This Providence - Who Are You Now?

[Travis Parno]

This Providence – Who Are You Now?
Record Label: Fueled by Ramen
Release Date: March 17, 2009

J.J. Abrams, eat your heart out.

Just like an episode of everyone’s favorite island mystery-drama, Who Are You Now?, the latest full-length from Seattle’s emo-rock darlings, seems to beg many more questions than it answers. It’s a well established fact that This Providence have a history of challenging pop norms with their flair for glistening hooks and undeniable swagger, but they seemed to have missed a step with 2008’s The Bright Lights EP. Given that the aforementioned EP contributed three tracks to Who Are You Now?, the first mystery quickly floated to the surface: what would this release bring to the table?

The answer is, not surprisingly, a mixed bag. Songs run the gamut from danceable and addictive (“Selfish”) to simple, straightforward rock (“Letdown”) to anemic and uncharacteristically drab (“This Is The Real Thing”). Although this isn’t entirely unexpected (no one’s perfect, right? Well, other than Brand New, of course…), what is naggingly persistent is the question of why The Bright Lights EP was rehashed in the first place. “Waste Myself” is a strong effort, but “My Beautiful Rescue (Renovated)” is still just as dull and plodding as ever and although “Sand In Your Shoes” fades to the background within the thirteen track deluge, it’s still pretty vacant.

Another pop quiz: where has that smug smile gone? This mindbender is one of the most alarming trends in the band’s recent history and it certainly can be applied to Who Are You Now?. Tempos drag, self-confidence seems to have lessened, and that cocksure attitude just isn’t present. They come close with the pep of “That Girl’s A Trick,” which is essentially “Card House Dreamer v2.0,” but it somehow doesn’t fit into the album’s big picture. We’re left to chew on the dancehall indie of “Squeaking Wheels And White Light” and it isn’t enough to fill us up.

The most stunning puzzle of all, however, is where some of these tunes have been hiding. There’s an obvious style change that, up until now, has been played off as something of a fall from grace, but in truth, with change comes at least a bit of beauty. For instance, “Chasing The Wind” is certainly one of the best songs the band has penned to date. With an inventive melody backed by a compelling juxtaposition of strings, acoustic guitar, and electric riffs, the song highlights vocalist Dan Young’s acrobatic range. The album closer, “Somebody To Talk To,” could be an Ace Enders b-side. There’s far more twang than we’ve heard from This Providence and its wistfully intimate lyrics somehow feel like the anthem of middle America. It’s a success, through and through. Also, as strange as it may be to say it, “Sure as Hell” is one of the best introductory songs in recent memory. Its dark reverb and pained confessions would easily fit the Deja Entendu vibe and its short, uncomplicated structure is just enough to whet the appetite.

At the end of the day, we don’t actually have to ask “who are you now.”The latest episode from This Providence has revealed the direction of the entire show. The band is clearly transitioning towards a grander, stadium-friendly version of their former selves, which will undoubtedly leave a lot of their fans asking some pretty significant questions. The change isn’t all bad and hopefully, as This Providence move forward and grow accustomed to their new digs, there will be fewer questions and more great music.

1. Sure As Hell
2. Letdown
3. Waste Myself
4. This is the Real Thing
5. Keeping On Without You
6. Squeaking Wheels and White Light
7. My Beautiful Rescue (Renovated)
8. That Girl’s a Trick
9. Selfish
10. Chasing the Wind
11. Playing the Villain
12. Sand in Your Shoes
13. Somebody To Talk To
Valencia; October Fall; Daphne Loves Derby; Waking Ashland
Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thisprovidence) | Official Website (http://thisprovidence.com/)

[jusscali]

You are a kind one Mr. Parno.

[kigginsthisprov]

Good review. I love this album. With a couple of listens, it's totally grown on me now. It's been on repeat for a day straight. But I definitely think Chasing The Wind and Somebody To Talk To are my favorite songs on the album, no doubt. They never fail to disappoint me.

