Quietdrive - Deliverance

[Chris Fallon]

Quietdrive - Deliverance
Record Label: The Militia Group
Release Date: October 14, 2008

The term "deliverance" is defined as the following:

1. The act of delivering or the condition of being delivered.
2. Rescue from bondage or danger.

It is also defined as "a publicly expressed opinion or judgment, such as the verdict of a jury," and the verdict for Quietdrive's sophomore release, Deliverance, is in: slump.

In a perfect world, slumps wouldn't exist -- we like to see people persevere and succeed; it's the reason why underdog stories are so appealing in nature to us. However, after a rather decent major-label debut, Quietdrive has redirected their sound to be more defined, but merely come off as an even more slickly-produced clone of their former selves. The sound is clean, vapid and dismissive; at first, it's a blast to listen to: opening track "Believe" (Fall Out Boy fans might enjoy this one) and breathy Third Eye Blind-ish "Motivation" are significantly catchy and capture the personality that made their cover of "Time After Time" a good-sized hit. Minus the falsetto backing vocals, "Hollywood" would be a fantastic, darker track and "Take Me Now" is a healthy wall of sound that sounds more like some of the band's earlier work.

After a few more listens, however, the album loses its twinkle; the superiority it hints at topping the debut is quickly crushed upon repeat listens. Therein lies the ultimate problem with this disc -- it's separated by hooks and hits rather than connecting tracks that each contain resonance. With a switch over from major-label Epic to indie The Militia Group, the expectations with this album would be somewhere in-between Cartel and The Rocket Summer, which in all honesty, this is. The loud pop-rock aggression of Cartel with the youthful romanticism of the Rocket Summer would normally bring a forgivable sound to many young bands -- however, this is just a step in the wrong direction; Deliverance is like drawing a "4" during the board game Sorry, having to retreat backwards from your color's safe zone -- it's a step you don't want to take, but unfortunately get pinned to.

Let me back up a second here and beckon all you total disbelievers: it isn't that bad a record; the first half has some solid numbers, but overall, Deliverance lacks the charisma When All That's Left is You presented. Overflowing with over-produced nonsense (the unpalatable and silly "Daddy's Little Girl") and acoustic party jam "Birthday," which is just another stereotypical "oops" song with terrible lyrics ("I'm sorry I forgot your birthday / I thought it was on a Wednesday"), the album is just wrought with moments that try too hard. The double-threat of "Secret" and "Starbright" make for the hardest work of all: the former is a Latin-flavored gothic tune that sounds like a b-side from El Phantomo de la Opera and the latter is a heavy-handed dose of Boys Like Girls-esque pop-balladry. "Afterall" is candidate for oddest catastrophe; it's spastic and mellow all at once, getting more obnoxious after a couple listens.

Kevin Tuckenmiller yearns to be Patrick Stump or Will Pugh, but tries too hard to instill emotion into these songs -- he's much more suited for the booming rock songs ("Promise Me"), which this record lacks a concerning amount of. "Maybe Misery," "Rise Up From the Ashes" and "Take a Drink" were the perfect combination of mainstream appeal and rock aggression, and nothing here carries the same weight. Percussion-happy new-wave single "Pretend" is a good representative choice: terrible lyrics surrounded by a flurry of sounds with an irresistible chorus.

After this half-hearted attempt at recreating pop-rock, it's evident not all bands can soar at this genre like Valencia and Punchline have successfully proven this year. Looks like Quietdrive have produced the most ironic album title of the year -- right now, the only ones in need of rescue are these ne'er-do-wellers.

The Academy Is' Almost Here; Cartel's Chroma; Paramore's Riot! and Fall Out Boy's Infinity on High"Believe," "Motivation" and "Hollywood"

1. Believe
2. Deliverance
3. Daddy's Little Girl
4. Motivation
5. Birthday
6. Afterall
7. Pretend
8. Hollywood
9. Kissing Your Lips
10. Take Me Now
11. Promise Me
12. Secret
13. StarbrightKevin Tuckenmiller: vocalist/acoustic guitar
Matt Kirby: guitar/vocals
Justin Bonhiver: guitar
Droo Hastings: bass
Brandon Lanier: drums

Official Site (http://www.quietdrivemusic.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/quietdrive)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H4MYPW/ref=sr_f2_album_11?ie=UTF8&child=B001H4L2S2&qid=1224045659&sr=102-11)

[Sarbear]

Love the "Sorry" reference...my boyfraaaaaan is so smart :D

but seriously...awesome review, good sir.

[Chris Fallon]

Thank you my good man. Salutations!

[josh8282]

Good review, I pretty much agree with the scoring too. Such a dissapointment that they decided to go this route with their sound.

[refgirl23]

Good review. And I completely agree with the way it's enjoyable at first, and after so many listens it loses it. I enjoyed it the first few times, and then the more I listen to it, the more I skip to only certain songs.

I find the lyrics on "Birthday" more amusing than anything else. Mostly because the chorus the first time (and I can't find anything to back me up on this one) I swear goes "I'm sorry I forgot your birthday/ I'm sorry because I was shitfaced."

I couldn't pinpoint why I enjoyed this album, and your sounds like explains a lot.

[EchoPark]

Chris,One of the few reviews that you have done where I might have to disagree with you.

