Your Best Friend - Your Best Friend

[Julia Conny]

Your Best Friend - Your Best Friend
Release Date: April 18th, 2008
Record Label: Unsigned

If guitarist and vocalist for Saginaw, Michigan's Your Best Friend, John Bonham, auditioned for a high school musical (or THE High School Musical), he might get an ensemble spot, maybe even a line or two. The lead would be left for some smooth-talking, more plastic and less emoting hot shot. And a couple years down the line, after the pain subsided and the ladies dropped their fantasies with dudes that can - according to Disney Channel standards - actually sing, Bonham would join a band and it wouldn't even matter that he was Chorus Line No. 4.

But who knows or cares if this really happened to Bonham, except maybe Geoff Rickly. When he starts up with the first track of his band's first full-length, a quick-to-speed opener titled "Dear Heavenly Father" with similar tones to any early millennium emo-rock, it's obvious that Bonham's husky croons are made for bare emoting. This also has to do with the lyrical content - repeated lines like Now you're here, can I cry now? Your open arms embrace me, with my open wounds still bleeding - that classify Your Best Friend as an open sore of thoughts, scribbled in a leatherbound notebook. Fairly predictable but before you go apologizing for bleeding on my shirt, don't. The earnest tone of Bonham and crew's vocals plus the reoccuring paternal theme give the lyrics a touching geuninosity.

Group vocals are a big project for Your Best Friend, and all tracks are stocked with boosting tidbits from the other three members. They too know how to caress their jagged edge like Bonham; no vibrato here, folks, especially not on the call and response of guitars and background vocals on "Near Perfect Wrists". On tracks like "White & Red", the vocals are raw where raw is supposed to be. Album blemishes like the hokey rapping on the beginning "The Path of an Illogical Liar", the scattered verses on "I'm Afraid of Myself and Everything I Haven't Done", or the overall under-focused choruses don't go unnoticed, but for the majority of Your Best Friend, vocal intuitions are more than sound.

At first the band's biggest fault is their lack of cohesiveness, but it's their first record - we'll give them a break. On "Decimals" and last track "Aboriri", the lack of invention in the band's transitions and general guitaring have run the gears dry. A matte glaze, the hits of Your Best Friend don't enrapture the mind, and the misses don't poison the bloodstream to the point of death, so really, Your Best Friend is straddling the middle line. At least they can "sing".

Thursday, Tell All Your Friends, The Used, Thrice, Looking Glass Wars, Vendetta RedMyspace (http://www.myspace.com/yourbestfriend) | iTunes (http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F% 252Fax.itunes.apple.com%252FWebObje cts%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252Fview Artist%253Fid%253D280720277) | Purchase (http://cdbaby.com/cd/yourbestfriend)

[Klatzke]

I listened to these guys on myspace awhile back and nothing really caught my eye. Good review.

[Big_Guy]

I like this album. good for what it is. I'd give it a 75%

[natedorough]

I'm a big fan of these guys, so I obviously disagree, but I do have to talk about your review. What the hell are you talking about in the first two paragraphs? It's like you took every complicated review you ever read, took the most cliche words from each one, and crammed them all together. I can't tell if you're bashing or praising their vocals.

I'm bummed that you don't like. I have the disc in constant rotation, and I love it. Maybe see them live on their spring tour, and change your mind?

[Ferrison]

Hmmm, I don't post often here, but this review is a sad read. I feel I should speak up. There are a lot of shit bands promoted and praised on this website. But when a band like this which is very talented and has a lot of honesty and emotion in their music which is a rarity in this "scene" gets a review like this it disappoints me. I'm really baffled, I strongly suggest to the author of this review to give this another listen. Sorry if this isn't the most well written reply but I know good music when I hear it so i had to say something. Maybe I'm wrong and perhaps I should give "Teen Hearts" another try, then again I could also stick my dick in battery acid and it would probably be just as gratifying. :wave:

[M_naw]

I'm from Saginaw, and i've followed the band for awhile. I have to say that in my opinion they're great. There's not much out there like them, and they're incredible guys. I don't think you can fully form an opinion about Your Best Friend without seeing them live. They have a presence that is like no other. Therefore i must disagree with your review. This is their first album, and i think that it's pretty damn good for a first, and it's only going to get better. And I agree with the people above me as well, shit band are praised all over this website, and Your Best Friend gets a 64%

I suppose its all a matter of personal preference, and i prefer real.