[DungeonsnDragon]

kinda wanted the album to sound more "that girls a trick" but I still like it.

[Julia Conny]

Mmmm, a Lost reference. You're my kind of man.

[jusscali]

Mmmm, a Lost reference. You're my kind of man.
Ha. I thought the exact opposite.

It's an interesting write up, but I'd probably lower all of the above scores, and give it anywhere between a 55-62% Three songs, plus one good EP song aren't enough to warrant much higher in my eyes.

They get 35% for Sure as Hell...that seems fair.

[TheHeretic]

'Chasing the Wind' is a great song and definitely the most interesting on the album. After one whole listen through, I don't think it's (nearly) as good as their two last albums, but it's still very enjoyable and very, very infectious. It's just a little generic, with the exception of a few songs.

[Broclee]

I love the self-titled, actually haven't really listened to the EP, and I haven't listened to anything from this yet either.

[Samc1803]

Ha. I thought the exact opposite.

It's an interesting write up, but I'd probably lower all of the above scores, and give it anywhere between a 55-62% Three songs, plus one good EP song aren't enough to warrant much higher in my eyes.

They get 35% for Sure as Hell...that seems fair.
What is so special about Sure As Hell? I might be missing something, but there doesn't seem to be much to it.

[Kurt Retenauer]

sounds like santi

[dan sings]

i find it difficult to like the verses of the new my beautiful rescue but the chorus and the bridge are really good.

[spansen]

good writeup

[jusscali]

What is so special about Sure As Hell? I might be missing something, but there doesn't seem to be much to it.
Someone with a Wolftron avatar should know these things!

[Nick Le]

Good review. Loved their second album. Didn't like the EP all too much. I'll be checking this out.

[Mattylikesfilms]

sounds like santi

too bad santi was fantastic and actually a good listen.


both ratings on this is WAY too nice. only 2 or 3 songs i liked. id give it probably a 50%. to me, you put lipstick and dress up a pig but its still a pig. same applies here. i dont care how good production quality is (that deserves a 10 yes) but the songs are just lame. that "Edge" the self titled had is gone and now we can expect tours sponsered by MTV with this providence, all time low, and metro station. sweet!


and i have no problem with them "blowing up" so to speak, im not that fan, but i do have a problem when it sounds like theyre converting their sound to "blow up" and thats all i hear here. i guess we still got OWD and s/t.


side note:
i miss gatsby so damn much... :-(

[Kurt Retenauer]

too bad santi was fantastic and actually a good listen.


both ratings on this is WAY too nice. only 2 or 3 songs i liked. id give it probably a 50%. to me, you put lipstick and dress up a pig but its still a pig. same applies here. i dont care how good production quality is (that deserves a 10 yes) but the songs are just lame. that "Edge" the self titled had is gone and now we can expect tours sponsered by MTV with this providence, all time low, and metro station. sweet!


and i have no problem with them "blowing up" so to speak, im not that fan, but i do have a problem when it sounds like theyre converting their sound to "blow up" and thats all i hear here. i guess we still got OWD and s/t.


side note:
i miss gatsby so damn much... :-(
i like santi too.. just because something sounds like something doesn't mean it has to match up to it in quality. ex. pretty odd-sounds like the beatles, but not as good as the beatles.

[jallred11]

Mark my words. These guys will be a huge in a year.

They will get much more success with a record like this. I believe there will be a lot of fans who liked "Our Worlds Divorce" and "Self Titled" that won't be really into this Album. But these guys will get a larger fan base and finally get the success they deserve.

This is the start of something grand. These guys deserve to be playing larger venues to larger crowds. I for one loved the "Bright Lights" EP. I guess I'm just a sucker for a good hook. Great job guys. Keep the good music coming and I'll keep buying.

[WFUJerseyJon]

Good review, I'll have to check this one out.

[denissuxx]

kinda wanted the album to sound more "that girls a trick" but I still like it.
I did too.