I thought this album was solid from start to finish and much better than When All That's Left is You

[Debut_Fin]

"Recommended if You Like The Academy Is' Almost Here; Cartel's Chroma; Paramore's Riot! and Fall Out Boy's Infinity on High"

that's almost insulting, since all of those albums are much better than this

[dontsneeze]

refgirl's right, the lyrics are "i'm sorry cuz i was shitfaced." if you don't take birthday too seriously than you'll probably enjoy it. this is actually a decent album, in my opinion much better than their last.

[jusscali]

Chris,One of the few reviews that you have done where I might have to disagree with you.

I thought this album was solid from start to finish and much better than When All That's Left is You

How could you possibly ever feel that way. The lyrical content throughout this entire album is some of the worst I've ever heard - and I listen to a lot of shitty music

[Steve Henderson]

I had never listened to these guys before - this album sounds much more cock-rockish than I had expected. Not a fan at all.

[Everiggs]

I agree 100% with the score...This record is quite disappointing for me.

[beau blood rush]

lyrically it was pooey as

i don't mind some of the musical idea's
pretty fun

[S9Dallasoz]

I had never listened to these guys before - this album sounds much more cock-rockish than I had expected. Not a fan at all.

Go check out "Rise from the ashes', "Rush Together" & "Handsome Devil's Benediction" please.

[Just An End]

anyone who uses "over produced" to describe this album has hit the nail on the head

[iseethesun123]

I actually wanted to hear this...maybe not so much now

[DungeonsnDragon]

very accurate review. Disappointing album. This is band is fun live though so atleast buy a tix to see them.

[Holly HoX!]

I just interviewed these guys for my college's newspaper. They are all really, really nice dudes...too bad the new album isn't anything to brag about. They might be one of the youngest, hardest working bands to come out of the Twin Cities, though. 900 tour dates in 3 1/2 years on one album...that's pretty impressive. Also, the lead singer, Kevin Tuckenmiller, produced this album.

I'd be willing to post the interview on AP. It's about 13 questions.

[March_Faster!!]

Wow...I actually thought this album was pretty good, with the exception of, "Hollywood", and "Kissing Your Lips". Harsh.

[xName Takenx]

Didn't care for this record at all, don't necessarily agree with the RIYL because all of those albums were terrific, whereas this one isn't...

[bubba665]

good review

[Nolessthanblink]

:-(

[Jenningslane]

I think this review is a bit arrogant considering that the CD came out yesterday, and you have already had time to listen to it enough to condemn it?

I feel this CD is absolutely the opposite of a slump, if you want songs that sound exactly like Rise from the Ashes, Take a Drink and Maybe Misery, then go listen to "When All That's Left Is You" Why would you want a band to make the exact same sounding music on their sophomore attempt, thats ridiculous. Bands should try to evolve their music. Which by taking on different styles of music flavored thru-out the cd its obvious this band wanted to.

This CD is MUCH more diverse than "WATLIS", which was a solid CD. There is everything from Dance rock (Pretend, Deliverance) to Sublimish songs (hollywood, Kissing Your Lips) to some straight up solid Pop Rock songs (Take me Now, After-all, Believe)

You talking about how they come off as a "even more slickly-produced clone of their former selves."

Honestly, that should be taken as a compliment in the highest form, Butch Walker produced a few of the songs on the last disc, and as far as Im concerned, the man is a god, and this entire CD was produced by Kevin Truckenmiller as his first attempt at producing. I think he did a damn good job.
God forbid a band wants their CD to be crisp sounding. If you were putting your time and energy into making music, would you want it to sound like shit? I'd hope not.

Birthday an Oops party Jam? The song is about getting shitfaced with your friends, and forgetting your significant others birthday, which honest to god I can say is one of the more relatable songs for any extroverted male individual.
The song sounds like it should be played in the bar with a bunch of hammered people singing along (similar to the breakdown of "Ohio-Bowling for Soup")
It sounds as if it is aimed at being a fun bar song with a country twang thrown in there...and it pulls that off perfectly.

I am not trying to put down your review, only provide a counterpoint...because a review is an opinion, and everyone should have their own, I just hope that people are not turned off to actually checking out something they might really enjoy due to reading a review from someone who sounds disappointed that there wasn't a Cyndi Lauper cover of "Girls just want to have fun" on the album.

These guys are one of the hardest working bands out there, up until writing this disc they toured nonstop, and it absolutely shows in their energetic live show, which is more than worth checking out.

I could go on and find even more ways to dissagree with basically everything you wrote, but honestly, I'd rather spend time listening to music than dumping on someones hard work.

Thaaaaaanks.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Nice one, Chris. I had my hopes set up for this album to be great. I kind of blame myself.

[Chris Fallon]

I think this review is a bit arrogant considering that the CD came out yesterday, and you have already had time to listen to it enough to condemn it?

I feel this CD is absolutely the opposite of a slump, if you want songs that sound exactly like Rise from the Ashes, Take a Drink and Maybe Misery, then go listen to "When All That's Left Is You" Why would you want a band to make the exact same sounding music on their sophomore attempt, thats ridiculous. Bands should try to evolve their music. Which by taking on different styles of music flavored thru-out the cd its obvious this band wanted to.

This CD is MUCH more diverse than "WATLIS", which was a solid CD. There is everything from Dance rock (Pretend, Deliverance) to Sublimish songs (hollywood, Kissing Your Lips) to some straight up solid Pop Rock songs (Take me Now, After-all, Believe)

You talking about how they come off as a "even more slickly-produced clone of their former selves."

