There for Tomorrow - There for Tomorrow EP

[Steve Henderson]

There for Tomorrow – There for Tomorrow EP
Release Date: August 5th, 2008
Record Label: Hopeless Records

It’s easy to remember back to a time just a few years ago when bands outside the major label bubble all sounded like the starving indies that they were. Their recordings sounded like dogshit for the most part, and for good reason – they tended to be recorded in a garage, a basement, or a bedroom, and in a time before widespread adoption of ProTools and other fancy aids. However, in the last 5 years or so, this notion has gone out the window, when new-ish bands now have access to, and are coughing up the cash to record with same top flight producers. Panic did it with Squire, and the result paid off for both parties as an irrefutable hit. Alive in Wild Paint recorded with Trombino, with a far less commercially smashing aftermath, but nevertheless, a record that sounds pristine. There for Tomorrow are one of the more recent acts to go down this path, enlisting the skills of the venerable James Paul Wisner to produce their first two EPs. The results are, of course, what you might expect. A huge sounding set of tracks from a relatively new band that sound a lot further along than they really are.

There for Tomorrow are at least refreshing in that they play a type of music that is becoming somewhat rare right now, especially within the ranks of the Hopeless roster. Their sound is far more mature than the rash of pop-punk copycats out there, but they consistently exhibit an indelible ear for true pop appeal in their tunes. The end results end up being an sugar-coated blend of high-energy rock that is equal parts appealing and mundane in its safety. Frontman Maika Maile has the perfect voice for this fence-sitting brand of rock – not as shrill as a Cove Reber yet much more refined than, say, a Kenny Vasoli – he ends up sounding more like a Jason Vena-in-training, which is no short compliment. His vocals are really quite pleasant – in fact, there is little issue to be taken with that aspect of the band’s sound.

The only gripes with the seven tracks on There for Tomorrow stem not from the execution of the plans here, but rather the foundations themselves. Cuts like “Deadlines” and “Pages” are two of the EP’s better samples, but they still come off sounding like emulations of bands that have paved the way for these guys long ago. The guitars swirl in ambient blares and chunky riffs in the same fashion, the vocal tracks double up in just the right places, percussion is by-the-numbers, and so forth. The elevated energy levels are entirely believable, but it doesn’t serve to overcome the lack of originality here – a problem that becomes more severe by the lesser latter tracks. By the end of the EP, it is not at all painful to keep the music playing, but just shy of impossible to remain engaged.

Overall, There for Tomorrow are obviously a skilled band with mountains of potential. It shows on this EP, and it is fitting that they have signed to the ever-expanding ranks of Hopeless Records. Their release starts off strong enough, but loses a lot as it treads on with recycled, half-baked hooks and a much duller edge – something they will certainly have to remedy before a proper LP release. Of course, Wisner is the real star here, putting together a collection of tracks dressed to the nines, elevating an otherwise above average offering to the next level entirely.


Anberlin, Saosin, Ivoryline, Acceptance, Armor for Sleep

[topher465]

If this scene is worth anything, this band will be huge.

[billyboatkid]

Love this band and their EP's. Glad to see them finally getting some recognition.

Florida is poppin' them out like hot cakes.

[johnnylcd]

good tunes, too much rockstar for me though. the one important aspect they forgot to take from anberlin is humility and modesty. i really enjoy the sound of the album, the lyrics just don't do anything for me for 2 reasons: their attitudes don't back the words up and they simply just aren't very good lyrics. *waits for the myspacewhores to chew me up*. i know this is just an album review, but these guys are really really good live, so i'll give them credit for that. great/bold review though steve.

[ManicanParty49]

Not a huge fan. I can't really get into it. I respect the hell out of this band though cause they toured like crazy before they got signed, and are extremely hard workers. They are very talented, and for while I may not enjoy every song, I have to give them credit for being able to write music that doesn't sound like every dime a dozen band right now, and make it poppy enough to be on tour with all those dime a dozen band.

[Young Machetes]

I saw these guys for the second time with Anberlin last night.

They're solid live, and I see big things in the future.

[dru]

If this band was more versatile with what they can do with their music, and wrote better lyrics, I'd like them a lot more. Let's hope it shows on the full-length.

[celeney]

I love their stuff and they're awesome live.

[tm decomposer]

Not that good.

[gphatx]

I love this band. Saw them with Anberlin on Halloween, they put on a great live show. Can't wait to see what happens with their upcoming LP.

[myhearturhands]

nice review.i wish i was seeing them with straylight run this weekend but noo ;-)

[Kgod]

Also saw these guys with Anberlin about a week ago( Courtesy of AP, ty) and thought I'd give the ep a chance. Listened to it for the first time today and I think its great. Stronger focus on vocals and instruments then catchy, hooky lyrics and I think it gives it more substance then half the stuff I've been hearing lately. Like that guy before said, "If this scene is worth anything, this band will be huge."

