Senses Fail - Life is Not a Waiting Room

[weworemasks]

Senses Fail - Life is Not a Waiting Room
Record Label: Vagrant Records
Release Date: October 7, 2008

It's completely understandable that Senses Fail follows the formula that garnered them recognition and praise in the past two years. Regardless of preference, it's hard to deny the progression the group made from its debut LP Let in Enfold You to Still Searching. However, if the formula wasn't that extraordinary to begin with, there will continue to be detractors, and for a band as contrived and generic as Senses Fail, it's surprising that Still Searching sold more than 750,000 albums.

Life is Not a Waiting Room is the New Jersey quintet's third full-length album and second on Vagrant Records. Like every band that is on the brink of releasing a new album, this is the group's "best music to date." Singer Buddy Nielson described the songs as "having a real sense of urgency" and having a lot of "grit and power." Guess you could say most of us are still searching for that. Bad puns aside, on to the album.

Life is Not a Waiting Room begins with "Fireworks at Dawn," which is more or less the album's best song. The drumming intro sets a cadence that is hard to ignore, but the band fails to follow through after this. The rest of the album is uninspired and cliché, as it is song after song of dark and haunting themes over melodic and moderately heavy music.

The main strength of Senses Fail is its musicians, namely the guitarists. Heath Saraceno and Garrett Zablocki do a pristine job at handling the guitar duties, with tip-top solos in "Lungs Like Gallows" and "Wolves at the Door." The drummer, Dan Trapp, possesses a bit of talent as well, albeit cookie-cutter. The group even teamed up with producer Brian McTernan, whose work behind the boards is definitely something to write home about, and the production on the album is equally glossy.

Since the release of its 2002 EP From the Depths of Dreams, Senses Fail have yet to progress lyrically. Nielson still writes with the same childish metaphors and imagery that has graced every past release in Senses Fail's discography. In "Garden State," the lyrics "There will be a riot in my heart soon / It wants to beat beneath the open sky" seem to be derived from a 15-year-old's LiveJournal.

Vocally, Nielson is proof that anyone can become a singer. As a 24-year-old, his vocals lack the depth and range that would validate a good singer. Because talent is generally lost with Nielson, it would be in the group's best interest to find a frontman who doesn't hold the band back from reaching its potential.

In short, if you can manage to make it through Life is Not a Waiting Room without a cringe or even mild to heavy laughter, then this is the album for you. Senses Fail brings absolutely nothing new to the table. Yes, they managed to progress once in their career, but the end product is still contrived and lacks any real substance. Overall, Senses Fail epitomizes what you should not be listening to.

the most generic and uninspired music you've ever heard; Senses Fail; a 15-year-old's Livejournal archives; sweet guitar riffs
myspace.com/sensesfail (http://www.myspace.com/sensesfail)

[hockeyguitar99]

I enjoyed parts of this album, but this review is spot on. It has zero lasting value.

[FaceLixeMurder]

I will say that this album is not excellent like Still Searching, but this review is very much farther from

[Roboman]

In short, if you can manage to make it through Life is Not a Waiting Room without a cringe or even mild to heavy laughter, then this is the album for you.

This line makes no sense. Obviously, if someone listened to the album and cringed or laughed at it, it would not be the album for them. And obviously, if they don't cringe or laugh, then (by your, in my opinion poor, reasoning) they must like it and it would therefore be the album for them.

Anyway, I have yet to listen to this album, but I loved Still Searching, and based on what I've heard, I'm sure I will enjoy this one to a similar extent.

[Co and Ca]

I stopped liking this band when I turned 16. It still pisses me off that they headlined over Northstar in 2003 when they only had that EP out haha.

[lenard27]

Well, I'm just going to say, while I respect your opinion, I have never completely disagreed with a review on this site ever.

[WhoSaidThat?]

This is basically the gist of it. Always love your reviews, Roshan.

[Merkin]

probably one of the worst reviews i've read on this site, please don't do anymore.

[friskycurtain]

I agree with hockeyguitar99 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=147129), the album has no lasting value. I really think LINAWR is meh in comparison to their amazing discography thus far

[pleasedontpanic]

Probably one of the best reviews I've read on this site, please do more.

[Indoor Living]

Yeah, terrible review. I respect your opinion, but shit review.