Honestly, that should be taken as a compliment in the highest form, Butch Walker produced a few of the songs on the last disc, and as far as Im concerned, the man is a god, and this entire CD was produced by Kevin Truckenmiller as his first attempt at producing. I think he did a damn good job.
God forbid a band wants their CD to be crisp sounding. If you were putting your time and energy into making music, would you want it to sound like shit? I'd hope not.

Birthday an Oops party Jam? The song is about getting shitfaced with your friends, and forgetting your significant others birthday, which honest to god I can say is one of the more relatable songs for any extroverted male individual.
The song sounds like it should be played in the bar with a bunch of hammered people singing along (similar to the breakdown of "Ohio-Bowling for Soup")
It sounds as if it is aimed at being a fun bar song with a country twang thrown in there...and it pulls that off perfectly.

I am not trying to put down your review, only provide a counterpoint...because a review is an opinion, and everyone should have their own, I just hope that people are not turned off to actually checking out something they might really enjoy due to reading a review from someone who sounds disappointed that there wasn't a Cyndi Lauper cover of "Girls just want to have fun" on the album.

These guys are one of the hardest working bands out there, up until writing this disc they toured nonstop, and it absolutely shows in their energetic live show, which is more than worth checking out.

I could go on and find even more ways to dissagree with basically everything you wrote, but honestly, I'd rather spend time listening to music than dumping on someones hard work.

Thaaaaaanks.
Hahaha you do realize this album leaked over a month ago and we receive advances, don't you? I've listened to this quite a few times since I received it in early September, so yeah. Sorry you disagree -- just an opinion.

[Jenningslane]

I bet you leaked it.

Just kidding.

But no really, everyone has thier own opinion, and thats why I thought Id post a counterpoint, because some people might really like this music, and after reading what you wrote, they may never even give it a chance (see sheep). I know you understand how that works, being someone on staff for this site.

These guys deserve at least a good listen from people for this CD. It's hard enough on bands that had their shit leaked a month before the release.

If they dont like it, so be it, but at least giving it a listen lets you know one way or another.

But as always, the fans will buy it, the naysayers wont.

[Chris Fallon]

Good review. And I completely agree with the way it's enjoyable at first, and after so many listens it loses it. I enjoyed it the first few times, and then the more I listen to it, the more I skip to only certain songs.

I find the lyrics on "Birthday" more amusing than anything else. Mostly because the chorus the first time (and I can't find anything to back me up on this one) I swear goes "I'm sorry I forgot your birthday/ I'm sorry because I was shitfaced."

I couldn't pinpoint why I enjoyed this album, and your sounds like explains a lot.
I took the lyrics from the last refrain of the chorus.

Chris,One of the few reviews that you have done where I might have to disagree with you.

I thought this album was solid from start to finish and much better than When All That's Left is You
Sorry to hear that man -- thanks for always being supportive though. You are good people.

Didn't care for this record at all, don't necessarily agree with the RIYL because all of those albums were terrific, whereas this one isn't...
I guess I should have added "...if they were all rather crappy" haha -- the album is trying to be those discs, hence the reason I put them there.

[Chris Fallon]

I bet you leaked it.

Just kidding.

But no really, everyone has thier own opinion, and thats why I thought Id post a counterpoint, because some people might really like this music, and after reading what you wrote, they may never even give it a chance (see sheep). I know you understand how that works, being someone on staff for this site.

These guys deserve at least a good listen from people for this CD. It's hard enough on bands that had their shit leaked a month before the release.

If they dont like it, so be it, but at least giving it a listen lets you know one way or another.

But as always, the fans will buy it, the naysayers wont.
Unfortunately, my duty here is not to provide bands a chance necessarily -- I am giving an honest evaluation of a record and if I don't like it, it's not really up to me to get kids to listen to something I found to be bland. If they are still curious after the review, maybe they will be surprised -- but if they feel like wasting their time is invaluable to their needs, they won't.

I understand what you mean -- I do. However, I can't lighten up on my consensus in order to help out a band whose album leaked a while ago so people will support them -- that isn't my job, nor is it in my hands.

[cscwell107]

I like the Valencia and Punchline shout out. Those albums were terrific

[Matthew Tsai]

terribly generic bore-fest. their last one was better

[Kbm600]

Horrid album.

[simensays]

anyone who uses "over produced" to describe this album has hit the nail on the head

i think the production was alittle too much, but wasnt overly produced...
Since "THE USED" made that album "Lies For Liars" or something, they raised the bar for over-produced for me.

Thanks Bert

[Jenningslane]

Unfortunately, my duty here is not to provide bands a chance necessarily -- I am giving an honest evaluation of a record and if I don't like it, it's not really up to me to get kids to listen to something I found to be bland. If they are still curious after the review, maybe they will be surprised -- but if they feel like wasting their time is invaluable to their needs, they won't.

I understand what you mean -- I do. However, I can't lighten up on my consensus in order to help out a band whose album leaked a while ago so people will support them -- that isn't my job, nor is it in my hands.

Oh I wouldn't expect you to bend how you feel about the album, but then you understand me being a counterpoint on a public forum. I don't disagree with the fact that you are entitled to your own opinion. I do however disagree with what your opinion is. I feel its a great album. But that doesn't mean your opinion is wrong, or that my opinion is wrong.

The only issue I had with your review at all was that you almost seemed to take a couple personal swings at Kevin. I understand the part where you go into depth about how you dislike the CD, but trying to say things about one of the people that you likely don't even know? A bit un-needed. Much like this debate, but we're probably going to do it anyway arent we.

