Finch - Finch EP [Archive] - AbsolutePunk.net

Drew Beringer

07/30/08, 01:06 AM

Finch - Finch EP
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Record Label: None

“Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!” – Harry Dunne

When you saw the link to my Finch review, you probably thought to yourself, “oh, Drew will probably talk about how Say Hello To Sunshine alienated so many fans and in some way was a cause to the band initially breaking up, blah, blah, blah.” But I will do no such thing, instead I fooled you with a Dumb and Dumber quote! Just like that adventure Harry Dunne and Lloyd Christmas made cross-country to return that briefcase (Samsonite! I was way off! I knew it started with an S, though.), Finch’s journey has been one of up’s and down’s. But the California quintet (Hmmm, California! Beautiful!) have fought through all their adversity to release the best Finch material to date.

“Daylight” starts with frenzied as vocalist Nate Barcalow begins with a scream similar to what started off “What It Is To Burn.” Randy “R2K” Strohmeyer and Alex Linares lead the charge with frantic chords, as it hits just as hard as a cork pegging an owl. “Famine or Disease” draws us back into the Sunshine vibe, but with better delivery, although it's my least favorite track.

“From Hell” features heavy chords and solid drumming as it showcases Barcalow’s strong vocals. The chorus definitely gives off an Incubus Make Yourself kind of vibe, though this is not a bad thing. The EP closes out with the nearly seven minute long “Chinese Organ Thieves,” an ambitious song that the band pulls off well. It takes all the elements of their previous work, mashes them up with some new ideas, and results in one of the best songs the band have ever written. A needling guitar riff paces the pounding rhythm section of drummer Drew Marcogliese and bassist Daniel Wonacott, as the climatic ending of group “ahh-ohh’s” and Barcalow’s static screaming completes this return to glory.

This self-titled EP showcases what Finch aimed to accomplish on their last album. And with their new release in over 3 years, Finch have taken that progression and fine-tuned it into something divided fans can all agree on. Granted it is only four songs, but it’s reassuring to know that after their indefinite hiatus, they were able to come back strong. Thankfully Finch traded in the van and got us this nice, sleek scooter. Hopefully, it’ll be able to take them to an even greater destination musically that’s higher than the Rocky Mountains (My hands are starting to get sweaty).

Track Listing:
1. Daylight
2. Famine or Disease
3. From Hell
4. Chinese Organ Thieves

Finch are:
Nate Barcalow – vocals
Randy “R2K” Strohmeyer – guitar/vocals
Alex Linares – guitar/vocals
Drew Marcogliese – drums/percussion
Daniel Wonacott – bass/vocals

Buy the EP here at http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=285442208&id=285442202&s=143441)

Official Website (http://www.thebandfinch.com)’ Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/finchmusic); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/finch)

xglassjawx

07/30/08, 02:34 AM

Nice. I like it.

I loved SHTS to pieces and I think this sounds a lot like it but just a little more toned down and more listenable.

fadedmemories

07/30/08, 03:27 AM

Thankfully Finch traded in the van and got us this nice, sleek scooter.

nice review

Steve Henderson

07/30/08, 05:26 AM

Not a fan of this EP at all. Not sure if I have outgrown the band or if it is just plain bad.

sowrongitsjack

07/30/08, 05:30 AM

chinese organ thieves is my favorite finch song to date

probe1979

07/30/08, 05:32 AM

I think its good... i was expecting less.. but this EP was really good, for me its like a mix between What is to Burn and SHTS

Provision

07/30/08, 05:37 AM

EP is the shit, I love this band to death... Famine or Disease is one of my fav tracks on the album too

revshortstuf

07/30/08, 05:42 AM

not clever dumb and dumber references at all.

TooLateF0rRoses

07/30/08, 05:44 AM

Ok this got in the 80s and The Classic Crime got low 70s... wow. You have your numbers mixed up or something?

slimfenix182

07/30/08, 06:00 AM

chinese organ thieves is the shit. alkaline trio is the only band that gets more undeserved hate than finch. if you dont like em, dont listen. simple, huh?