[Julia Conny]

I'm a big fan of these guys, so I obviously disagree, but I do have to talk about your review. What the hell are you talking about in the first two paragraphs? It's like you took every complicated review you ever read, took the most cliche words from each one, and crammed them all together. I can't tell if you're bashing or praising their vocals.

I'm bummed that you don't like. I have the disc in constant rotation, and I love it. Maybe see them live on their spring tour, and change your mind?
It's the HSM reference, wasn't it? I'm a poser.

I like the vocals - actually, I thought I was fairly positive. I'd love to see what this band does live.

[Julia Conny]

Hmmm, I don't post often here, but this review is a sad read. I feel I should speak up. There are a lot of shit bands promoted and praised on this website. But when a band like this which is very talented and has a lot of honesty and emotion in their music which is a rarity in this "scene" gets a review like this it disappoints me. I'm really baffled, I strongly suggest to the author of this review to give this another listen. Sorry if this isn't the most well written reply but I know good music when I hear it so i had to say something. Maybe I'm wrong and perhaps I should give "Teen Hearts" another try, then again I could also stick my dick in battery acid and it would probably be just as gratifying. :wave:
Well, I don't have a dick, so I wouldn't know what it's like it dip it in battery acid, but I imagine it would hurt.

You make a really good point - they do have tons more emotion and honesty in their music than 95 percent of the crap out there, but I don't listen to that stuff anyway. I don't like throwing out the word potential very often, but YBF has it, and I'll be interested to see what they do next.

[Julia Conny]

I'm from Saginaw, and i've followed the band for awhile. I have to say that in my opinion they're great. There's not much out there like them, and they're incredible guys. I don't think you can fully form an opinion about Your Best Friend without seeing them live. They have a presence that is like no other. Therefore i must disagree with your review. This is their first album, and i think that it's pretty damn good for a first, and it's only going to get better. And I agree with the people above me as well, shit band are praised all over this website, and Your Best Friend gets a 64%

I suppose its all a matter of personal preference, and i prefer real.
Yeah, we've posted about a ton of shitty bands, but that doesn't mean that I personally LOVE The Maine and want to have Gabe Saporta's babies. I can only compare the album to my tastes and preferences at the moment.

I wish I could see every band before I wrote a review for them, but unfortunately, that's just not how it works.

[Klatzke]

... I want to have Gabe Saporta's babies. It's just physically impossible.

[Julia Conny]

... I want to have Gabe Saporta's babies. It's just physically impossible.
I'll do it for you for six figures.

[Klatzke]

I'll do it for you for six figures.
hahhahahahh. I actually issued a suppressed - but audible - laugh on that one.

[Tribute2Ben89]

I think you should give this album another shot. This record is easily one of the best of 2008, and it's disheartening to see it being under-appreciated on this site. They are very creative and genuine, and very hard-working. I honestly hear no true flaws on this album, and had a tough time reading this review altogether.

I really hope anyone who bases their opinion of the band on this review will strongly consider checking out their music and buying their album, they're solid dudes and their music needs to be heard.

I respect your opinion, however, and hope that you give it another go.

[Klatzke]

I think you should give this album another shot. This record is easily one of the best of 2008, and it's disheartening to see it being under-appreciated on this site. They are very creative and genuine, and very hard-working. I honestly hear no true flaws on this album, and had a tough time reading this review altogether.

I really hope anyone who bases their opinion of the band on this review will strongly consider checking out their music and buying their album, they're solid dudes and their music needs to be heard.

I respect your opinion, however, and hope that you give it another go.
Who's baby should I attempt to have next?

While Saporta's baby is enticing.. I think I can find a better candidate for six figures.

[Tribute2Ben89]

Who's baby should I attempt to have next?

While Saporta's baby is enticing.. I think I can find a better candidate for six figures.
I don't know what that means.

[mat52390]

I Agree 100% with Tribute2Ben89, these dudes are the definition of genuine sounding music, they work super hard, and have ill vocals, contrary to anything you read in this review.