Do you want to be Obama or McCain? I'll be bush, and cheat for the win.

[nickdallasanta]

lyrically it was pooey as

i don't mind some of the musical idea's
pretty fun

precisely.


Go check out "Rise from the ashes', "Rush Together" & "Handsome Devil's Benediction" please.

exactly.

[refgirl23]

I took the lyrics from the last refrain of the chorus.

That wasn't me trying to correct anyone. I just find that line hysterical.

[jacnrh]

I think it does sound a little over produced but in general I like it. I'm not taking it very seriously though; I just think its fun to bob your head along to. Plus, quite a few of the melodies get stuck in my head often and when it does happen I don't find myself trying to get them out.

[BruisedxBroken]

their first record was actually pretty solid. kinda like late 90s alternative mixed with pop-punk. not really feeling this one though, but the new houston calls bored me too, so maybe I'm just outgrowing the genre...

[Intamin]

I had never listened to these guys before - this album sounds much more cock-rockish than I had expected. Not a fan at all.

Haha, you should really listen to their first album...it's like another band altogether.

[cereal4life]

I figured it would suck. I gave their previous album a good listen too but that one was crap too. Good review Chris!

[Chris Fallon]

Oh I wouldn't expect you to bend how you feel about the album, but then you understand me being a counterpoint on a public forum. I don't disagree with the fact that you are entitled to your own opinion. I do however disagree with what your opinion is. I feel its a great album. But that doesn't mean your opinion is wrong, or that my opinion is wrong.

The only issue I had with your review at all was that you almost seemed to take a couple personal swings at Kevin. I understand the part where you go into depth about how you dislike the CD, but trying to say things about one of the people that you likely don't even know? A bit un-needed. Much like this debate, but we're probably going to do it anyway arent we.

Do you want to be Obama or McCain? I'll be bush, and cheat for the win.
I don't think I was ever taking any "personal swings" at Kevin -- there are many times he is trying to sound like Stump and Pugh, arguably the most popular vocalists in this genre. My job here is to pinpoint things like that, it's a critique or a band and their work. Not like I dislike them all together, I just find this album to be boring and trying too hard, whereas their debut was effortless and not bad at all.

Not really sure why we're "debating this" haha -- I was just clearing things up since you told me I was arrogant for not liking this album.

That wasn't me trying to correct anyone. I just find that line hysterical.
Oh, I know -- I just wanted to clear it up :-)

[birtcho]

didnt like it apart from kissing ur lips

[Ryzenfall]

Good review... disappointing album. I'm such a lyrics person.
The RIYL seems like it has a lot of pretty successful albums in the genre.

[dpunk]

Good review. And I completely agree with the way it's enjoyable at first, and after so many listens it loses it. I enjoyed it the first few times, and then the more I listen to it, the more I skip to only certain songs.

I find the lyrics on "Birthday" more amusing than anything else. Mostly because the chorus the first time (and I can't find anything to back me up on this one) I swear goes "I'm sorry I forgot your birthday/ I'm sorry because I was shitfaced."

I couldn't pinpoint why I enjoyed this album, and your sounds like explains a lot.

just curious, how many listens before you got that reaction?

[Chris Fallon]

Good review... disappointing album. I'm such a lyrics person.
The RIYL seems like it has a lot of pretty successful albums in the genre.
While the RIYL names better albums, the reason I placed those there was due to the simple fact that this album wants to be those. I was having a hard time comparing it to anything bad, because, well... I don't remember any bad records like this haha

Essentially, you can find better in those discs, who do the pop-rock name a bit more justice than this does.

[dpunk]

I don't think I was ever taking any "personal swings" at Kevin -- there are many times he is trying to sound like Stump and Pugh, arguably the most popular vocalists in this genre. My job here is to pinpoint things like that, it's a critique or a band and their work. Not like I dislike them all together, I just find this album to be boring and trying too hard, whereas their debut was effortless and not bad at all.

Not really sure why we're "debating this" haha -- I was just clearing things up since you told me I was arrogant for not liking this album.


Oh, I know -- I just wanted to clear it up :-)

CF, in advance, please forgive the directness of this submission. But let's be candid. You write for perhaps the least regarded music forum, ever. Note I did not say "least popular". Popularity is entirely relative. But regarded carries overtones of being objective. I have searched all over and found no other published work by you. You blog. That's it.

So, it's laughable to read that you consider it a "job". Based on my reading of your output of hack opinions that mainly serve to underlie how shallow you are, one interpretation is that you aren't qualified for any other line of societal contribution. Not yet anyways. So you inflate your role here from amateur hobbyist to a "job".

Still, that doesn't stop you from having serial delusions that your opinions matters. Of course I discount the 32 or so acolytes you have mustered around here, none of whom have any distinction in the musical field, either, from what I have gleaned. Correct if I am mistaken, and apologies in tow now if I am, but I suspect otherwise.

If the above doesn't characterize you sufficiently, it's close. But I am compelled to further add one other bit of proof that you are nothing more substantial than a vaguely informed volunteer at a dime a dozen blog. Brace yourself. This one is DAMNING. Your editorial independence is fully tarnished simply by how personal you respond to the observations offered around here by others. If an acolyte agrees with you, you raise a toast. When someone doesn't, and cites you for behavior that you recoil from, out come the defenses, denials, and justifications.

