Emery - While Broken Hearts Prevail

[Blake Solomon]

Emery – While Broken Hearts Prevail
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Release Date: October 28, 2008

I’m going to criminally indict myself to prove a point.

With a renewed hope, I downloaded While Broken Hearts Prevail. Emery obviously realized I’m Only A Man was terrible, and this new EP was to be their peace offering. Hoorah! I assuaged my guilty conscience by promising to buy the disc upon its release. Because, in my mind, there was no way this album would suck. Well conscience, f**k you. While Broken Hearts Prevail doesn’t stop Emery’s fatal bleeding. It’s just more boo-hooing over chicks and “Look! We scream!” breakdowns. In the interest of legality, here’s my disclaimer: Downloads should be used for research purposes only. If an album reeks of regurgitation and boring ballads, delete immediately.

You know, I feel a little misled. “The Smile, The Face” and “Edge of the World” open the EP with our favorite Emery characteristics: an even mixture of screaming and singing, guitars that smash as often as they weave, drums that feign at hardcore repetition only to mess around with intricate cymbals and tempo shifts. Dudes, they’re back! High five me! Wanna make out? And make out we did, for approximately 6 minutes. Then “Say The Things (You Want)” begins and my musical libido disappears again. It’s a fast-moving track and despite begging to be relevant like rockers on The Question, the chorus and stutter-step guitars only serve as a thinly veiled dichotomy to the slow-down-get-serious-twankle-twankle bridge. This “mature” section is easily foreseeable, as are the lyrics: “You’ve dug my heart out of me / I thought you loved me / But you don’t.” Those words are a perfect example of the themes throughout While Broken Hearts Prevail. Shocking, I know.

“Ten Talents” moves slow and features a scream oddly reminiscent of the aliens in Independence Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTMYnvEMgDk). Other than the distorted screams and a back-and-forth between 80’s hair metal guitars and uplifting singing (“Love is all we need!”), this song is completely forgettable. “It Always Depends” has lots of synthesizers, but hell, I’m tired of taking a crap on these songs.

This is hard; Emery were one of those bands for me. And I know, forget history. But I don’t even believe Emery have lost their way completely (I point again to the first two songs), they have just chosen to stifle the best parts of their sound. Dynamics and an interesting angle on regular scene topics were what made Emery recognizable in the first place. Now we have albums without flair and EP’s that feel ridiculously repetitive. There’s no easy way out of this ditch. And it would be unfair to simply say, “Do what you did back then.” Don’t misunderstand: I’m never a fan of “Part II” albums. However, Emery have plenty of defining factors that can be twisted, shaped and molded into more good songs. Hopefully they will begin using their formidable skills for good and not for acoustic-trash like “Do The Things (You Want).”


Recommended If You Like: As Cities Burn, A Thorn for Every Heart, checking Tyrone's myspace as soon as you get out of jail, The Classic Crime, peeing in front of strangers


www.myspace.com/emery

[Blake Solomon]

Short version: go to itunes tomorrow and get yourself the first two songs on this album. They're worth it. Leave the rest alone.

[Drew Beringer]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha haha

[sargentlgfuad]

uh-oh

[hockeyguitar99]

I liked this, it wasn't as good as I was hoping, but I liked it.

[aradiantsunrise]

Whoa, I was not expecting such a low score for this one. :/

[c_rob2700]

Recommended If You Like: As Cities Burn, A Thorn for Every Heart, checking Tyrone's myspace as soon as you get out of jail, The Classic Crime, peeing in front of strangers




i should like this then

[WhoSaidThat?]

Aye Aye Aye!

[WhoSaidThat?]

Recommended If You Like: As Cities Burn, A Thorn for Every Heart, checking Tyrone's myspace as soon as you get out of jail, The Classic Crime, peeing in front of strangers




i should like this then
Haha.