Buy their CD. I personally guarantee you will not be disapointed

[Julia Conny]

I think you should give this album another shot. This record is easily one of the best of 2008, and it's disheartening to see it being under-appreciated on this site. They are very creative and genuine, and very hard-working. I honestly hear no true flaws on this album, and had a tough time reading this review altogether.

I really hope anyone who bases their opinion of the band on this review will strongly consider checking out their music and buying their album, they're solid dudes and their music needs to be heard.

I respect your opinion, however, and hope that you give it another go.
Well thank you for your respect. I'm sure I can name a few bands that I adore for their creativity, genuine attitude and awesome work ethic that you won't be crazy about.

[Julia Conny]

Who's baby should I attempt to have next?

While Saporta's baby is enticing.. I think I can find a better candidate for six figures.
Easy. Anton's!

[Klatzke]

Easy. Anton's!
But six figures?! I think that's just your way of working in with Anton.......

[Mike Kraft]

Classy review, Julia! I enjoyed it!

No sarcasm.

[saving jonathan]

Julia Conny just needs to stop drinking the
http://i41.tinypic.com/2lwrupe.jpg

[Griff]

I'm a big fan of these guys, so I obviously disagree, but I do have to talk about your review. What the hell are you talking about in the first two paragraphs? It's like you took every complicated review you ever read, took the most cliche words from each one, and crammed them all together. I can't tell if you're bashing or praising their vocals.

I'm bummed that you don't like. I have the disc in constant rotation, and I love it. Maybe see them live on their spring tour, and change your mind?

It's the HSM reference, wasn't it? I'm a poser.

I like the vocals - actually, I thought I was fairly positive. I'd love to see what this band does live.

You REALLY should. My first introduction to them was at a live show, where i had never heard of them, and was blown away. I gotta admit, I was let down by the album, but only because it didn't convey their stage presence as much as I had hoped for. This band definitely does have potential, and I hope that everyone gives this band a chance, regardless of the review. (Dont get me wrong by saying i was let down, i still love/d it)

I also gotta admit that I was confused by the musical reference, it left me asking myself if that was praise or negativity.


I'm from Saginaw, and i've followed the band for awhile. I have to say that in my opinion they're great. There's not much out there like them, and they're incredible guys. I don't think you can fully form an opinion about Your Best Friend without seeing them live. They have a presence that is like no other. Therefore i must disagree with your review. This is their first album, and i think that it's pretty damn good for a first, and it's only going to get better. And I agree with the people above me as well, shit band are praised all over this website, and Your Best Friend gets a 64%

I suppose its all a matter of personal preference, and i prefer real.


On point with the stage presence, as well as this only being their FIRST album. For a first album, i'd say its pretty damn good. I still listen to this album regularly, and hope for the best for this band.

[tvaJeff]

These guys are good. I thought the review was kinda weak, especially you since you missed their very obvious biggest influence, Hot Water Music.

[mynameisgeneric]

Great guys, great music. Hopefully this review doesnt sway people from listening to them at all, they deserve some more attention.

[j4callen]

All you have to do is look at my avatar to see I'm a HUGE fan of this band. Obviously, I'm disappointed by the review, but to each his (or her in this case) own!

However, there are some factual inaccuracies:

Now you're here, can I cry now?

The lyric is actually "Now you're here and I cry out ..." Only a big difference because "crying out" is significantly less emo and weird than asking for permission to cry, haha. I don't think even Hawthorne Heights could top the melodrama there!

Also, the focus at the beginning is all on Bonham, which is great, but he isn't lead vocals on the opening track, and most of the lead vocal duty is actually handled by bassist Dale Brown (and a few of the songs mentioned by guitarist Steve Sochanek).

Admitedly, until I saw them live, they all sort of sounded the same to me too. But I wouldn't have put it in ink before I found out for sure.

I hope people give this band a shot either way. To me, they're everything that's great about rock music.

[evannn]

The RIYL here is kind of strange and inaccurate.. a little surprised by the review, this record is really good. Cool to see them written about on here though. One of the few recent bands that I randomly found on the internerd that blew me away.

[mybreakingpoint]

These guys are so great.

My band played with them 2 weeks ago, and they were the most humble, nice guys ever. I told John "I'm so jealous you can write songs like that" & he said "I'm so jealous you can write vocal melodies like that", and idk, man, it was one of the best experiences I've had with another local band in a long time.