Not feeling this record yet:/

[MCSmate]

Good review. Kind of sums up how I feel about the record, it is good but not the best, it could be better but there are things I like.

I think it's a record you have to listen to more than once...

[midtown4657]

i must be hearing something different than some people are. i've run it 3 times through, and even the two songs i didn't care for too much the first time are growing on me. i think it's a damn good album.

[FueledByFrodo]

Mark my words. These guys will be a huge in a year.

They will get much more success with a record like this. I believe there will be a lot of fans who liked "Our Worlds Divorce" and "Self Titled" that won't be really into this Album. But these guys will get a larger fan base and finally get the success they deserve.

This is the start of something grand. These guys deserve to be playing larger venues to larger crowds. I for one loved the "Bright Lights" EP. I guess I'm just a sucker for a good hook. Great job guys. Keep the good music coming and I'll keep buying.
Disagreed. Loved this and the self-titled.

[nickstetina]

too bad santi was fantastic and actually a good listen.


both ratings on this is WAY too nice. only 2 or 3 songs i liked. id give it probably a 50%. to me, you put lipstick and dress up a pig but its still a pig. same applies here. i dont care how good production quality is (that deserves a 10 yes) but the songs are just lame. that "Edge" the self titled had is gone and now we can expect tours sponsered by MTV with this providence, all time low, and metro station. sweet!


and i have no problem with them "blowing up" so to speak, im not that fan, but i do have a problem when it sounds like theyre converting their sound to "blow up" and thats all i hear here. i guess we still got OWD and s/t.


side note:
i miss gatsby so damn much... :-(
To say I just miss Gatsby would be an understatement...fuck. I would drive anywhere in the U.S. to see that band one last time.

[npmshah]

sounds like santi
hmm.. i enjoy santi... and the EP and self titled from this band...
i guess i will check this out :-)

[bloodyr0mance87]

never really was into these guys but i saw them on the Ludo tour and i thought they were pretty good. i think i'll pick this one up. i still need to get my hands on that new Thursday record before i buy anything else.

[The Personist]

i must be hearing something different than some people are. i've run it 3 times through, and even the two songs i didn't care for too much the first time are growing on me. i think it's a damn good album.
I completely agree. The only song I absolutely can't stand is the renovated "My Beautiful Rescue," because the original blew this one out of the water. Self-titled was definitely better, but this isn't as awful as people are painting it to be.

[Kbm600]

I look forward to seeing these guys.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

I enjoyed their first two albums but have no interest in hearing Who Are You Now because their last EP was utter shit and all those songs are on it. Why the fuck release an EP and then put all the songs on you new album.

[refgirl23]

Something tells me that like the S/T, this will just keep growing on me.

And to join the band of TAI references, at least this isn't falling as face-down-flat as Fast Times did with me, but I do see the whole bit being like Santi and just getting better with time. Except for the redone My Beautiful Rescue.

Nice read of a review sir.

[muttley]

i played a few songs last night.
it was pretty good.

[Jack's Sound K]

so i got this in the mail today :) im listening now and so far i like it :)

[Chris Fallon]

Haha I love the way you started this review, Trav.

I like a few of the songs I've heard, the more upbeat ones, but I'm not expecting too much from this as it is. Sounds like it's gonna be pretty forgettable for the most part. Still, gotta show some love to the hometown fellas.

[Scott Weber]

I really like your writing style Travis, and I agree with most of your points on the record.

[Romancebled]

i'm not sure what i think about this album yet. based on one listen, it didn't really do much for me. i'm hoping that it will somehow grow on me because i used to be a huge fan of this band.