[Blake Solomon]

Whoa, I was not expecting such a low score for this one. :/

Me neither, I fell asleep listening to the record and the score was recorded. I heard the door shut just as I awoke and saw a little person with a shamrock in his hat. He was driving a segway and he scared the shit out of me.

Recommended If You Like: As Cities Burn, A Thorn for Every Heart, checking Tyrone's myspace as soon as you get out of jail, The Classic Crime, peeing in front of strangers




i should like this then


When you got it, flaunt it.

[S9Dallasoz]

Damn, I actually didn't think it sucked. At least until track 5 and on.

[Jeremy Aaron]

I was kind of anxious to hear this. The wind's been taken out of my sails a little because I thought this might be redemption. Oh well, I'll listen anyway and make up my own mind.

[tbsrock08]

Wow. Excellent Review!!! Damn. Tracks 1 and 2 renewed my hopes for Emery but the rest is just MEHHHH!?!??!?!?! WTF IS THIS??!?!?!?!?!?

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Ouch, I liked 1-2 but i didn't mind 5 either. Good review though blake.

[Chellebellx0210]

Ahh man... I was planning on getting it

[DI Pistola]

Hmm... Rough review, but I enjoy peeing in front of strangers.
Might have to pick this up.

[Klatzke]

I loved the Question, and a few songs on Only A Man..

What I've heard of this blew though.

[Daniel Thompson]

damn. such a bad score.

[SandManTEND13]

I will take the advice and buy the first two tracks tomorrow haha, you saved my some money thanks! haha good review I enjoyed it

[FaceLixeMurder]

I still like it, but not Emery worthy

[Ryzenfall]

Hmm... I liked the songs they posted on myspace.
Good review. I'll probably always root for these guys despite the crap they may crank out.

[princesschad]

Haha.

[Jet Set Paul]

Ahh man... I was planning on getting it
Same here.

It would've been the first time I actually paid for music in over a year.

I guess not...

[ArTkY_]

This is one of the funniest reviews I've ever read. I think I love you.

[Jamos4184]

You know, it just seems to me that ever since their bass player left after The Question that something has been strangely amiss with the boys in Emery. I'll still buy this because I can't help but love whatever Emery does and let it grow on me like an awkward patchy beard.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

Do The Things (You Want) is such a weird track. It's clearly a jab at detractors of their last album and yet...those detractors do have a point...

[Blake Solomon]

Do The Things (You Want) is such a weird track. It's clearly a jab at detractors of their last album and yet...those detractors do have a point...


agreed.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

agreed.
It seems accusatory in certain passages which I have a hard time stomaching as well. These lines in particular:

You were with us but you let these thoughts in your head
we're not who we're supposed to be,
with all the symptoms
of the sickness we have seen
are you better off leaving?

...kind of bother me the most. I feel like by now...my answer to their question here is pretty much, "yes." I don't think I like being told by a band that I'm basically wrong for not liking their music.

[Nick Le]

i enjoyed it...the first two are the best though. and i think i like the thoughtlife (demo) better...the alt. version isn't too bad.

[ihavechappedlip]

I'm glad to see someone else disliked "I'm Only A Man". I thought it was alright. They were trying to do some new things. TRYING, is the key word. Sometimes it seemed like they were just feeling it, but even the rockers aren't great, and they get ollllld (especially "World Away")

My friends think this cd is amazing. Of course, they don't have "The Question". Emery is not good because they can tried to take the melody out of their music, they are good because they are dynamic. They can rock harder than anyone, they can slow it down with the best of them, and all of the in-between.

[Chris Fallon]

I just don't like this band anymore. I grew out of them rather quickly after the last album, which was terrible.

[cereal4life]

I like this EP. You're right though Blake: first two tracks are a rocking good time and the remaining ones pail in comparison. I was amped when I heard the two tracks they previewed on myspace! Oh well, still an enjoyable listen and I still think that it's worthy of a buy.

[cereal4life]

And to be honest, I enjoy the cheeseball ballads.