Aphasia17

07/30/08, 06:17 AM

chinese organ thieves is the shit. alkaline trio is the only band that gets more undeserved hate than finch. if you dont like em, dont listen. simple, huh?

So true, man. So true. Anyway, this EP is fantastic. The two main things that stood out to me were Nate's lyrics (better than ever, I think) and the insane drumming. Now everyone can see that Finch is back and better than ever!

sevinw0rds

07/30/08, 06:38 AM

This is a great band, and I'm unapologetic about my love for Say Hello to Sunshine (say what you want, but they had balls for pulling a 180 after such a catchy debut), but this EP has yet to grow on me. I love "From Hell" though.

And a reference to Petey would have sent this review over the top.

Drew Beringer

07/30/08, 06:57 AM

not clever dumb and dumber references at all.
was not trying to be clever just having some fun

tommyhaych

07/30/08, 07:23 AM

And with their new release in over 3 years..

I find it funny that inbetween their last release (June 7th 2005) theyve split up, gotten back together and released a new cd independantly, yet since Houston Calls' last release (Short Stories - Aug 2nd 2005), Drive Thru have managed to do fuck all for them.

Good times!

thebarrelboy

07/30/08, 07:26 AM

Not a fan of this EP at all. Not sure if I have outgrown the band or if it is just plain bad.

It's entirely possible that both are true

Paulb-182

07/30/08, 07:28 AM

i havent heard it yet

but im looking forward to a physical release in the uk

oldskool

07/30/08, 07:33 AM

I love finch, I think this Ep is Ok. For me I think they have totally toned things down though. There is barely any screaming on this Ep. I remember before SHTS came out and I seen finch live. They said they were going to be playing "new material". I was expecting it to be kind of soft, well I was wrong. I was blown away at how hard the new material at that time sounded. Nate was at his best and his scream is unparalleled with any other singers. In this Ep there is barely any aggression and Nate is not seen showcasing one of his best talents; the blood curdling scream. I think this Ep sounds nothing like WIITB and does sound like a continuation of SHTS. WIITB is one of my favorite albums ever, so obviously I am let down. I did however purchase the Ep, because I support Finch and I do like the new songs, just not as much as I was anticipating. I am very happy Finch is back together though, I will always be a fan.

ilovebsb

07/30/08, 07:51 AM

This e.p. is alright. They sound like they could be shts b-sides but alot stronger and better than anything off of shts. I don't like that album at all but i don't seem to mind this. it'll be interesting to hear what else they put out.

jetblack1231

07/30/08, 07:58 AM

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress. com/2007/05/do-want.jpg

Kbm600

07/30/08, 08:01 AM

Fantastic review. I love Finch,and I love this EP.

Billy Da Mute

07/30/08, 08:13 AM

Their fans have moved on, the world has moved on, Finch haven't.

:nod:

ZERO2038

07/30/08, 08:16 AM

i liked the EP. and i agree with the first dumb and dumber quote.

Say Hello 87

07/30/08, 08:21 AM

Freeride

07/30/08, 08:47 AM

Their fans have moved on, the world has moved on, Finch haven't.

Really? because I have liked them since WIITB, I thought SHTS was an improvement and a whole lot more creative and think people need to realise they cant keep making the same cd. The new EP is awesome, my favourite song off of it is daylight but the rest of them are also good, I have never heard a bad finch song and dont think I ever will.

Alot of people on AP.net were stoked when they heard finch were getting back together so I'm pretty sure you should change your statement to " a few finch fans moved on, the world has nothing to do with this, finch continue to make good music. "

Finch have always been a good band, people were just to dumb to either let go of finch's WIITB sound or they were to dumb to realise how talented and creative SHTS was. They are better then most of these shitty generic same sounding bands out at the moment but then again it seems what most of you guys like, the same sound over and over, never progressing, never standing out from the pack bullshit.