In other words, you are an unadulterated narcissist. You need stroking. It's a problem you feel compelled to make public. That's a fascinating course for someone who views their future to include cinematic aspirations. "I hope to be a part of the film world one day, in any way I can." I hope so, too, so we can all see what else you're capable of, because for you, writing "reviews" is not something you have come close to mastering.

But word to the wise. Be careful before you take that step. Looking at your profile, which for the ease of reference is cited below, you admit to a curious degree of bland interests. Remove Cuckoo's Nest, and there is not a single cutting edge point of artistic reference. Which is indicative that you are too mainstream to really have any insight into critical analysis. As you obviously need to grasp, being negative and wantonly comparing works within a genre is not analysis. What it comes down to is that your contributions here are opinionated, and self-compelled. There is no meaningful public demand for it. Outside of this minor forum.

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I can predict your response, But first I intend to restrain myself to give you a chance to reflect on why my prediction is one I hold well beyond confidence.

[refgirl23]

just curious, how many listens before you got that reaction?

I'd gone through the entire album over 10 times. I had an Immunology test a few days after I found it online, and basically had been blasting it whenever I was studying. I still go through the entire thing when I'm driving around (its good sing-along music for me) but skip around the rest of the time.

[benbjork]

CF, in advance, please forgive the directness of this submission. But let's be candid. You write for perhaps the least regarded music forum, ever.

Although I do vaguely agree with you on a few points, I am wondering what provoked you to spend your valuable time writing that dissertation about a nobody music reviewer on the least regarded music forum ever. ;-)

Is this something that's been brewing for a while? It was quite the lengthy exposé!

[PassedOut]

This band almost got Julia and I killed once, and I will never stop holding it against them.

[Chris Fallon]

CF, in advance, please forgive the directness of this submission. But let's be candid. You write for perhaps the least regarded music forum, ever. Note I did not say "least popular". Popularity is entirely relative. But regarded carries overtones of being objective. I have searched all over and found no other published work by you. You blog. That's it.

So, it's laughable to read that you consider it a "job". Based on my reading of your output of hack opinions that mainly serve to underlie how shallow you are, one interpretation is that you aren't qualified for any other line of societal contribution. Not yet anyways. So you inflate your role here from amateur hobbyist to a "job".

Still, that doesn't stop you from having serial delusions that your opinions matters. Of course I discount the 32 or so acolytes you have mustered around here, none of whom have any distinction in the musical field, either, from what I have gleaned. Correct if I am mistaken, and apologies in tow now if I am, but I suspect otherwise.

If the above doesn't characterize you sufficiently, it's close. But I am compelled to further add one other bit of proof that you are nothing more substantial than a vaguely informed volunteer at a dime a dozen blog. Brace yourself. This one is DAMNING. Your editorial independence is fully tarnished simply by how personal you respond to the observations offered around here by others. If an acolyte agrees with you, you raise a toast. When someone doesn't, and cites you for behavior that you recoil from, out come the defenses, denials, and justifications.

In other words, you are an unadulterated narcissist. You need stroking. It's a problem you feel compelled to make public. That's a fascinating course for someone who views their future to include cinematic aspirations. "I hope to be a part of the film world one day, in any way I can." I hope so, too, so we can all see what else you're capable of, because for you, writing "reviews" is not something you have come close to mastering.

But word to the wise. Be careful before you take that step. Looking at your profile, which for the ease of reference is cited below, you admit to a curious degree of bland interests. Remove Cuckoo's Nest, and there is not a single cutting edge point of artistic reference. Which is indicative that you are too mainstream to really have any insight into critical analysis. As you obviously need to grasp, being negative and wantonly comparing works within a genre is not analysis. What it comes down to is that your contributions here are opinionated, and self-compelled. There is no meaningful public demand for it. Outside of this minor forum.

Favorite TV Shows
Arrested Development (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Arrested+Development), Scrubs (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Scrubs), The Office (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=The+Office), How I Met Your Mother (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=How+I+Met+Your+Mother), Grey's Anatomy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Grey%27s+Anatomy), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=It%27s+Always+Sunny+in+Phil adelphia), Seinfeld (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Seinfeld), 30 Rock (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=30+Rock), My Name Is Earl (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=My+Name+Is+Earl), Flavor of Love (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Flavor+of+Love), The Simpsons (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=The+Simpsons)

Favorite Movies
The Dark Knight (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Dark+Knight), Better Off Dead (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Better+Off+Dead), Fletch (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Fletch), High Fidelity (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=High+Fidelity), Good Will Hunting (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Good+Will+Hunting), Boogie Nights (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Boogie+Nights), 25th Hour (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=25th+Hour), Garden State (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Garden+State), Anchorman (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Anchorman), Almost Famous (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Almost+Famous), The Departed (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Departed), The Man With Two Brains (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Man+With+Two+Brains), Batman Begins (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Batman+Begins), Weird Science (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Weird+Science), Forrest Gump (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Forrest+Gump), Dumb & Dumber (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Dumb+%26amp%3B+Dumber), One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=One+Flew+Over+The+Cuckoo%27 s+Nest), Tommy Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Tommy+Boy), True Romance (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=True+Romance), The Empire Strikes Back (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Empire+Strikes+Back), American Gangster (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=American+Gangster), Into The Wild (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Into+The+Wild), Back to the Future (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Back+to+the+Future), Superbad (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Superbad), Kingpin (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Kingpin), The 40 Year Old Virgin (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+40+Year+Old+Virgin), Rounders (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Rounders)

I can predict your response, But first I intend to restrain myself to give you a chance to reflect on why my prediction is one I hold well beyond confidence.
I'm not offended by this at all -- I don't know who you are or why you even chose me to write this about. Besides the fact you are obviously a big fan of the band (I see you have made a large number of your posts in threads related to the band), I'm not sure what brought this on. Do I know of you, do something to you personally? I'm more or less confused by how closely you follow me, because it's quite... frightening, to be honest.