Also, enjoyed the review but not a hundred percent in agreement. I think the ep actually ends with one of the stronger tracks, as opposed to fizzling out.

[Steve Henderson]

Also saw these guys with Anberlin about a week ago( Courtesy of AP, ty) and thought I'd give the ep a chance. Listened to it for the first time today and I think its great. Stronger focus on vocals and instruments then catchy, hooky lyrics and I think it gives it more substance then half the stuff I've been hearing lately. Like that guy before said, "If this scene is worth anything, this band will be huge."

Also, enjoyed the review but not a hundred percent in agreement. I think the ep actually ends with one of the stronger tracks, as opposed to fizzling out.
I enjoy the last track, but the two before that are pretty poor.

[Holly HoX!]

PMtoday will be the best new band to come out of Florida.

[maryelizbeth]

i hope they do well, they're such good people.

[red8ge]

Picked this up in the bargain bin for two bucks. Worth every penny.

[saving jonathan]

I think these guys have some potential.
I got to see them live early this year and they had me sold when they covered JEW.

[peewhai]

I understand that these guys did a lot of touring and such prior to being signed, but skinny jeans and emo haircuts just don't do it for me anymore.

They're representative of the years 2007-2008. Dudes in skinny pants playing somewhat catchy music, but trying really hard to come across as being a serious band by throwing some delay here and there.

Sorry kids, just my opinion.

[Ryzenfall]

Interesting that you said he sounds like a Jason Vena in training.
They played a cover of "Take Cover" at the Anberlin Pomona Show with Christian and Kyle.

I should give this another spin.

[TakenByCars]

i love the entire EP! they need a full length out soon.

[soulineyes]

I understand that these guys did a lot of touring and such prior to being signed, but skinny jeans and emo haircuts just don't do it for me anymore.

They're representative of the years 2007-2008. Dudes in skinny pants playing somewhat catchy music, but trying really hard to come across as being a serious band by throwing some delay here and there.

Sorry kids, just my opinion.

yeah you definitely wrote them off cause of their look.

wait till you hear the full length people. The EP is great, but it represents this band in summer of 07. New songs = incredible. three words: wish you away. watch out.

[PopPunkMatt]

Love this. Easily the best thing out of florida.

[TSLROCKS]

EP was ok but they have a lot of improving to do. I'll check out the full length though. Looks as if they have potential

[dani1292]

I love this EP.

[WakeUpBlondie]

Eh, been there, done that, bought the tshirt.

[HCO SF 87]

how can you say these guys aren't orignal? The drum work is fantastic, the samples sound so sick, and they actually change up the verses musically, something not many bands do right now..I don't know, just my opinion but I can't stop listening to this.

[WakeUpBlondie]

Love this. Easily the best thing out of florida.

After Dashboard Confessional, NFG, Yellowcard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Against Me, Less Than Jake, Iron & Wine, and Copeland of course.

[WakeUpBlondie]

how can you say these guys aren't orignal? The drum work is fantastic, the samples sound so sick, and they actually change up the verses musically, something not many bands do right now..I don't know, just my opinion but I can't stop listening to this.

Not being original isn'always a bad thing. I like them, they're fun music. Bands like saves the day are nothing original, yet fun-happy music, one of my favorite bands.

I don't listen to music most of the time looking to reinvent the wheel.

[christianclimer]

good tunes, too much rockstar for me though. the one important aspect they forgot to take from anberlin is humility and modesty. i really enjoy the sound of the album, the lyrics just don't do anything for me for 2 reasons: their attitudes don't back the words up and they simply just aren't very good lyrics. *waits for the myspacewhores to chew me up*. i know this is just an album review, but these guys are really really good live, so i'll give them credit for that. great/bold review though steve.

If you think our attitudes don't back our lyrics then you obviously, clearly do not know us at all. I'm sorry you think that though, I really am. You must have had a very bad first (or 2nd?) impression of us at some point but you are clearly mistaken. We look up to the Anberlin dudes so much and are very thankful they brought us on the tour, and kind of taken us under their wing. We've learned a lot from them lately and we definitely are anything but a bunch of pompous rockstar wannabes. We know who we are, so we can live with that. But just wait! This was only an EP... I hope you enjoy the full length cause we are bustin our ass writing for it!


=)

-Christian

[Miss Heartcore]

I feel like they're so much better live than on their recorded stuff.

[Steve Henderson]

If you think our attitudes don't back our lyrics then you obviously, clearly do not know us at all. I'm sorry you think that though, I really am. You must have had a very bad first (or 2nd?) impression of us at some point but you are clearly mistaken. We look up to the Anberlin dudes so much and are very thankful they brought us on the tour, and kind of taken us under their wing. We've learned a lot from them lately and we definitely are anything but a bunch of pompous rockstar wannabes. We know who we are, so we can live with that. But just wait! This was only an EP... I hope you enjoy the full length cause we are bustin our ass writing for it!