[weworemasks]

probably one of the worst reviews i've read on this site, please don't do anymore.

Yeah, terrible review. I respect your opinion, but shit review.

sorry cuties. may i ask why?

[weworemasks]

This line makes no sense. Obviously, if someone listened to the album and cringed or laughed at it, it would not be the album for them. And obviously, if they don't cringe or laugh, then (by your, in my opinion poor, reasoning) they must like it and it would therefore be the album for them.

Anyway, I have yet to listen to this album, but I loved Still Searching, and based on what I've heard, I'm sure I will enjoy this one to a similar extent.

it's just a little snide comment. nothing more.

I stopped liking this band when I turned 16. It still pisses me off that they headlined over Northstar in 2003 when they only had that EP out haha.

hahaha, i totally forgot about that. i was there, too. mary janes!

[weworemasks]

Probably one of the best reviews I've read on this site, please do more.

haha, thank you!

[Indoor Living]

The main strength of Senses Fail is its musicians

What does that mean then? Doesn't that sort of make a band good, when their main strength is their musicians? Your review just kind of contradicts itself in spots, such as right there.

[IAmConjuringYou]

This line makes no sense. Obviously, if someone listened to the album and cringed or laughed at it, it would not be the album for them. And obviously, if they don't cringe or laugh, then (by your, in my opinion poor, reasoning) they must like it and it would therefore be the album for them.

Did you even understand what you just read?

[ifwecoulddream]

Terrible review.

[weworemasks]

The main strength of Senses Fail is its musicians

What does that mean then? Doesn't that sort of make a band good, when their main strength is their musicians? Your review just kind of contradicts itself in spots, such as right there.

musicians. their VOCALIST/LYRICIST is fucking terrible. also, i said that they would reach their true potential if they dropped their singer. remember that?


retard. learn how to fucking read.


hahaha, just because it's a bad score does not make it a terrible review. if any of you thought my writing was poor, let's hear why. what a bunch of fucking clowns.

[lew_1987]

"for a band as contrived and generic as Senses Fail, it's surprising that Still Searching sold more than 750,000 albums."

I don't know why you're surprised.

[Indoor Living]

musicians. their VOCALIST/LYRICIST is fucking terrible. also, i said that they would reach their true potential if they dropped their singer. remember that?


retard. learn how to fucking read.


hahaha, just because it's a bad score does not make it a terrible review. if any of you thought my writing was poor, let's hear why. what a bunch of fucking clowns.


Dude, calm the fuck down. I wasn't even bashing your article. Jesus christ.

[weworemasks]

Dude, calm the fuck down. I wasn't even bashing your article. Jesus christ.

you weren't bashing it, but you said i was being contradictory, which i was not. you just failed to utilize reading comprehension.
"for a band as contrived and generic as Senses Fail, it's surprising that Still Searching sold more than 750,000 albums."

I don't know why you're surprised.

haha, yeah, i get what you're saying. even the shittiest bands (3oh!3) still don't have a near-platinum record. even though they probably will soon.

[lew_1987]

haha, yeah, i get what you're saying. even the shittiest bands (3oh!3) still don't have a near-platinum record. even though they probably will soon.

Yep.

At least you were able to stay partial for the most part in your review though. I personally like a few songs by them, but I understand anyone's dislike towards them.

[maniac R.O.D.]

I respect your opinion but i disagree with this review. Even if the vocals/lyrics suck the other musicians are very talented. This deserves way more than a 38%. Sorry dude

[weworemasks]

I respect your opinion but i disagree with this review. Even if the vocals/lyrics suck the other musicians are very talented. This deserves way more than a 38%. Sorry dude

sorry to break it to you, but liking a vocalist is more important, because it could be the mars volta as the backing band, and miley cyrus as the frontwoman, and it'll still suck.

[maniac R.O.D.]

sorry to break it to you, but liking a vocalist is more important, because it could be the mars volta as the backing band, and miley cyrus as the frontwoman, and it'll still suck.

Well that's a matter of opinion. A Miley/Volta collaboration would rock my world.

