Darren McLeod
11/20/05, 06:02 PM
Recorded without the aid of triggers, sound replacement tools, vocal processors, or anything else that makes bands sound much better than they really are.
This is the disclaimer that can be read in the upper right-hand corner of the liner notes. In an attempt to channel the raw energy they admired from their heroes of the 80's, Reasons For Leaving scrapped their original album mix, and opted to try over again. The fruit of their labours, Wasaki, Verda, is ten songs that range from heartbreak to anger, scene politics to alcohol.
It opens with "Wake Up Pennsylvania," a denouncement of the music scene that we are in right now. Fed up with the trends and elitism, its a plea to end the stagnant state of the scene right now, where the lack of change is damaging to the bands and the listeners. It's a strong opener that invites the listener into RFL's sound.
"Recreational Safety," is arguably the strongest on the record, with lyrics begging a woman to fornicate with him one last time before they split up forever. It is one of the fastest songs on the album, and features passionate vocals over a catchy chorus that really catches your attention. The single, "Bed of Roses on Repeat," a reference to the old rock sound that the band has tried (and succeeded) to translate into their modern sound. A melodic repetition of the phrase "I believed you and..." interrupts every line in the verses, moving from the left headphone to the right, before erupting into a powerful chorus - a song that likely invokes many singalongs on tour.
The band slows down the tempo with an acoustic ballad in the middle of it, "Coffee, Couches, and Car Rides," which will no doubt find its way into mixtapes everywhere.
The band closes with the aptly titled "So, In Closing," is an excellent closing album, that reminds you of everything you like about the band - the great vocals of MJ Storey, the ear-pleasing choruses, and the beautiful instrumentation throughout. It ends with the fading of "ba da da da da," reminscient of the closing of Jimmy Eat World's Clarity, albeit not carried on as long.
Also, as a bonus, the first 1000 copies of the album pressed came with a complimentary DVD, featuring the music video for "Bed of Roses on Repeat," some live footage (though with the recorded song backing it), and a number of humorous features, a notable one being a parody of MTV's Cribs. It is extremely well done, and will most likely impress RFL's big fans, giving them a closer look at the men behind the songs they enjoy.
Reasons For Leaving have put forth an admirable debut album full of hooks, energy, and talent that will no doubt be very well received and find a comfortable place in car stereos for those late night drives. They aren't doing anything shocking or risky, but nevertheless they do deliver, and do so with a very solid disc.
--
Band Website - http://www.reasonsforleaving.com
Band MP3s - http://www.purevolume.com/reasonsforleaving
This is the disclaimer that can be read in the upper right-hand corner of the liner notes. In an attempt to channel the raw energy they admired from their heroes of the 80's, Reasons For Leaving scrapped their original album mix, and opted to try over again. The fruit of their labours, Wasaki, Verda, is ten songs that range from heartbreak to anger, scene politics to alcohol.
It opens with "Wake Up Pennsylvania," a denouncement of the music scene that we are in right now. Fed up with the trends and elitism, its a plea to end the stagnant state of the scene right now, where the lack of change is damaging to the bands and the listeners. It's a strong opener that invites the listener into RFL's sound.
"Recreational Safety," is arguably the strongest on the record, with lyrics begging a woman to fornicate with him one last time before they split up forever. It is one of the fastest songs on the album, and features passionate vocals over a catchy chorus that really catches your attention. The single, "Bed of Roses on Repeat," a reference to the old rock sound that the band has tried (and succeeded) to translate into their modern sound. A melodic repetition of the phrase "I believed you and..." interrupts every line in the verses, moving from the left headphone to the right, before erupting into a powerful chorus - a song that likely invokes many singalongs on tour.
The band slows down the tempo with an acoustic ballad in the middle of it, "Coffee, Couches, and Car Rides," which will no doubt find its way into mixtapes everywhere.
The band closes with the aptly titled "So, In Closing," is an excellent closing album, that reminds you of everything you like about the band - the great vocals of MJ Storey, the ear-pleasing choruses, and the beautiful instrumentation throughout. It ends with the fading of "ba da da da da," reminscient of the closing of Jimmy Eat World's Clarity, albeit not carried on as long.
Also, as a bonus, the first 1000 copies of the album pressed came with a complimentary DVD, featuring the music video for "Bed of Roses on Repeat," some live footage (though with the recorded song backing it), and a number of humorous features, a notable one being a parody of MTV's Cribs. It is extremely well done, and will most likely impress RFL's big fans, giving them a closer look at the men behind the songs they enjoy.
Reasons For Leaving have put forth an admirable debut album full of hooks, energy, and talent that will no doubt be very well received and find a comfortable place in car stereos for those late night drives. They aren't doing anything shocking or risky, but nevertheless they do deliver, and do so with a very solid disc.
--
Band Website - http://www.reasonsforleaving.com
Band MP3s - http://www.purevolume.com/reasonsforleaving