[John is a cult]

gahh, i was so excited for this release.
oh well. i'll probably still buy it, or download it illegally, then download the ones i like from itunes.
i miss emery =-[

[meghanlail]

Contrary to popular opinion, I really love I'm Only A Man. It took a while, but it grew on me.

I like what I've heard of this EP from their myspace, so if the rest of it is like IOAM, I'll probably get it.

[threepunchjim]

I hate to be the one that lives in the past, but damn, I miss The Weak's End. But yeah, I agree with Fallon; I'm Only a Man was a clear sign for me to move on to bigger and better things.

[hahasnorlax]

I think we can all agree that if the old Emery returned, it would be one of the greatest things ever, and if the old Emery doesn't return, we'd almost be better off with no Emery at all =[.

[laflava]

spot fucking on.

[popdisaster00]

haha, good review. i haven't even listened but don't need to because everyone is saying this same exact thing about it.

i miss the weak's end.

[combatchuckaa]

Who's Emery?

The Question was a great album...

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Nice review.

[coryatlarge]

well that was a let down.. but deep in my heart i think i knew it wasnt going to be anything special

[hardpill]

I have to whole heartedly disagree. This is a return to what Emery is. I loved this ep, and was incredibly relieved to hear what i would buy an Emery album to hear.
The only thing I can say about this is, if you didn't like this ep, then this really just isn't your band.

[Dirge07]

i actually liked it on my first listen-through, but then again i wasn't paying full attention to listening when it was playing lol. guess i'll give it another go...

awesome review man.

[Dunn.Nope]

wow "do the things (you want)" is so freaking emo, if they make a crappy CD they will get criticized.

no just wrote a bad song about it, makes everything better

[topher465]

I miss the question.

[blindrider529]

I'm Only a Man had some solid music on it.
I will buy this today and I will love it.

[Colto0824]

I actually liked I'm Only A Man... I wasn't as big of a fan of the question... But The Weaks End is by far my favorite...

[goodnewsgeorge]

i loved this ep
lol

[Steve Henderson]

Awesome/hilarious review Blake. Props.

[stealthpeng]

Why does everyone hate "I'm Only a Man" besides the fact it was mostly a re-tread of Question with slightly less intriguing themes in the lyrics? People bash it for having dancey synth, even though they've always used synth... they just used a lot less in Question. I think for Emery to do any better than Question, they'll have to resort to "concept album rock opera" but, that seems to be more cliché than anything right now.

[genericmadness]

The Weak's End is probably the greatest album to ever be lumped into the "scene". That's all I really want to say about this

[counting_saturn]

I agree that IOAM is nowhere near the greatness the is The Question and Weaks End, I still think its better than 95% of everything else out there.

[Kbm600]

I don't care. I'll still like it. I've been wanting this for too long. But nice review, seemed a little too harsh though, score and wordplay. But nevertheless, good review.

[Bo Eberle]

wow I totally disagree. yeah theres some weak spots here but I think Ten Talents is the highlight here and Edge of the World and the Smile, The Face are also awesome enough to justify the whole thing. although I will admit I love IOAM so I may be insane.

[megan0507]

I remember I saw them in April and they played Say the Things for the first time and I was like sweet! a new song so I started recording it and then I had to stop because I realized it kinda sucked. It was acoustic though so I dont know if that had anything to do with it.

[megan0507]

wow I totally disagree. yeah theres some weak spots here but I think Ten Talents is the highlight here and Edge of the World and the Smile, The Face are also awesome enough to justify the whole thing. although I will admit I love IOAM so I may be insane.

Thanks. I was beginning to think I was the only one who loved that cd

[mybreakingpoint]

hahaha i was thinking about checking this out (i liked a few songs a couple years ago), but now i won't bother. thanks, blake.

[Image1080]

Fuck that review, I agree that I'm only a Man was not their strongest album but in the same token not garbage. I feel this EP for the most part is stepping in the right direction. I feel that if you hated I'm Only a Man going into listening this Ep it is hard for them to do you Justice!!! It is a great Ep and i suggest everyone go out and get it.