As soon as they release there new cd and once again show how talented and creative they are people will comeback saying OMG FINCH FOR FKN EVA or OMG NUMBA 1 FAN OF FINCH! I LIK DA 1ST ONE WIF DA BURNING SONG ON IT! even though 2 weeks before that they were saying how they are so over finch and finch are just bad,

oh and btw, I LIK DA 1ST ONE WIF DA BURNING SONG B4 U DID!

splitsecond

07/30/08, 09:11 AM

Provision

07/30/08, 09:15 AM

i love this ep, its creative, technical and blends both old and new finch together harmoniously which i was unsure of which direction they were going to head into..but if their next full length sounds like this ep, ill continue to listen to them for years more..

its funny that i originally got into them when i was a freshman in high school and now im a sophomore in college and still enjoy them as much as always.

Same with me man - just was like 8th grade year. I don't know why theres so much hate still on these guys. If you hated Say Hello well then you hated Say Hello but don't come telling me that all these typical all-screaming or all pop bands are the band of the century. I'd at least give them credit for not following the standard that they helped bring into the whole music scene.

SLoT

07/30/08, 09:19 AM

have yet to hear, will definitely be check this out. nice review.

Adeniz19

07/30/08, 09:23 AM

I don't think I would call it their best material to date but it definitely has grown on me. i'm just happy they are making music again.

Freeride

07/30/08, 09:27 AM

Oh look, more dumbfuck ignorant people saying finch is being creative because they don't use A B A B song and melody structure. Because they are the first band to ever do that right?

This EP sounds like unfinished demos or B sides to a better album, if only that one existed!

haha yeah we are the ignorant ones, oh wait, one of your favorite bands are the goo goo dolls, they are known for there creativity and originality, Iris was there only good song.

john reznick wishes he has the creativity and skill finch do.

oh, to answer your question, I do believe finch are one of the first bands to have the sound they do at the moment, name one band with a similar sound to SHTS that were before finch. WIITB was also one of the most orignal sounding cd's of its time.

what was your point of coming into this thread anyways? to say how much u think finch suck?

you are the epitome of the sucky side of AP.net

altemose09

07/30/08, 09:45 AM

lol at all the dumb and dumber references

splitsecond

07/30/08, 09:55 AM

haha yeah we are the ignorant ones, oh wait, one of your favorite bands are the goo goo dolls, they are known for there creativity and originality, Iris was there only good song.

john reznick wishes he has the creativity and skill finch do.

oh, to answer your question, I do believe finch are one of the first bands to have the sound they do at the moment, name one band with a similar sound to SHTS that were before finch. WIITB was also one of the most orignal sounding cd's of its time.

what was your point of coming into this thread anyways? to say how much u think finch suck?

you are the epitome of the sucky side of AP.net

well, this may be the dumbest post I have seen on AP in ages, if not ever. or are you joking?

MoChroi

07/30/08, 10:20 AM

"...as it hits just as hard as a cork pegging an owl." haha I love this review. The new EP is definitely a good medium between SHtS and WiiTB. They're still the shit.

Post-me

07/30/08, 10:23 AM

I was not a Finch fan, though I like some songs but this EP impressed me. Those are really good songs, I hope they release an album soon.

Shrillex

07/30/08, 10:30 AM

Not a fan of this EP at all. Not sure if I have outgrown the band or if it is just plain bad.

i definitely loved what it is to burn and somewhat shts but i cant get into the EP

Redsox255

07/30/08, 10:45 AM

cant dig em anymore. i miss 2002..

Redsox255

07/30/08, 10:47 AM

theripped0ne

07/30/08, 11:00 AM

say hello to sunshine was epic. music that moves forward peopleeee. more kids need it and only accept the bubble gum that's fed to them. this is EP is wonderful.

im glad to see finch is still kickin. gives me some faith that this whiney, 4 chord, boy who look like girl with straightened hair trend is dying.

jamesmustdie

07/30/08, 11:04 AM

Amen, Freeride.

As usual, we have the naysayers in here going strong, but regardless...