[Sand_dancer]

I've read a few reviews of this now cos after the shambolic nonsense that was the majority of Still Searching I've drifted away from Senses and was hoping they might have truly gone back to their style - seems not.
It's strange reading all this stuff from people who don't even know From the Depths of Dreams.
Buddy Nielsen has bags of lyrical talent as '187', 'Dreaming a Reality', 'The Ground Folds' and 'Bloody Romance' will testify. Let it enfold you was a good album, although not strong all the way through there were some cracking tracks. Unfortunately after that he seems to have had his writing-soul removed and now can't write a lyric to save himself. It's a shame cos as he was brilliant and From the Depths of Dreams is possibly the best EP of this decade. I honestly hope he can find a new vein of writing form cos they are a great band.

Like all bands who become famous after their best work (see Green Day post-dookie, Blink post-enema, Metallica post-black album, radiohead post-bends just to name a few more obvious ones). Most of their so-called fans couldn't name you a lyric from the early stuff which was when they were musicians, not stars. I'm not even going to go into the legion of supposed Alk Trio fans out there these days... that would just upset me as one of those bitter 'I was there at the start' types.;-)

[lew_1987]

^

Please tell me what I just read isn't real...

[blinkme]

The main strength of Senses Fail is its musicians

What does that mean then? Doesn't that sort of make a band good, when their main strength is their musicians? Your review just kind of contradicts itself in spots, such as right there.

bad vocals and lyrics would easily put me off of listening to a band. a band could have the most talented musicians in the world but with a dodgy frontman that can't sing, the final product is going to be subpar.

[Roboman]

Did you even understand what you just read?

Yes I did, I just thought it was incredibly stupid.

[Indoor Living]

bad vocals and lyrics would easily put me off of listening to a band. a band could have the most talented musicians in the world but with a dodgy frontman that can't sing, the final product is going to be subpar.


Yeah, I'm starting to realize what I said wasn't the smartest the thing ever.

[weworemasks]

I've read a few reviews of this now cos after the shambolic nonsense that was the majority of Still Searching I've drifted away from Senses and was hoping they might have truly gone back to their style - seems not.
It's strange reading all this stuff from people who don't even know From the Depths of Dreams.
Buddy Nielsen has bags of lyrical talent as '187', 'Dreaming a Reality', 'The Ground Folds' and 'Bloody Romance' will testify. Let it enfold you was a good album, although not strong all the way through there were some cracking tracks. Unfortunately after that he seems to have had his writing-soul removed and now can't write a lyric to save himself. It's a shame cos as he was brilliant and From the Depths of Dreams is possibly the best EP of this decade. I honestly hope he can find a new vein of writing form cos they are a great band.

Like all bands who become famous after their best work (see Green Day post-dookie, Blink post-enema, Metallica post-black album, radiohead post-bends just to name a few more obvious ones). Most of their so-called fans couldn't name you a lyric from the early stuff which was when they were musicians, not stars. I'm not even going to go into the legion of supposed Alk Trio fans out there these days... that would just upset me as one of those bitter 'I was there at the start' types.;-)

hahahahahahahahahahahhahh, i'm sorry. i pulled these out of my "buddy nielsen bag of talent"


But I should have known that you were a killer.
But now I'm dead.

The hardest thing about dying is
knowing you'll never see the light of day(x2)

You ripped my heart out,
you tore my eyes out, now you're gonna pay
I'll stab you one time.
I'll eat your heart out so you feel my pain.
Don't you know that I always see you in all of my dreams?
I wanna kill you.
I wanna kill you now.(x2)
I'm insane.






From the moment you left I knew that something wasn't right.
But the feeling inside has kept me up all night.

You and me (and me) like one heart-beat.
You and me (and me) like one heart-beat.

So slice open my veins.
And let, the romance bleed away.




i wish i could write that well.

Well that's a matter of opinion. A Miley/Volta collaboration would rock my world.

hahahahah, to each his own!

Yes I did, I just thought it was incredibly stupid.

your mom is incredibly stupid! M-(

[blinkme]

Like all bands who become famous after their best work (see Green Day post-dookie, Blink post-enema, Metallica post-black album, radiohead post-bends just to name a few more obvious ones). Most of their so-called fans couldn't name you a lyric from the early stuff which was when they were musicians, not stars.