<3 Emery

[blindrider529]

After purchasing and giving it a listen I disagree with the general view of the the music in this review.

The only song I'm really not a fan of at all is Thoughtlife. It wasn't very good on the Deluxe edition of The Question and it's still not good with all types of nifty production. I also only listened to part of the last song, and while it didn't sound bad, it didn't catch me. Everything else was excellent!

This EP sounds MUCH more like The Weak's End and The Question than I'm Only a Man.

As an adoring fan of Emery (The Question is one of my favorite albums, hands down) I HIGHLY recommend this and tell you that their is much, much hope for fans of the older Emery!

[xsinkshipsx]

I feel like I was the only person who liked I'm only a man from the start. I have really liked anything they have put out. I wouldnt say they are one of my favorite bands by any means but I feel like any mishaps they have are easily over looked and they just make quality music. I will still by this regardless of the review but I do think they review was funny and well written.

[awakeohsleeper]

Ah man, I thought this was going to be a welcome revival. No! I'll go and cry myself to sleep now...

(Great review by the way)

[xhellalujahx]

Party on, Blake.

No Weak's End, no care. What happened to this band.

[oncedarkness]

I heard lots of good for this besides for this review. Pretty harsh haha.

[manican sex]

back in the day "walls" was my jam

[acatalano]

"I don't know how many iPods we see these days filled with bands, and then when you go to check out a band the iPod only has ONE of their songs. If you like 'Walls' and you think that is Emery, well, then we feel really sorry for you. We write honest music that we love, and then hope and pray that you will love it too. That's what a music scene should be: people supporting bands and bands being humble and appreciative of what their fans mean to them. We do appreciate you guys SO FREAKING MUCH, but we can't accept being labeled and kept in a box. That's selling out: writing 'Walls' fifty different ways so we can pick up a paycheck. We are going to be around for a while and we hope every step of the way you will be there as fans and ever more as friends that have help us along each step. Also, if you feel differently, come up and talk to bands, any band, face to face, instead of hiding behind some cheesy name you think is cool, on some website." - Toby Morrell in the liner notes of "While Broken Hearts Prevail". Thank you all dissenters for proving his point to all the real fans.

[Jake Denning]

Blake, have you even seen Emery live? Emery's pretty dang good live. I downloaded the half-leak of the EP, and it blew me away, no joke.

[ExplodingStereo]

I miss the question.

Yeah, agreed. I saw them live 2 or 3 years ago and they kind of sucked, but I still bought and really liked The Question. They're one of those bands that are good, but not memorable enough. It's like I grew out of them or some stupid cliche thing like that.

[BruisedxBroken]

I am only man was a pos. sucks to hear they haven't changed much since...

[JustAGirl01]

Recommended If You Like: As Cities Burn, A Thorn for Every Heart, checking Tyrone's myspace as soon as you get out of jail, The Classic Crime, peeing in front of strangers

nice sexdrive reference

[Blake Solomon]

nice sexdrive reference


YES OH GOD YES SOMEBODY GOT IT! Nobody ever gets my references! YOU ARE RULER FOR A DAY

[Blake Solomon]

"I don't know how many iPods we see these days filled with bands, and then when you go to check out a band the iPod only has ONE of their songs. If you like 'Walls' and you think that is Emery, well, then we feel really sorry for you. We write honest music that we love, and then hope and pray that you will love it too. That's what a music scene should be: people supporting bands and bands being humble and appreciative of what their fans mean to them. We do appreciate you guys SO FREAKING MUCH, but we can't accept being labeled and kept in a box. That's selling out: writing 'Walls' fifty different ways so we can pick up a paycheck. We are going to be around for a while and we hope every step of the way you will be there as fans and ever more as friends that have help us along each step. Also, if you feel differently, come up and talk to bands, any band, face to face, instead of hiding behind some cheesy name you think is cool, on some website." - Toby Morrell in the liner notes of "While Broken Hearts Prevail". Thank you all dissenters for proving his point to all the real fans.