[steveC]

I'm really glad I read this; I gave it more of a chance on the second listen and really enjoyed it. Good review, I agree with everything said

[xfireworks]

too bad santi was fantastic and actually a good listen.

i beg to differ. being a considerably big tai fan, i didn't like santi whatsoever. almost here was still the most solid album.
but this album does remind me of santi the way thisprov changed i guess?

i'm going to have to say i was a tad bit dissapointed in this providence for this album.
i mean, i liked it, but i didn't love it. the songs are catchy, but i feel as if their self titled was more heartfelt, and sort of set their standard. who are you now is definitely a change that most people like myself will need to get used to.

i'm going to miss them when they "blow up". i've been expecting it for a while, they've got a lot of talent.
and for all of you that haven't heard of their "our worlds divorce" album or "the sunday best" ep, i highly suggest you find a way to listen to them.

[icarolina]

too bad santi was fantastic and actually a good listen.


both ratings on this is WAY too nice. only 2 or 3 songs i liked. id give it probably a 50%. to me, you put lipstick and dress up a pig but its still a pig. same applies here. i dont care how good production quality is (that deserves a 10 yes) but the songs are just lame. that "Edge" the self titled had is gone and now we can expect tours sponsered by MTV with this providence, all time low, and metro station. sweet!


and i have no problem with them "blowing up" so to speak, im not that fan, but i do have a problem when it sounds like theyre converting their sound to "blow up" and thats all i hear here. i guess we still got OWD and s/t.


side note:
i miss gatsby so damn much... :-(

this

[Travis Parno]

Haha I love the way you started this review, Trav.
thanks, man :-)

I really like your writing style Travis, and I agree with most of your points on the record.
thanks a lot, scott, i appreciate it!

and thanks to everyone else who gave this album a chance. change is rarely all bad!

[taylerx0]

A+ Lost reference. As for the CD itself... kind of bland. I haven't heard the whole thing; I've only listened to 4-5 songs from it, but I couldn't really get into them. Also, the original My Beautiful Rescue is far superior to the new one.

[Iwudstilldie4u]

This was a really well-written review. Thank you for it!

[ManicanParty49]

I think it's a fair review and rating. I didn't think it was necessarily a great album, but I thought it was a good release from the band. Would definitely like to hear more of their straight-forward rock side.

[Ryzenfall]

Good review. This band has never made a bad record. I still like them and this release won't change anything, but I definitely agree on the smug smile being not as present. I'll still need to listen a little more. With This Providence, I find songs sometimes grow on me.

[hxchairstylist]

Mark my words. These guys will be a huge in a year.

They will get much more success with a record like this. I believe there will be a lot of fans who liked "Our Worlds Divorce" and "Self Titled" that won't be really into this Album. But these guys will get a larger fan base and finally get the success they deserve.

This is the start of something grand. These guys deserve to be playing larger venues to larger crowds. I for one loved the "Bright Lights" EP. I guess I'm just a sucker for a good hook. Great job guys. Keep the good music coming and I'll keep buying.
i really liked the ep as well. the hook on waste myself has had me listening to that song nonstop for months.

[trappedintime]

Very good review. I listened to it, it is a drag at times, MBR(renovated) is shit, but there are some songs that you can't help but like.

[YouSmellExcited]

"Sure As Hell" sounds like http://i39.tinypic.com/ih1nck.jpg

[goldengirlsk]

kinda wanted the album to sound more "that girls a trick" but I still like it.
same.

[fadedmemories]

I'm still not sure on how I feel about this album.

[birtcho]

really like it

[Jack's Sound K]

so after listening to this a few times, I really like it, there is easily a lot of songs I thoroughly enjoy :)

[evilandgood]

i must be hearing something different than some people are. i've run it 3 times through, and even the two songs i didn't care for too much the first time are growing on me. i think it's a damn good album.
i totally agree.
besides, with all the member changes did everyone really expect them to sound the same as in 2004 or 2006? hell no that wasn't gonna happen.
the influences are coming from different people, so the Seattle tech-indie no longer will be the focal point of influence. I say good work, This Providence.

I am one hell of a Brand New whore, and "Sure as Hell" imo is this year's "Tatou." Def not a bad thing :]

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

i hope this is awesome. i LOVED the bright lights ep.