Blink are in whole different league to Senses Fail ... come to think of it, so are all of the bands you mentioned.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Holy Shit this review is amazing. It is way more accurate than the staff review. Kudos for being honest and telling how you feel about a shitty album

[weworemasks]

Holy Shit this review is amazing. It is way more accurate than the staff review. Kudos for being honest and telling how you feel about a shitty album

thanks, dude.

[drcroc]

This review is kind of out of control. To insult the talent of SF's drummer is to proclaim your ignorance for all to hear.

Sure, it's not a giant leap forward from Still Searching, but it still has standout tracks (title track, garden state). Is it completely amazing? No. Does it deserve a 3.8/10? Nope.

Definitely worth your money to bump some CD quality SF breakdowns and solos in your car after work/school, though.

[weworemasks]

This review is kind of out of control. To insult the talent of SF's drummer is to proclaim your ignorance for all to hear.

Sure, it's not a giant leap forward from Still Searching, but it still has standout tracks (title track, garden state). Is it completely amazing? No. Does it deserve a 3.8/10? Nope.

Definitely worth your money to bump some CD quality SF breakdowns and solos in your car after work/school, though.

insult the talent? he is a good drummer, but there are about 50 drummers of bands that are covered on this website who possess the same amount of talent as he does. get over yourself.

senses fail is as cookie cutter as it gets. it's trash. i'd like to think my 38/100 points came from the first song alone. i threw my copy away.

[drcroc]

insult the talent? he is a good drummer, but there are about 50 drummers of bands that are covered on this website who possess the same amount of talent as he does. get over yourself.

senses fail is as cookie cutter as it gets. it's trash. i'd like to think my 38/100 points came from the first song alone. i threw my copy away.

Ok giving the record a bad review is one thing, calling SF "trash" is compeltely another. Get over YOURself.

[weworemasks]

Ok giving the record a bad review is one thing, calling SF "trash" is compeltely another. Get over YOURself.

or i could have my own fucking opinion, stalin.

[cereal4life]

This is spot on.

[WhoSaidThat?]

or i could have my own fucking opinion, stalin.
On AP? Fuck that!

[WhoSaidThat?]

And yes, his mother is indeed incredibly stupid.

[Andanu Trisatya]

The review scores are a tad harsh, but I agree with your points. It's an inevitable fact that mainstream loves crappy music.

This album was an absolutely failed attempt to replicate Still Searching (which is not even that good). Senses Fail would've been a better band if they've gotten rid of the lead singer immediately after the first album released.

The sounds are unbearably generic, not to mention the lyrics which derived from 13-year old poetry. The musicians, especially the drummer and backing vocalist do have potential, though.

[barker23]

I honestly have never read a review so bad, i think the album is great

[urahonky]

At first I was really disappointed in the CD when I heard it. But now that I have listened through it I really do enjoy it. I like Buddy's lyrics even if the reviewer doesn't.

It's a fair review because it's his opinion. I don't think his opinion on Buddy is right (haha, that sounds funny to type), but it's still an opinion. I think SF is a pretty polarizing band. Either you love them to death, or you fucking hate their guts. There's really no in between.

Many of the songs hit close to home lyrically so maybe that's why I enjoy it more than others? Either way... If you're a SF fan, pick the CD up. If not... Well I don't know what to tell you. Try Still Searching? (Another great CD by them)

[xjdizzle]

Hahaha cookie cutter? At least they dont sound like a bunch of boy band ******s of nowadays u kids seem to like these days .Buddy tries and at least he sounds like a dude .The band has awsome musicians they keep the energy up.

If u wana talk cookie cutter and bands that are all about bullshit.

All time low
FTSK
The Maine
Mayday Parade
We the kings
Metro station

And there all about the music .I dont see them wearing rainbow colors,skin tight jeans and fix there hair more than a woman does.So i gave u a band to bash.

[mike'smannequin]

They Used To Be Good Now They Suck End Of Story

[Rickaly]

bad review, awesome album. it has some of the best song theyve ever written.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Why is this thread still alive? Why? X-)

[weworemasks]

great review, bad album. it has some of the worst songs they've ever written.

thanks!

[HCO SF 87]

musicians. their VOCALIST/LYRICIST is fucking terrible. also, i said that they would reach their true potential if they dropped their singer. remember that?


retard. learn how to fucking read.


hahaha, just because it's a bad score does not make it a terrible review. if any of you thought my writing was poor, let's hear why. what a bunch of fucking clowns.