I mean, I can imagine it's hard for people to harp on one song when you have 30+. It's a great song, but like I said, I'm calling for them to use their tools (tobey's voice being one of them) to recreate themselves. It's clear that's what they want: to be fresh. But that doesn't mean you have to undo what you have created. There are lots of parts to their sound, many of which could be parts of good songs, but losing old for new and making an about face isn't working for them. There just isn't that overt mixture anymore: the harmonizing sung vocals and the sometimes randomly placed screams. It's all so predictable now. Emery's first few albums worked because of dark textures that felt distinct and real. They felt relatable. As those moods and textures have faded away, it's become more apparent that many of these songs are similar and, when not part of a bigger picture, lose their mass appeal.

I'd be sad if I was included in that list of people he's talking about. I want nothing more than Emery to succeed on a large scale. And yes, my words are dick-ish, but that's posturing, acting, entertainment value. It hurts to not like these songs, which is why I included the last paragraph with a possible solution, and it's why I've written two paragraphs in respond to this.

[Clark]

At the time of their releases, I love The Weak's End and really enjoyed The Question, but I never listened to their last album after previewing a few tracks and hating them. Judging by your review, it seems like they still haven't recovered.

[circatbs]

wow, i though it was pretty good. still a thousand times better than only a man.

[Heroin Robot]

Lol. Dumb review.

[circatbs]

back in the day "walls" was my jam

damn good song

[eversoinviting]

Amusing review. I really enjoyed the first 2 tracks after hearing them on myspace, but was a little let down by the third. I guess it's just a downward spiral from there.

[Shrillex]

ah man emery was one of those bands where every track off their album was amazing but since im only a man they have gone down hill

[genericmadness]

hahaha i was thinking about checking this out (i liked a few songs a couple years ago), but now i won't bother. thanks, blake.

don't be weak, go formulate your own opinion... "the smile, the face" is SUCH a good song

[redfalcon431]

people shouldn't take other people's word for stuff, i haven't heard this cd but i like emery and i am going to go buy it and listen to it, don't listen to certain music just because someone else doesn't like it

[BinacaFreak]

i have GOT to disagree with you on this one, man.
yes tracks 1 and 2 are finally what us old emery fans have been waiting for since "walls," but the rest of the ep is absolutely NOT trash.
"ten talents" is beautiful and "thoughtlife" has got to be the most gorgeous work they've penned.
yes i love emery's screaming as much as the next fan, but you've gotta have respect for not just their versatility but the quality of their different styles.
i guess that's just where we differ in opinions.
i would give this album an 86% and recommend it to EVERY fan who's lost hope in this gem of a group.

[world_is_static]

I just don't like this band anymore. I grew out of them rather quickly after the last album, which was terrible.

ah I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

emery was amazing live in 2005, and As Your Voice Fades had a huge impact on me. now I can't even get through any of their cds knowing what they're writing now and how arrogant they come off as, i mean, 'i know you like to party but the party never stops??' they are so much more than mediocre cliche lyrics. call me a bad fan. but thats the way the cookie crumbles.

it feels like they're trying to hard with everything post The Question and over thinking each song. it's not about re-writing the question 20 times, its about learning where you can improve and evolving (and taking criticism and LEARNING from it, instead of going YOU'RE WRONG) not trying to run away from a cd that made you popular.


it was an excellent review given by someone who was obviously was let down by a favorite band.

[Mens]

ah I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

emery was amazing live in 2005, and As Your Voice Fades had a huge impact on me. now I can't even get through any of their cds knowing what they're writing now and how arrogant they come off as, i mean, 'i know you like to party but the party never stops??' they are so much more than mediocre cliche lyrics. call me a bad fan. but thats the way the cookie crumbles.

it feels like they're trying to hard with everything post The Question and over thinking each song. it's not about re-writing the question 20 times, its about learning where you can improve and evolving (and taking criticism and LEARNING from it, instead of going YOU'RE WRONG) not trying to run away from a cd that made you popular.


it was an excellent review given by someone who was obviously was let down by a favorite band.
well said.