This EP blew me away. Impressive on all levels. I don't want to compare it to Say Hello To Sunshine, (and I won't) but the passion, musicianship, and technicality put forth into a mere four songs is admirable. Like many others, I am glad to see Finch back with such a vibrant second coming.

Anyone who thinks that Finch aren't pioneers of creativity for their efforts (Splitsecond and company) are wrong. No other word can accurately convey it. Wrong. I'm sure aforementioned elitists would be surprised how many bands borrow elements or inspiration from Finch, even if no one admits it.

I am quite excited for the rest of the album to come.

splitsecond

07/30/08, 11:28 AM

Greg.Kushlan

07/30/08, 11:39 AM

I'm getting their EP at hot topic on friday, then I'm going to get a ticket for their show the same day. Should be awesome

weworemasks

07/30/08, 11:52 AM

was not trying to be clever just having some fun

not allowed :nono: reviews are serious business. the dumb and dumber quote > this EP.

i like the direction, but the songs fall flat. i do like chinese organ thieves, though.

airik625

07/30/08, 11:57 AM

I still need to listen to this.

strizzmatik

07/30/08, 01:00 PM

oh, to answer your question, I do believe finch are one of the first bands to have the sound they do at the moment, name one band with a similar sound to SHTS that were before finch. WIITB was also one of the most orignal sounding cd's of its time.
Not quite dude. Post-hardcore has been around since the late 80's. Finch was one of the first bands to popularize it, not invent the genre. And they owe a tremendous part of their sound to Glassjaw and Faith No More, especially Nate's Mike Patton fixation with his vocals. They were nothing more than a bunch of whiney Glassjaw wannabes until SHTS anyways.

Oh and please for the love of God people, anyone who honestly thinks WIITB was a better album than SHTS in any concievable way, please rip your ears off and stop listening to music.

xtheaudition

07/30/08, 01:45 PM

i love finch and i love dumb and dumber! =D

Nolessthanblink

07/30/08, 01:50 PM

Waiting for it to get to Hot Topic...

Brandao

07/30/08, 02:11 PM

chinese organ thieves is my favorite finch song to date

I don't know if I would say my favorite...but definetly on my top 5!

Nice review!!!

Loved this EP...can't wait to see what they'll come up with the next LP

offtheropes

07/30/08, 02:22 PM

the e.p. is pretty dope. one of the unexpected pleasures was listening to the hum(band) influences at the end of famine or disease. i could totally hear their stars cover being played next.
p.s. the dumb and dumber references were pretty damn good. i got worms.

rocktwin22

07/30/08, 03:18 PM

Great review, as usual! Now I have to listen to see if you're telling the truth :-)

ZoSo1886

07/30/08, 03:30 PM

just starting listening yesterday, not a bad piece of music at all

oldwirehands

07/30/08, 04:19 PM

I don't think its their best to date but it definitely isn't bad. I can't wait for a full-length.

Until The Bombs

07/30/08, 04:55 PM

haha yeah we are the ignorant ones, oh wait, one of your favorite bands are the goo goo dolls, they are known for there creativity and originality, Iris was there only good song.

Not a particularly great band, but wrong on that one bud.

Tom Good

07/30/08, 04:57 PM

Drew M is an awesome drummer

HashHolly

07/30/08, 06:03 PM

Very very surprised by this EP, I think it sounds awesome, and hope they continue with this direction for their full length.

mr chainsaw

07/30/08, 06:52 PM

So true, man. So true. Anyway, this EP is fantastic. The two main things that stood out to me were Nate's lyrics (better than ever, I think) and the insane drumming. Now everyone can see that Finch is back and better than ever!