=)

-Christian
Looking forward to hearing the new stuff for sure. Good luck working on it man.

[xName Takenx]

PMtoday will be the best new band to come out of Florida.

False.

And I only say that because PMToday is from ARKANSAS, not Florida...Get a map man...


This EP is barely different than their first one, and it's only different in the sense that it is less engaging. I liked the Pages EP far better (not that there's much of a difference).

If they would've put "No More Room to Breathe" on the Pages EP, they could've skipped the S/T EP altogether.....


Good Review.

[A_Rolling_Stone]

i'm really a fan of this band. have been for a long time now. they may have a generic flare, but at the same time i find them invigorating. maybe i am just being duped?
"remember when" is easily the strongest song on this cd. mind blowing.

[chadsweet]

I saw them live and they were alright. didn't impress me much. i'll give them another chance though.

[outrageouslyAL]

cant wait for the lp.
i really like the ep.
cant wait to see them live again!

[Who's Chris?]

not a good band

[isae]

whoa, someone mentioned PMtoday. awesome band. really.

TFT are okay.

[cereal4life]

I think these guys have some potential.
I got to see them live early this year and they had me sold when they covered JEW.

Juts out of curiosity, what JEW track did they cover?

I might just check this release out aye.

[Holly HoX!]

False.

And I only say that because PMToday is from ARKANSAS, not Florida...Get a map man...


This EP is barely different than their first one, and it's only different in the sense that it is less engaging. I liked the Pages EP far better (not that there's much of a difference).

If they would've put "No More Room to Breathe" on the Pages EP, they could've skipped the S/T EP altogether.....


Good Review.

oops...well, they'll be awesome.

[MusicTalks]

maika is a badass name. music is good too <wink>.

[saving jonathan]

Juts out of curiosity, what JEW track did they cover?

I might just check this release out aye.


They covered "Sweetness".
Good enough for me.

[youwithoutMe]

not enough new songs on it. The only new song that I really like is No More Room To Breathe, the other 2 are just average.

For people that didn't get their first ep and this was the first cd they bought they got a cd ep worthy of like 80% or more but people like me have to give this like 60% for not being satisfying enough

[soulineyes]

good tunes, too much rockstar for me though. the one important aspect they forgot to take from anberlin is humility and modesty. i really enjoy the sound of the album, the lyrics just don't do anything for me for 2 reasons: their attitudes don't back the words up and they simply just aren't very good lyrics. *waits for the myspacewhores to chew me up*. i know this is just an album review, but these guys are really really good live, so i'll give them credit for that. great/bold review though steve.

its really funny that you chose humility and modesty to describe anberlin and said that TFT doesnt have those attributes at all...
anberlin are nice guys as a whole...most of the time... but they don't compare to TFT as far as making an effort to get to know and foster their fanbase.

[johnnylcd]

If you think our attitudes don't back our lyrics then you obviously, clearly do not know us at all. I'm sorry you think that though, I really am. You must have had a very bad first (or 2nd?) impression of us at some point but you are clearly mistaken. We look up to the Anberlin dudes so much and are very thankful they brought us on the tour, and kind of taken us under their wing. We've learned a lot from them lately and we definitely are anything but a bunch of pompous rockstar wannabes. We know who we are, so we can live with that. But just wait! This was only an EP... I hope you enjoy the full length cause we are bustin our ass writing for it!


=)

-Christian

Yeah christian, i mean i definitely know what you're saying. I just got some bad first vibes is all. I usually don't even pay attention to attitudes and personal lives, there's plenty of amazing artists who act like they know everything, but it was definitely wrong to assume you guys are something you aren't. My main point is, you guys remind me a tonn of anberlin (sound wise), which is a huge compliment and i would never give that out lightly - the main difference for me is the type of guy stephen is, his lyrics, and how much the lyrics mean to me - but i would never expect you guys to be like that because it's such a high expectation. Thanks for clearing that up though, it's good to know you aren't above yourselves because a lot of bands in this genre seem to be. Good luck with writing, cya around dude :).

[4N6 science]

I saw them at the anberling concert. THey weren't anything special.

[demondays524]

I like the song "Deadlines" a lot.

[symbiote28]

it is just me but why didnt they just release a full length? the Pages EP was awesome ..

[firewater]

I like Remember When, very catchy

[Caspel]

Met and interviewed the band, so I can vouch that they are down-to-earth and a pleasure to talk to. They originally thought I was a girl due to my name (Dakota), so it was funny to show up for the interview session and surprise them. Well anyway, want to clear up that these guys have their heads on straight and aren't succumbing to the vile world of rock 'n roll such as many other artists have done. All of their attitudes were in align of being positive and there wasn't a malicious bone in their body.

[erezzz312]

I feel like they're so much better live than on their recorded stuff.
i agree i saw them live, and it sounded so much better than the recorded stuff. but i'm still in love with this EP , i cant wait til they get a full length album out