I'm glad though in the disclaimer they said they will be around for a while. They will come through again hopefully.

[Heart-A-Tact]

This shit is 15 bucks at my Best Buy. What the hell?

[verybarrywhyte]

"It Always Depends" is actually a pre-The Weak's End track.
First track off their The Columbus Eep Thee, from 2002 I believe.

[updownleftright]

This shit is 15 bucks at my Best Buy. What the hell?
hahaha are you serious?!

I happen to like this EP a lot more than The Question. It's more catchy, and the breakdowns in the first two songs bring back memories from Weaks End. Granted this is because The Question caught me off guard and I was orginally disappointed they lost their 'harder' factor. This record gets a 7/10 in my books.

[updownleftright]

"It Always Depends" is actually a pre-The Weak's End track.
First track off their The Columbus Eep Thee, from 2002 I believe.
oh wow I didn't even notice that, you're totally right. I like the new version a lot more though.

[Heart-A-Tact]

hahaha are you serious?!

I happen to like this EP a lot more than The Question. It's more catchy, and the breakdowns in the first two songs bring back memories from Weaks End. Granted this is because The Question caught me off guard and I was orginally disappointed they lost their 'harder' factor. This record gets a 7/10 in my books.

Haha, I shit you not. I did want it, but not after I saw the price.

[redfalcon431]

This shit is 15 bucks at my Best Buy. What the hell?

it says it is fifteen bucks but when you check out it is only ten bucks since it just came out this week

[Heart-A-Tact]

it says it is fifteen bucks but when you check out it is only ten bucks since it just came out this week

Ah, really? I'll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks, man.

[LastDeclaration]

Fucking great review. I didn't really like anything after The Weak's End...

[Roboman]

I'm glad to see someone else disliked "I'm Only A Man". I thought it was alright. They were trying to do some new things. TRYING, is the key word. Sometimes it seemed like they were just feeling it, but even the rockers aren't great, and they get ollllld (especially "World Away")

My friends think this cd is amazing. Of course, they don't have "The Question". Emery is not good because they can tried to take the melody out of their music, they are good because they are dynamic. They can rock harder than anyone, they can slow it down with the best of them, and all of the in-between.

Seriously? Where have you been? Whenever Emery is mentioned, the haters for that album come out of the woodwork...just read the other replies in this thread. I sure don't hate it, as Emery has been one of my favorite bands since The Question, and this EP won't change that at all.

[Silver Bullets]

"I don't know how many iPods we see these days filled with bands, and then when you go to check out a band the iPod only has ONE of their songs. If you like 'Walls' and you think that is Emery, well, then we feel really sorry for you. We write honest music that we love, and then hope and pray that you will love it too. That's what a music scene should be: people supporting bands and bands being humble and appreciative of what their fans mean to them. We do appreciate you guys SO FREAKING MUCH, but we can't accept being labeled and kept in a box. That's selling out: writing 'Walls' fifty different ways so we can pick up a paycheck. We are going to be around for a while and we hope every step of the way you will be there as fans and ever more as friends that have help us along each step. Also, if you feel differently, come up and talk to bands, any band, face to face, instead of hiding behind some cheesy name you think is cool, on some website." - Toby Morrell in the liner notes of "While Broken Hearts Prevail". Thank you all dissenters for proving his point to all the real fans.


Great quote.


I really like this EP.

[Cheesus]

You know, it just seems to me that ever since their bass player left after The Question that something has been strangely amiss with the boys in Emery. I'll still buy this because I can't help but love whatever Emery does and let it grow on me like an awkward patchy beard.

