers) on their MySpace page, I knew this was going to completely SQUASH their first CD. I was right. From beginning to end, it's a fantastic work of art.

But I disagree about "The Begginning" being the best song.

And the song "Medisin" deserves a mention. It has such a good feel and great guitar work. Vocals are killer too.

[johnny sniper]

I've been a fan of TCC since "Albatross," and I finally got around to giving the new album a listen. And I have to say, I'm very impressed. I do agree that there are a few tracks that could've used more polish, or just left off the record entirely, but ones like "R&R" and "Gravedigging" will keep this playing on my iPod for a good while.
And honestly, I'm a fan of STC, but I've never listened to them and thought, "Hmm, Anberlin." Might be just me though.

Good review.

[EvaMore]

I was pretty disappointed with this album. Particularly since Albatross and Seattle Sessions were so good. It does have some great tracks like "The Way That You Are," "Everything," and "The Beginning (A Simple Seed)."

[cscwell107]

My favorite track is definitely "Salt In the Snow".

[cscwell107]

I did not say that noting has been good, Victory just has an overall bad roster save for a few bands like bayside

and A Day to Remember

[blindrider529]

I would just like to throw out there that this album has probably been the most overlooked album of 2008. People spend too much time boosting threads or news posts trashing Metro Station and Jeffree Star and not enough time talking about good music.

On a more positive note, this album still keeps me happy. It feels just like it did when I first got it.

[ihavechappedlip]

I would just like to throw out there that this album has probably been the most overlooked album of 2008. People spend too much time boosting threads or news posts trashing Metro Station and Jeffree Star and not enough time talking about good music.

On a more positive note, this album still keeps me happy. It feels just like it did when I first got it.
You are totally right. The staff compiled picks are just random, and I didn't see TCC on any list that I looked at.. but the people that know them, love them. I can't describe how great it was seeing them. It felt like they were taking us with them on some sort of journey, in the least hippieish way possible. So good..

[Yellowcard2006]

I adore this album