Hey. Douchebag. Just wanted to let you know that a VOCALIST is considered a MUSICIAN.

[weworemasks]

Hey. Douchebag. Just wanted to let you know that a VOCALIST is considered a MUSICIAN.
ok, he sucks.

[NickPeerSays]

ahahahahaah
This is ridiculous. I just checked out some of your other reviews and it looks like you do hip-hop albums for the most part. Why did you even review this?
Oh... and how exactly do you give Panic At The Disco and Norma Jean higher scores?
Norma Jean... seriously?
This review raises so many questions.

[zhieson]

I love this album. Review is well written, as always. But this review is just plan wrong in my opinion. If you like Senses fail, this will not disappoint you.

[MBIIdollaBill]

Yeah we all know that Senses Fail isn't revolutionary or anything like that, but they aren't really meant to be. I respect your right to your own opinion, I just have to say you scored this thing way too low.

[weworemasks]

ahahahahaah
This is ridiculous. I just checked out some of your other reviews and it looks like you do hip-hop albums for the most part. Why did you even review this?
Oh... and how exactly do you give Panic At The Disco and Norma Jean higher scores?
Norma Jean... seriously?
This review raises so many questions.
because unlike you, child, i don't discriminate genres. i love hip-hop and i love rock music.

oh and this review was for my school paper (when i was still in school) so that would be why i wrote it. norma jean's album was weak and boring, and this one is completely contrived bullshit.

and i like most of your favorite albums (minus say anything and cauterize), so eat it.

[NickPeerSays]

because unlike you, child, i don't discriminate genres. i love hip-hop and i love rock music.

oh and this review was for my school paper (when i was still in school) so that would be why i wrote it. norma jean's album was weak and boring, and this one is completely contrived bullshit.

and i like most of your favorite albums (minus say anything and cauterize), so eat it.
If you don't like So Far From Real or ...Is A Real Boy then I don't have any respect for you.
Labeling Norma Jean and Panic At The Disco as "rock music" doesn't do much for your case either.

[weworemasks]

If you don't like So Far From Real or ...Is A Real Boy then I don't have any respect for you.
Labeling Norma Jean and Panic At The Disco as "rock music" doesn't do much for your case either.
right, and if you don't like illmatic i don't have respect for you. now go fuck yourself.

[MBIIdollaBill]

because unlike you, child, i don't discriminate genres. i love hip-hop and i love rock music.

oh and this review was for my school paper (when i was still in school) so that would be why i wrote it. norma jean's album was weak and boring, and this one is completely contrived bullshit.

and i like most of your favorite albums (minus say anything and cauterize), so eat it.
r u kidding me? this album isn't that bad! i like norma jean and patd (their first CD) too, and it might make sense to give them higher scores, but giving THIS CD 38% just seems waaay too harsh.

[MBIIdollaBill]

If you don't like So Far From Real or ...Is A Real Boy then I don't have any respect for you.
Labeling Norma Jean and Panic At The Disco as "rock music" doesn't do much for your case either.
It doesn't matter of if you "label" them rock music or not, cuz they technically are, theres no changing that.

[weworemasks]

yes, it's a harsh opinion. i wouldn't even give this album another listen ever again. like i mentioned earlier - i thought 38% was generous and based off of the first song. this album is uninspired, boring and generic drivel.

[Chris92]

probably one of the worst reviews i've read on this site, please don't do anymore.
Wrong. Good review, bad opinion.

[Chris92]

You make a good case for this being a crappy band. I don't like them nearly as much as I used to, however I don't think this quite deserves a 38. I get the distinct impression that you are trying to give this a really low score just to make a point about generic music in general. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

[Corey Hoffy]

Well, I loved your review. It was well-written and you made your opinion clear. But I don't agree with a single part of it. I loved this album, as I love Senses Fail. Does that make me some teenage kid who has no taste in music? Eh, maybe. But, oh well. It's my taste and I like it.

[naaaaate]

I just don't agree with them being generic... I feel like this review was just slanted horribly. Also, did you just learn the word "contrive" or something?

[CastlesXClouds]

I love this album. Its interesting to see music speak differently to people.