It was the combination of that and not re-listing Aaron Sprinkle as their producer. I will stand by this opinion until I die.

[hahasnorlax]

Aaron Sprinkle = God
Everything he touches is amazing.

[SamTheMan677]

terrible review

[Cheesus]

terrible review
no

[Drew Beringer]

It's a great, funny, well-written review, had me in tears. While I disagree with some of it, and agree with other points, I do enjoy this. It's definitely a step up from IOAM and I usually view EP's as transitions between LPs, hopefully they have more songs like The Smile The Face on the next album.

[Blake Solomon]

Aaron Sprinkle = God
Everything he touches is amazing.


God might have a problem with this comment.

[world_is_static]

well said.

I'm glad though in the disclaimer they said they will be around for a while. They will come through again hopefully.

thanks
yeah, I bet they'll figure out where they really want to bring their sound soon, or hope they do. : /

[SamTheMan677]

no
yes terrible and unfunny

NEXTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

[dmb]

I think it's alot better than a 49%

[ihavechappedlip]

Seriously? Where have you been? Whenever Emery is mentioned, the haters for that album come out of the woodwork...just read the other replies in this thread. I sure don't hate it, as Emery has been one of my favorite bands since The Question, and this EP won't change that at all.

I've never read anything about them on this site. I have seen elsewhere that people think everything since The Weak's End sucks or is going downhill but that is ridiculous. There is no way that The Question is worse than The Weak's End. It can only seem that way if you listened to The Question once or twice and barely gave most tracks the time of day.

[chhholly]

i am actually really enjoying this ep. except for the last track. you're right, its crap. but other than that, i think its pretty good. i agree that "the smile, the face" and "the edge of the world" are the best it has to offer, but i don't think the rest was as bad as you made it out to be.

[youwithoutMe]

i pretty much agree, the first 2 songs are pretty good and then it goes way downhill

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

"I don't know how many iPods we see these days filled with bands, and then when you go to check out a band the iPod only has ONE of their songs. If you like 'Walls' and you think that is Emery, well, then we feel really sorry for you. We write honest music that we love, and then hope and pray that you will love it too. That's what a music scene should be: people supporting bands and bands being humble and appreciative of what their fans mean to them. We do appreciate you guys SO FREAKING MUCH, but we can't accept being labeled and kept in a box. That's selling out: writing 'Walls' fifty different ways so we can pick up a paycheck. We are going to be around for a while and we hope every step of the way you will be there as fans and ever more as friends that have help us along each step. Also, if you feel differently, come up and talk to bands, any band, face to face, instead of hiding behind some cheesy name you think is cool, on some website." - Toby Morrell in the liner notes of "While Broken Hearts Prevail". Thank you all dissenters for proving his point to all the real fans.
Well see, I have the whole Weak's End album as well as the entire The Question album on my iPod as well as a few songs off of I'm Only a Man. I also have all of their demo's and b-sides on my iPod. That being said, I still did not enjoy I'm Only a Man as a whole and I'm not really all that into this EP either. Yeah, a couple of songs are alright but it just doesn't do a whole lot for me. I don't think just "Walls" is Emery. I enjoyed pretty much all of their first two albums and, as previously mentioned, a few songs off of I'm Only a Man. I don't think they should feel sorry for me because I don't like some of their new music. I'm, you know, allowed to form my own opinion. If I don't like it, I don't like it. Do I want to label them and put them into a box? No. It's great that they want to explore new musical terrain, I like progress. I'm just not that into their current path of progress. If you read that and think I'm just a dick, well fine. It's only my opinion. I'm not trying to hide behind some "cheesy name I think is cool, on some website," either. Hello Emery, my name is Tim. I like your band, I like your music. I have more than one song of yours on my iPod. No, I'm not really all that into your last full album or this new EP and I'm sorry if you feel offended by that. Sometimes people like things, sometimes they don't. I'm just not that into the type of music found on I'm Only a Man. I really don't know that there's anything more to say on the issue because...that's really all there is at the end of the day. I'm not that into your newest releases and that upsets you, so you made a song about it telling me that I'm wrong. Sorry. I don't hate you and I honestly hope you do continue on in your careers. I wish you no ill will just because I happen to dislike an album you wrote. Sheesh.