I also thought the drumming was one of the highlights of this EP. Is he new to the group?

mr chainsaw

07/30/08, 07:09 PM

haha yeah we are the ignorant ones, oh wait, one of your favorite bands are the goo goo dolls, they are known for there creativity and originality, Iris was there only good song.

john reznick wishes he has the creativity and skill finch do.

oh, to answer your question, I do believe finch are one of the first bands to have the sound they do at the moment, name one band with a similar sound to SHTS that were before finch. WIITB was also one of the most orignal sounding cd's of its time.

what was your point of coming into this thread anyways? to say how much u think finch suck?

you are the epitome of the sucky side of AP.net

first..."Long Way Down" is a great song...and did you know the goo goo dolls used to be heavy as fuck, they were on metal blade records for a bit it think

second...there are lots of bands that finch sound like...like glassjaw, boy sets fire, at the drive in, thursday, deftones, etc...

third...you used "u" as the word "you" idiot

fourth...you are the epitome of the brainwashed side of ap.net

Aphasia17

07/30/08, 07:38 PM

I also thought the drumming was one of the highlights of this EP. Is he new to the group?

Yeah he's new, he worked with Nate on his side project, Cosmonaut, which never really took off.

CasperStar

07/30/08, 09:31 PM

All y'all stop bitching on SHTS, it's an awesome record. The new EP sounds even less accessible than SHTS, but somehow I love it. From a musicians point of view, I love the way they explore their new capabilities as an artist. I know that this doesn't always lead to the best possible record, but I'm glad there never was a second WIITB..

slimfenix182

07/30/08, 10:15 PM

Oh and please for the love of God people, anyone who honestly thinks WIITB was a better album than SHTS in any concievable way, please rip your ears off and stop listening to music.

I thought SHTS, while I liked it, sounded like a deftones cover band (which is what finch started out as.) why would you fucking attack people for what their opinion of an album is? if they like a band's particular album more than another, what the fuck difference is that to you?!

please rip YOUR ears off, attempt to swallow them, and choke and die.

Chris Fallon

07/30/08, 10:36 PM

I think Finch had their heyday, and are trying to get on a boat they missed long ago.

billyboatkid

07/30/08, 11:04 PM

Perfect review IMO.

Everything you said is how I feel.

I applaud you good sir.

joshy hizzle

07/31/08, 08:09 AM

The full length will be sick.
Finch always delivers.

Falcao9

07/31/08, 02:36 PM

Bands borrow from all sorts of other bands. Thats how it works. So what? There were plenty of bands creating this type of sound and writing in this style before Finch decided to get "creative". Just because they borrowed from lesser-knowns does not mean their borrowing is somehow superior.

Really were there? Please list them right here coz id really like to hear them socialist fuck. Finch didn't decide to spontaneously get creative, they always have been. Wake the hell up and get over finch being a great band as much as you may hate it. Go to one of their shows, and please come back here to let us know just how much their fans have really moved on. I know for you it might be difficult to go through a show without there being scene kids you can drool over while they do their little hardcore dances. I mean you know more about finch and music in general then anyone here apparently. For those saying that they ripped off sounds from glassjaw etc. Well lets see hmmmmm ya around the time of wiitb parralleled with worship & tribute (glassjaw's sophmore album for the ignorant people out there) palumbo worked with nate and finch. So no shit theyre gonna sound similar. Daryl vocal coached nate for fucks sake. know your shit or dont talk at all.

katieissweet

08/01/08, 12:20 AM

I dig this. Glad they're making music again.

stealthpeng

08/01/08, 12:25 AM

Tomfoolery1990

08/01/08, 08:29 AM

I'll need to listen a couple more times before i form an opinion... but, what i do know--waay under produced.

i want finch to hang around though, because i didn't see them in concert the first time around... and Nate is one of my favorite vocalists

But remember this e.p. was made in a week, paid out of their own pockets.

I think its a great triumph by these guys, if you like it or not.
You have to appreciate the work they put in getting back together and touring and writing these awesome songs for their fans after all the abuse and stick they got after SHTS was released.

I think the new e.p is fantasic, for me it isn't as good as SHTS but i expected that.

If the first e.p. is anything to go by (falling into place) and the re-worked versions of perfection through silence and letters to you on WIITB after, I think we can only expect the next release to be mind blowing.

I can't wait already.