You are the first person to ever come off so strongly about your distaste for me, which is fine -- we all have our critics, so that's not even a concern with me. But you come off as quite smug and arrogant to say I'm invaluable and bad at what I do. Do you feel this way about our other staffers on a site that receives a large number of viewers, label support, band support, etc.? Might as well alert the people who request me to write reviews for them and help them out -- obviously I'm doing something right, you know?

If you were of some importance and I knew who you were, anonymous figure, I would take offense and argue with you. However, I'm frightened I have someone keeping such a close eye on my tastes/quotes yet somewhat flattered you wrote all that. So thank you.

[Tony Pascarella]

Fallon rules, Quietdrive drools. Their best song is still a cover; that says quite a bit.

[Sarbear]

CF, in advance, please forgive the directness of this submission. But let's be candid. You write for perhaps the least regarded music forum, ever. Note I did not say "least popular". Popularity is entirely relative. But regarded carries overtones of being objective. I have searched all over and found no other published work by you. You blog. That's it.

So, it's laughable to read that you consider it a "job". Based on my reading of your output of hack opinions that mainly serve to underlie how shallow you are, one interpretation is that you aren't qualified for any other line of societal contribution. Not yet anyways. So you inflate your role here from amateur hobbyist to a "job".

Still, that doesn't stop you from having serial delusions that your opinions matters. Of course I discount the 32 or so acolytes you have mustered around here, none of whom have any distinction in the musical field, either, from what I have gleaned. Correct if I am mistaken, and apologies in tow now if I am, but I suspect otherwise.

If the above doesn't characterize you sufficiently, it's close. But I am compelled to further add one other bit of proof that you are nothing more substantial than a vaguely informed volunteer at a dime a dozen blog. Brace yourself. This one is DAMNING. Your editorial independence is fully tarnished simply by how personal you respond to the observations offered around here by others. If an acolyte agrees with you, you raise a toast. When someone doesn't, and cites you for behavior that you recoil from, out come the defenses, denials, and justifications.

In other words, you are an unadulterated narcissist. You need stroking. It's a problem you feel compelled to make public. That's a fascinating course for someone who views their future to include cinematic aspirations. "I hope to be a part of the film world one day, in any way I can." I hope so, too, so we can all see what else you're capable of, because for you, writing "reviews" is not something you have come close to mastering.

But word to the wise. Be careful before you take that step. Looking at your profile, which for the ease of reference is cited below, you admit to a curious degree of bland interests. Remove Cuckoo's Nest, and there is not a single cutting edge point of artistic reference. Which is indicative that you are too mainstream to really have any insight into critical analysis. As you obviously need to grasp, being negative and wantonly comparing works within a genre is not analysis. What it comes down to is that your contributions here are opinionated, and self-compelled. There is no meaningful public demand for it. Outside of this minor forum.

Favorite TV Shows
Arrested Development (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Arrested+Development), Scrubs (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Scrubs), The Office (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=The+Office), How I Met Your Mother (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=How+I+Met+Your+Mother), Grey's Anatomy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Grey%27s+Anatomy), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=It%27s+Always+Sunny+in+Phil adelphia), Seinfeld (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Seinfeld), 30 Rock (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=30+Rock), My Name Is Earl (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=My+Name+Is+Earl), Flavor of Love (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=Flavor+of+Love), The Simpsons (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field61=The+Simpsons)

Favorite Movies
The Dark Knight (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Dark+Knight), Better Off Dead (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Better+Off+Dead), Fletch (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Fletch), High Fidelity (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=High+Fidelity), Good Will Hunting (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Good+Will+Hunting), Boogie Nights (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Boogie+Nights), 25th Hour (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=25th+Hour), Garden State (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Garden+State), Anchorman (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Anchorman), Almost Famous (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Almost+Famous), The Departed (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Departed), The Man With Two Brains (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Man+With+Two+Brains), Batman Begins (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Batman+Begins), Weird Science (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Weird+Science), Forrest Gump (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Forrest+Gump), Dumb & Dumber (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Dumb+%26amp%3B+Dumber), One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=One+Flew+Over+The+Cuckoo%27 s+Nest), Tommy Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Tommy+Boy), True Romance (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=True+Romance), The Empire Strikes Back (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+Empire+Strikes+Back), American Gangster (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=American+Gangster), Into The Wild (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Into+The+Wild), Back to the Future (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Back+to+the+Future), Superbad (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Superbad), Kingpin (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Kingpin), The 40 Year Old Virgin (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=The+40+Year+Old+Virgin), Rounders (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field13=Rounders)

I can predict your response, But first I intend to restrain myself to give you a chance to reflect on why my prediction is one I hold well beyond confidence.


.....wow. seriously? I'm not here to start a fight but good lord! That was ridiculous. I know you probably spent quite awhile writing that, but I don't think Chris really values your opinion since you two have never interacted before and you don't even have a profile of your own. You are just butt-hurt that he dissed the band you love, but since you seem to think this website is so pathetic and meaningless, why do you even care? Let him have his opinions. Just because he writes reviews for this website doesn't mean he thinks he is some hot-shot. He does it because he loves to write, he loves music, and most people on this website enjoy reading what he has to say. I don't see why that is such a problem for you.

