Sing It Loud – Everything Collide
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Record Label: Epitaph
Once again a time ago, some jerk gave Sing It Loud’s debut album, Come Around, a less than stellar review. While he thought the band had a lot of potential, they just missed more than they hit on their first go-around. Flash forward two years (don’t pass out though), and the Minneapolis quintet has finally come around to their talent, substituting gloss for substance on their second effort, Everything Collide.
While not a drastic change from Come Around, Everything Collide features more refined pop-rock, thanks in large part to keyboardist Ben Peterson. The synth isn’t abused this time and has been replaced by more traditional-sounding keys, giving some of the tracks a Something Corporate vibe (the lively “Only One” comes to mind). It also gives the album more of a genuine feeling instead of coming across as Motion City Soundtrack Jr. However, when Peterson does break out the synth, it’s used to complement the music instead of overshadowing it, such as on the ultra-poppy first single, “Sugar Sweet.”
Also getting an upgrade is the guitar work, as Pat Brown and Kieren Smith invoke more crunch and twang. Songs like “Thunderstorms” and “Shadows” display a much bigger sound for the band, while “Letting Go” has Top-40 hit written all over it. The energetic “Only One” and vibrant “I Can’t” seem to be built specifically for the summer months, as they both feature strong hooks. “Wonder Why” closes Everything Collide wonderfully, as all the strong points of the album collide in just the right way (big vocals, big guitars, big melody).
Brown’s vocals are as strong as ever, especially on aforementioned tracks “Letting Go” and “Wonder Why.” Smith even offers lead vocals on "Shadows.” Everything Collide is far from perfect, as the lyrics and song structures are nothing new, and some tracks fall flat, such as the ballad, “Believe In Me.” But it’s hard to complain after hearing the improvement Sing It Loud has made from album one to album two. Brown and Smith provide a nice one-two punch with their vocals and guitar work, while the rhythm section of bassist Nate Flynn and drummer Christopher Lee, along with Peterson, provides the album's smooth groove.
So what if Sing It Loud doesn’t bring anything new to the table, Everything Collide contains everything you want in a summer album – upbeat melodies, driving guitars, and catchy hooks. Who would have figured that a bunch of guys from the frozen north would release the album that’ll set your summer ablaze.
Drew, could you please stop trying to fit in descriptions of every musician if it's not needed? If the drumwork isn't particularly interesting, no need to say that the drummer "provides the backbone" - of course he does, that's his job. Other than that, good review.
Drew, could you please stop trying to fit in descriptions of every musician if it's not needed? If the drumwork isn't particularly interesting, no need to say that the drummer "provides the backbone" - of course he does, that's his job. Other than that, good review.
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