[HometownHero]

Absolutely love this record

[shimmyshakes]

I think this record is pretty decent.
I mean, I wasn't expecting amazing lyrics and melodies,
It lived up to my expectations.

[eclipsegts1]

I really don't like Matt Squires producing IMO. Only thing that really bothers me.

[brentkid]

I honestly don't see how people think this album was written so they could "blow up". How someone compared them to the likes of All Time Low is beyond me. Both are poppy but I do believe the two bands have different types of appeal.

[fadedmemories]

I honestly don't see how people think this album was written so they could "blow up". How someone compared them to the likes of All Time Low is beyond me. Both are poppy but I do believe the two bands have different types of appeal.
Truth

[loj]

I honestly don't see how people think this album was written so they could "blow up". How someone compared them to the likes of All Time Low is beyond me. Both are poppy but I do believe the two bands have different types of appeal.

i hear ya, but they certainly seem to be broadening their horizons lyrically.

i'm enjoying the album an awful lot, but where did the spirituality go? the self-titled was almost a bit too much God-obsessed, but i find the lyrics here disgustingly girl-obsessed.

[brentkid]

i hear ya, but they certainly seem to be broadening their horizons lyrically.

i'm enjoying the album an awful lot, but where did the spirituality go? the self-titled was almost a bit too much God-obsessed, but i find the lyrics here disgustingly girl-obsessed.
I definitely hear the change in direction of the lyrics, however, I love Sure as Hell.

[Samc1803]

Someone with a Wolftron avatar should know these things!
Ah, I understand now. I guess I was just looking for something different from it on my first listen, haha.

[SomedayTheFire]

I'm actually really enjoying this now, it sure has grown on me a lot. Great review, you made me give it a second chance and I'm really enjoying it now.

[nickthehick2]

Its pretty good, but I like the self titled more.

[tossit]

it has some good songs, but i like their earlier work more, the sunday best ep, our worlds divorce

[BELIEVEINDERRIK]

this cd is incredible.

[lifeinrewind]

Our World's Divorce is still their best album, but although Who are You Now and Self titled have a few misteps they are both fine albums. Who are you now has enough energetic songs like "that girl's a trick," "playing the villian," and "letdown" to cover the radio friendly sound and songs such as "chasing the wind," "sure as hell," and "somebody to talk to" have great indie rock feel to them. And you can't deny the pure catchyness that is "sand in your shoes."

Honestly, Dan is grown up and married now, his lyrics obviously aren't going to be the same as they were when he was in high school. As long as the songs remain heartfelt that's all I ask and I don't feel someone can give this album an honest listen and not believe he is passionate about the songs he writes. It's funny because everyone tripped out about the style change when they made self-titled and now that most people have accepted that change they don't want to accept the change that this album shows. This Providence is a much more dynamic band than they are given credit for.

Overall this is a strong record and although This Providence continue to sound different on each album the fact is they've still yet to put out a bad one.

My ratings:
Our World's Divorce 9/10
Self titled 8/10
Who Are You Now 8/10

[lifeinrewind]

Side note: I've loved this Providence since the Sunday Best EP came out in 03, but wtf how can anyone listen to that album and think it's better than anything they've done since? "This Missing Page" and "Contradictions" aside, there's a reason they don't want people to know about that album lol. The improvement they showed as a band going from that to Our World's Divorce was incredible and a big reason why they had so much hype in the Seattle scene in 2004.

[zong]

I don't really know how I discovered this band, but this album is their only album I've listened too. I was just looking for music, and heard a bit of "Letdown", and saw that it was actually CATCHY unlike all the other iTunes recommendations they had for me. Aha, maybe I discovered this band by looking at the "People who bought this album also bought these" section in iTunes, actually.

Half a year later, and I absolutely LOVE this album. I could float away in it. But then again, I also loved "Fast Times" by TAI, so that automatically makes me hated in the absolute punk world. :P