[Wisher]

i haven't listened to it yet and probably never will.

i was really really REALLY hoping they would go in a good direction with this album, but it's a pretty much unanimous decision that this album blows and would ruin all good thoughts i've ever had about them.

[Jenningslane]

i haven't listened to it yet and probably never will.

i was really really REALLY hoping they would go in a good direction with this album, but it's a pretty much unanimous decision that this album blows and would ruin all good thoughts i've ever had about them.

You sir are (excuse the term) a fucking idiot.

So do you let what a bunch of whining emo kids always decide what you listen to? Way to be informed, thank god you arent old enough to vote in political elections, have fun grazing...sheep.

[Wisher]

You sir are (excuse the term) a fucking idiot.

So do you let what a bunch of whining emo kids always decide what you listen to? Way to be informed, thank god you arent old enough to vote in political elections, have fun grazing...sheep.

I'm sorry if I personally offended or attacked you in any way, I didn't mean to ... ?

I was unaware that everyone on absolutepunk is a whining emo kid. Thanks for clearing that up. I'll never listen to anyone's opinion EVER AGAIN.

However, I agree with you on one point, I'm glad I couldn't vote this year, I learned so much. Even though I missed November 4th by nine days, it's fine with me. By not being able to vote I didn't feel stressed or pushed to send my vote either way. I've spend months following the news carefully and doing my own research about the candidates. The last election happened when I was thirteen, and I wasn't old enough to remember or care about the election much, but this time around I learned enough to say that four years from now I'll make the right decision for myself.

By the way, since I posted in this thread last, I've purchased the album and really don't care for it, as I expected.

[pure_drivel]

I registered just to post a response to this review. I hope that my taste in media is eclectic enough that dpunk won't look down on me. Anyway, to the point.

I've been a Quietdrive fan for a long time. Since 2002, actually. The band actually recorded their first EP in my buddy's basement in Minnetonka, MN. It was a six-track romp in post-grunge. I'd be willing to bet most current QD fans have never heard that pretty poorly mixed album. I still queue it up sometimes. "KB" and "Something That I'm Not" still bring a smile to my face. Did you know there was a mix of "Something That I'm Not" that had Kevin Singing "Brandon's gay" at the end of the song? That's just to put into perspective how long I've been a fan. Not as long as some, but longer than most.

Quietdrive really hit their stride with their 2003 Demo. It has the track "Handsome Devil's Benediction" that someone alluded to earlier, and my favorite QD track, "Irreversible." They still play these tracks at some shows. Honestly, this was when I was most excited about QD, when they really seemed to nail the kind of sound I personally long for - catchy, sophisticated, and edgy.

I first heard Sneaker 2 Bombs when I was home in MN from college in Florida. It was a side project that Kevin had started up with Matt Kirby. The stuff they wrote was catchy, simple, and lighthearted. It was like Dashboard Confessional had taken over QD... but in a good way. I really liked "Take a Drink," and "Both Ways." But, I always preferred the grittier sound of Quietdrive proper.

I was overjoyed when I heard about them signing with a major label. Then there seemed to be an identity crisis in the band. Many of you may remember how they struggled to find themselves a new name. They cycled through a couple of different options; first dropping the Quietdrive moniker altogether and becoming Sneaker 2 Bombs. Then there was some nonsense about becoming "The Neverending..." Eventually, they settled back on Quietdrive. I took this as a good sign that the edgy rock I'd heard on the 2003 EP was going to be refined and be the primary direction of the band. I was completely wrong.

Instead what we got were reproduced (see the tempo changes on "Get Up") and slightly dumbed down (see the change in lyrical content of "Rush Together") of a number of Sneaker 2 Bombs songs, plus a couple of new decent tracks, and a Cyndi Lauper cover. I like When All Thats Left Is You... as a Sneaker 2 Bombs record. You could hear what had been Quietdrive trying to sneak through on "Rise From the Ashes," but other than that it was largely absent.

Sometime later, at a bar in Minneapolis, I tagged along with the same kid who recorded their first EP to see them. I asked one of them (don't remember if it was Droo or Brandon) how being on a record label was going. Whoever I was talking to was generally dismayed about the lack of control they had over the first record, and indicated a desire to return to some of the old sounds of Quietdrive. I was heartened by this talk! Could it be that the band I was so keen about would actually deliver on that promise they made in 2003?

When I first heard "Pretend," I was hopeful. The tune still wasn't as edgy as I'd have liked, but I decided to give the guys the benefit of the doubt. I still really like the song, and listened to it countless times. It was a really solid rock song. When a buddy told me the title track for the new album was up on their website, I typed in the URL, crossed my fingers, and waited.

As "Deliverance" washed over me, my hopes were dashed to the floor. This was not Quietdrive. This was some other entity that had stripped a band of what made the band unique and replaced it with something mundane and cavity inducing. Still, I forgot about the song, moved on with my life. When the album was released, I came back, hopeful again that I'd find something inspiring in the ashes. When I heard "Believe" my spirits were lifted. The title track even grew on me a bit. But as I listened to the rest of the album, I slowly came to understand that Quietdrive would probably never again offer me what I want from a band. The lyrical content of this album is mostly drivel. And believe me, I know drivel. The tunes, while catchy, aren't exactly sophisticated. I can only figure that this is a band that doesn't want to be taken seriously. They write songs about being in love with or losing the ever-present unnamed girl, that express emotion on the most remedial of levels. To be brusque, their intended audience seems to be teenagers or others with naive or simplistic ideas about love and life.