Not to mention their live show was phenomenal. When all 4 of them started singing at the same time, I basically jizzed in my pants. It was ridiculously awesome.

And the CD is beyond solid. I bought it off iTunes before the show, and then bought a hard copy at the show, and it was more than worth it.

Take it from a guy who liked this album enough to buy it twice--it's more than worth buying it once.

I'd give it a solid 8.5/10, for sure. These guys deserve nothing but the best.

We're also probably playing with them again at The Token Lounge pretty soon, so any local people reading this, you need to show up. They put on a great show, and if nothing else, you can at least point & laugh at my band & I.

[mybreakingpoint]

Also, the review is very well-written. Nice job, Julia.

The only thing was I don't agree with the RIYL at all. The Used? Thrice? VENDETTA RED? Really? Idk about that.

I'm trying to think of my own RIYL, but I'm having issues being very accurate. But I really don't think they sound anything like the aforementioned bands, especially Vendetta Red. I can see elements of the other two, but when I think Vendetta Red, I think "I'll make love to your face with a boxcutter"...so... hahaha

[SaveTheDayToday]

I'm real glad that you reviewed YBF...just to see them on the front page of Absolute was very exciting!

I also have to agree with some other posters that you should really see them live...again i know they aren't exactly well known enough to play in a lot of areas (especially outside of the midwest) but they are a great find...

I hope everyone that listens to them youtube's them and finds some of their performances...

I'm sad that you didn't enjoy decimals or aboriri ...i think those are two of the most emotionally driven songs on the album and strike a chord with me...but to each their own

Again, i'm real glad that you did this review and i can see a favorite band of mine on one of my favorite sites

[tendollarday]

Your Best Friend are a fantastic band and unsigned no less!

Good review though

[Oeightyfour]

This review is exactly why record reviews are a terrible idea. Music is a personal opinion and it really should be kept that way.

[Klatzke]

This review is exactly why record reviews are a terrible idea. Music is a personal opinion and it really should be kept that way.
... thus why this site has such a failure of a review section. You nailed it!

[Roboman]

I'm so glad mht rec'd this band several months ago...so awesome. I really love the rawness of the vocals. I too thought the review would've had a higher score, but to each their own. At the very least, props for reviewing it and giving the band more exposure.

You are going to hell, and there's no one to save you on the way down!

[Benny K]

My first impression on the review was that it is scatterbrain and riddled with misconceived perceptions. I liked it. I also liked YBR and their 'singing' tho they are riding the emo tangent a bit hard.

[jtyexists9]

Damn, poor Julia is getting attacked.

[mynameisgeneric]

Damn, poor Julia is getting attacked.

I actually thought people were being pretty respectful in this thread lol

[yourepicending]

You are going to hell, and there's no one to save you on the way down!
:) love that song.
love this band.
did not love this review but as many said - it's all a matter of personal opinion and you definitely need to catch them live and then reconsider writing a new review. but as long as they're getting exposure, i'm happy.

[danawalker]

this was the best record I heard in 2008..and is also in constant rotation a year later, still. and probably the most humble and approachable band I have ever..and maybe will ever..encounter. Not a lame track on this record..not a band that sounds like this. You can say they have the "generic emo rock" sound..which I'm not buying..but I will still take it any day over the watered down pop punk with autotune and "crunk" metal that floods myspace.

I can't believe this record got such a bad review..sheesh

[Opsonyn]

I love this record. I'm afraid the score might deter some people from checking it out.

Nicest dudes in a band ever, too.

[DarkOne]

This band is meant to be seen live...the album does not come close to capturing the raw energy of their live show...YBF, in my opinion, is the best live indie act on the road today. I want to feel their sweat, I want sing along...I feel apart of the family. See them live, then listen to the CD...it will be different.

[natedorough]

Everyone who digs this record, tune into the band's MySpace (www.myspace.com/yourbestfriend) on Feb. 1 for a big tour announcement!

[Tribute2Ben89]

For RIYL, I would have put Trainwreck-era Boys Night Out, Moneen, and AITA-era Thrice. Still tough to peg.

[Julia Conny]

But six figures?! I think that's just your way of working in with Anton.......

Hahah. Well this is all your decision, my friend. I'm just trying to pay off my student loans.