And all you people bashing Finch really need to grow up.
Finch are the most awesome guys you would ever meet and don't deserve any of the hate you guys give them.
If you don't like there music then that's fine, because many, many other people do and we'd all appreciate it if you just kept your shitty opinions to yourselves.

thespearkid

08/01/08, 09:40 AM

Riyl?

seraph1214

08/02/08, 10:22 AM

Good EP. Need full length now.

Falcao9

08/02/08, 04:39 PM

But remember this e.p. was made in a week, paid out of their own pockets.

I think its a great triumph by these guys, if you like it or not.
You have to appreciate the work they put in getting back together and touring and writing these awesome songs for their fans after all the abuse and stick they got after SHTS was released.

I think the new e.p is fantasic, for me it isn't as good as SHTS but i expected that.

If the first e.p. is anything to go by (falling into place) and the re-worked versions of perfection through silence and letters to you on WIITB after, I think we can only expect the next release to be mind blowing.

I can't wait already.

And all you people bashing Finch really need to grow up.
Finch are the most awesome guys you would ever meet and don't deserve any of the hate you guys give them.
If you don't like there music then that's fine, because many, many other people do and we'd all appreciate it if you just kept your shitty opinions to yourselves.

well fucking said mate.

xjdizzle

08/03/08, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by splitsecondhttp://images.absolutepunk.net/images/buttons/arrow.gif (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=15422141#post15422 141)
Bands borrow from all sorts of other bands. Thats how it works. So what? There were plenty of bands creating this type of sound and writing in this style before Finch decided to get "creative". Just because they borrowed from lesser-knowns does not mean their borrowing is somehow superior.

Fuck all those haters.. Finch has always been creative and thet go the right influences.like glassjaw,deftones that are amazing bands that will always be remembered.Unlike those these shitty *** bands that people like these haters like. such as all time low,the maine,forever the sickest kids.that al rip each other off.its `al the same bullshit lyrics about teenage girls.and they just try to do it for attention and not the music with their neon tight clothes and nikes.just play the same 3 note power chords and plam mutes.wow there catchy but the music is meaningless.and that makes them better to move on to nowadays.seriously if ur one of these people just do yourselfa favor and get hit by bus.ur ruin music.

Falcao9

08/06/08, 12:51 AM

Their fans have moved on, the world has moved on, Finch haven't.
being from the uk you should be more aware of your local scene. they just tore shit up in the uk a couple months ago. correct me if im wrong but wasnt it finch that played at gian.? then again, what can u expect from sheep. you are from leeds right?

"Thanks everyone for buying the new EP, it debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart... we can't do it without you.

(http://www.%20billboard.%20com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.%20jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Singles+Sales)http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Singles+Sales

Thank you!!!"

-Finch

NUFF SAID.

marsvoltamcr

08/10/08, 07:31 PM

SHTS is infinitely better than WIITB. Haven't heard the EP yet, but hope to soon.

lgravett

08/21/08, 02:06 AM

I'm undecided, I think I also may have outgrown them.

Cheesus

08/23/08, 02:05 AM

This EP kicks infinite amounts of ass... for an EP. The full length looks promising. Nice review!

Say Hello 87

12/22/08, 03:44 AM

ive been a major finch fan since i was a freshman in high school and i always get a little bit nervous when i know that finch is writing new material because i know that there best material hasnt even been released yet. the more albums they release and the more ep's they release the material only gets better. now i do love WIITB, thats the album that got me into them in the first place, but say hello and this ep is the best material finch has ever written in my eyes, it may have lost them 3/4 of there fanbase, but that doesnt mean it was bad, it could just mean the fans werent ready for it, and the ep is the best in between sound.

but the ep is the best 4 songs they have ever written to me, the bridge in "from hell" is even my ringtone cause its the coolest riff ive ever heard.

xjdizzle

11/05/09, 11:42 PM

well, this may be the dumbest post I have seen on AP in ages, if not ever. or are you joking?

Finch is awsome and ur a moron.

Clark

08/24/11, 04:20 PM

RIP, Finch. :-(