Perhaps for some that's enough. I demand more from my music for the most part. I want allegory and entendre. I want insightful lyrics about the struggles of being in a relationship, and making it through the day to day shit. Not a bunch of BS about getting shit-faced and forgetting a nameless girl's birthday. I can liken it to the step backward that Story of the Year took on In The Wake of Determination. What's particularly alarming to me is the verbiage on the QD website about how proud they are of this record. They may have worked tirelessly to create this work. But for me, and for a lot of people who aren't hopelessly devoted, it falls tremendously short of expectations.

[mnTwins12]

This is a load of crap. This album was phenomenal

[Avery11]

I personally love the album

[josh8282]

I registered just to post a response to this review. I hope that my taste in media is eclectic enough that dpunk won't look down on me. Anyway, to the point.

I've been a Quietdrive fan for a long time. Since 2002, actually. The band actually recorded their first EP in my buddy's basement in Minnetonka, MN. It was a six-track romp in post-grunge. I'd be willing to bet most current QD fans have never heard that pretty poorly mixed album. I still queue it up sometimes. "KB" and "Something That I'm Not" still bring a smile to my face. Did you know there was a mix of "Something That I'm Not" that had Kevin Singing "Brandon's gay" at the end of the song? That's just to put into perspective how long I've been a fan. Not as long as some, but longer than most.

Quietdrive really hit their stride with their 2003 Demo. It has the track "Handsome Devil's Benediction" that someone alluded to earlier, and my favorite QD track, "Irreversible." They still play these tracks at some shows. Honestly, this was when I was most excited about QD, when they really seemed to nail the kind of sound I personally long for - catchy, sophisticated, and edgy.

I first heard Sneaker 2 Bombs when I was home in MN from college in Florida. It was a side project that Kevin had started up with Matt Kirby. The stuff they wrote was catchy, simple, and lighthearted. It was like Dashboard Confessional had taken over QD... but in a good way. I really liked "Take a Drink," and "Both Ways." But, I always preferred the grittier sound of Quietdrive proper.

I was overjoyed when I heard about them signing with a major label. Then there seemed to be an identity crisis in the band. Many of you may remember how they struggled to find themselves a new name. They cycled through a couple of different options; first dropping the Quietdrive moniker altogether and becoming Sneaker 2 Bombs. Then there was some nonsense about becoming "The Neverending..." Eventually, they settled back on Quietdrive. I took this as a good sign that the edgy rock I'd heard on the 2003 EP was going to be refined and be the primary direction of the band. I was completely wrong.

Instead what we got were reproduced (see the tempo changes on "Get Up") and slightly dumbed down (see the change in lyrical content of "Rush Together") of a number of Sneaker 2 Bombs songs, plus a couple of new decent tracks, and a Cyndi Lauper cover. I like When All Thats Left Is You... as a Sneaker 2 Bombs record. You could hear what had been Quietdrive trying to sneak through on "Rise From the Ashes," but other than that it was largely absent.

Sometime later, at a bar in Minneapolis, I tagged along with the same kid who recorded their first EP to see them. I asked one of them (don't remember if it was Droo or Brandon) how being on a record label was going. Whoever I was talking to was generally dismayed about the lack of control they had over the first record, and indicated a desire to return to some of the old sounds of Quietdrive. I was heartened by this talk! Could it be that the band I was so keen about would actually deliver on that promise they made in 2003?

When I first heard "Pretend," I was hopeful. The tune still wasn't as edgy as I'd have liked, but I decided to give the guys the benefit of the doubt. I still really like the song, and listened to it countless times. It was a really solid rock song. When a buddy told me the title track for the new album was up on their website, I typed in the URL, crossed my fingers, and waited.

As "Deliverance" washed over me, my hopes were dashed to the floor. This was not Quietdrive. This was some other entity that had stripped a band of what made the band unique and replaced it with something mundane and cavity inducing. Still, I forgot about the song, moved on with my life. When the album was released, I came back, hopeful again that I'd find something inspiring in the ashes. When I heard "Believe" my spirits were lifted. The title track even grew on me a bit. But as I listened to the rest of the album, I slowly came to understand that Quietdrive would probably never again offer me what I want from a band. The lyrical content of this album is mostly drivel. And believe me, I know drivel. The tunes, while catchy, aren't exactly sophisticated. I can only figure that this is a band that doesn't want to be taken seriously. They write songs about being in love with or losing the ever-present unnamed girl, that express emotion on the most remedial of levels. To be brusque, their intended audience seems to be teenagers or others with naive or simplistic ideas about love and life.

Perhaps for some that's enough. I demand more from my music for the most part. I want allegory and entendre. I want insightful lyrics about the struggles of being in a relationship, and making it through the day to day shit. Not a bunch of BS about getting shit-faced and forgetting a nameless girl's birthday. I can liken it to the step backward that Story of the Year took on In The Wake of Determination. What's particularly alarming to me is the verbiage on the QD website about how proud they are of this record. They may have worked tirelessly to create this work. But for me, and for a lot of people who aren't hopelessly devoted, it falls tremendously short of expectations.
Spot on.