[Julia Conny]

Also, the review is very well-written. Nice job, Julia.

The only thing was I don't agree with the RIYL at all. The Used? Thrice? VENDETTA RED? Really? Idk about that.

I'm trying to think of my own RIYL, but I'm having issues being very accurate. But I really don't think they sound anything like the aforementioned bands, especially Vendetta Red. I can see elements of the other two, but when I think Vendetta Red, I think "I'll make love to your face with a boxcutter"...so... hahaha

Thanks :)

Yeah, that RIYL was kinda random, ill admit. But Vendetta Red was great.

[Julia Conny]

This band is meant to be seen live...the album does not come close to capturing the raw energy of their live show...YBF, in my opinion, is the best live indie act on the road today. I want to feel their sweat, I want sing along...I feel apart of the family. See them live, then listen to the CD...it will be different.

That's the most convincing argument I've read in this thread. Ill definitely hit up their show if they come through my area.

[devilandgod]

i've been hooked on this band since i first heard them, so i disagree a little with the review. i'm just looking for a little clarity on the geoff rickly reference. am i completely missing something or was that unrelated to anything? i was also a little thrown off by the "you're so last summer" reference. again, am i missing something or was that just kind of thrown in there?

and just to reiterate what most everyone else has said, go see this band live. you will not regret it. and make sure you talk to the guys after, they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

[unicornurine]

Honestly, this is one of the best god damn albums that I own.

[SaveTheDayToday]

I love this thread...

Julia, honestly, i appreciate you so much for doing this review....

the more people talk about this band the better...

John, Dale, Steve and Nick work too damn hard to be local....they put their heart and soul into every performance they have....and hell it's good music....real good music...it's been in my cd player since it came out...

[Ryzenfall]

Good review. I don't understand some of the comments here though. If we all agree that music taste is an opinion, than stating it in a review isn't different than stating it in a post.

In any case, it all got me to listen to the band. They sound like they would be great live, but i don't know if i enjoy it as much how it is recorded. Behold, another opinion. Try not to slaughter me.

[Ryzenfall]

These guys are so great.

My band played with them 2 weeks ago, and they were the most humble, nice guys ever.
Not to mention their live show was phenomenal. When all 4 of them started singing at the same time, I basically jizzed in my pants. It was ridiculously awesome.
They put on a great show, and if nothing else, you can at least point & laugh at my band & I.

Do they come out to the West Coast? I'd want to see them (and your band) actually.

[mybreakingpoint]

Do they come out to the West Coast? I'd want to see them (and your band) actually.
I'm not really sure. I can ask them about their summer plans; we're looking for a band or two to tour with, and they'd be a great one, so we'll definitely have to ask them heh

[kickstandnabeel]

their album layout is amazing.

[benny d]

disdain this review.

[roberthuston]

I like this album. good for what it is. I'd give it a 75%
Hahaha, I agree about your statement towards the first 2 paragraphs. Hahaha, I actually like this review. It reminded of the reason why i never read reviews. I only read this one since I did some work for them, but. hahaha. Why would people read other people's opinions about music. Music is personal. Its good to some, bad to others.

I just wanted to say, it is a great insult to compare this CD to "Tell All Your Friends", Thursday, and The Used. Seriously, this band is definitely not even in the same field.

This band is great, but I believe those bad relations to compare the band to. And I do agree with other statements here such as the one by: Ferrison. This review is disrespectful and out-right rude. This writer hopefully is stopped to spamming the forums with ignorance.

[lew_1987]

I just discovered this band, and I'll be following them now. Some of their stuff on Myspace really caught my attention.

[joelibyan]

I'm not really sure. I can ask them about their summer plans; we're looking for a band or two to tour with, and they'd be a great one, so we'll definitely have to ask them heh
i just got back from seeing these guys tonight, and having never before heard of them, i was blown away. i actually bought the cd on the spot, and i hardly ever do that.
i would say:
RIYL: Mock Orange, aggressive Piebald, early TBS, a dash of Minus the Bear....

[DylanPPPP]

I've read this review through probably 10 times since joining this site...and every time I still become shocked that there is no mention of how incredible the drumming is.

It really is sad. I reviewed this album as one of my first album reviews, so it's a really mediocre review, but I feel the score is much more accurate.