[hcky0819]

I disagree with this review. I have been a fan since The Question and I would say this EP is right on par with where I expect them to be at this time in their career. You stated that you would not like a "'Part II" but they tried something different from their previous three albums and as a result, you gave Emery and unquestionably low grade. However, you would presumbbly have called a "The Question II" old, not maturing, the same, no difference, Emery tried to go a different direction on this album, one has to take into account. Howver, this EP is nothing special, it is not as horrible as you state. It deserves a couple listens, and you will hear hints of the greateness that Emery still has in them. Besides, this is just one EP. Base more of your opinion on an LP.

Peace and <3
oh, and i would probably giove this EP an 71%

[Blake Solomon]

Well see, I have the whole Weak's End album as well as the entire The Question album on my iPod as well as a few songs off of I'm Only a Man. I also have all of their demo's and b-sides on my iPod. That being said, I still did not enjoy I'm Only a Man as a whole and I'm not really all that into this EP either. Yeah, a couple of songs are alright but it just doesn't do a whole lot for me. I don't think just "Walls" is Emery. I enjoyed pretty much all of their first two albums and, as previously mentioned, a few songs off of I'm Only a Man. I don't think they should feel sorry for me because I don't like some of their new music. I'm, you know, allowed to form my own opinion. If I don't like it, I don't like it. Do I want to label them and put them into a box? No. It's great that they want to explore new musical terrain, I like progress. I'm just not that into their current path of progress. If you read that and think I'm just a dick, well fine. It's only my opinion. I'm not trying to hide behind some "cheesy name I think is cool, on some website," either. Hello Emery, my name is Tim. I like your band, I like your music. I have more than one song of yours on my iPod. No, I'm not really all that into your last full album or this new EP and I'm sorry if you feel offended by that. Sometimes people like things, sometimes they don't. I'm just not that into the type of music found on I'm Only a Man. I really don't know that there's anything more to say on the issue because...that's really all there is at the end of the day. I'm not that into your newest releases and that upsets you, so you made a song about it telling me that I'm wrong. Sorry. I don't hate you and I honestly hope you do continue on in your careers. I wish you no ill will just because I happen to dislike an album you wrote. Sheesh.


well said my man

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

well said my man
Thanks. I tried.

[pinklipgloss]

You've brought on the lulz with this one, sir. Nice.

[Cheesus]

Aaron Sprinkle = God
Everything he touches is amazing.
This is true. were you replying to my post or did i miss something? did he do this ep or something?

[minitoast]

whoa.. kinda low ratings there. from what i've heard it's wayy better than I'm only a man.. but that review is kinda harsh, don'tcha think?

[hockeyguitar99]

After extensive listens, I dislike more than you did Blake, and completely agree. First two tracks, great, next 5, terrible.

[Jamos4184]

God might have a problem with this comment.


I believe Aaron Sprinkle would too (being a God-fearing man).

[soulineyes]

This EP is great. It surprises me it got such a low score from you based on past reviews. giving ADTR a higher score for their re-release than this? I think that's way off.

[DoesJosieCare]

I've heard about this band. Personally, not my type of stuff.

[JustAGirl01]

YES OH GOD YES SOMEBODY GOT IT! Nobody ever gets my references! YOU ARE RULER FOR A DAY

man too bad i didnt get that till today haha. can i cash that in now?

[solo.nate]

I completely agree with this review! Of course, it's always the good songs that bands put on their MySpace to psych you up. And the first couple songs on this EP are indeed good. I can listen to them over and over. But the rest? UGH.

[ilovesofie]

this is not a correct score, this is better than i'm only a man, without a doubt.