Sydney – When We Were Safe
Record Label: Black Box Recordings
Release Date: October 9, 2007
Sifting through the many recommendations posted on this site’s forums everyday is a harrowing, yet rewarding task. With enough time and effort, you will start to identify with certain posters' tastes and come to value their word as much as, say, a Biblical prophet or Kurt Cobain. It is because of these people that I understand why label after label enlists droves of interns, A & R reps and street teamers to navigate the AP minefield. Look hard and you will find enough good music to last your ADD-riddled brain 9 or 10 solid minutes. This (hardly scientific) method is how I came to know Sydney. Their pop-punk with occasional, post-hardcore leanings latched onto the catchiness receptors in my brain and simply wouldn’t budge. (Ew. The metaphors are getting pretty weak, better move on.)
When We Were Safe is the band’s second LP, and after plenty of time with the release, I believe it’s better than their self-titled debut. The hooks are more satisfying, the guitars are crunchier, and the vocals are less nasally (which might have been part of their old appeal, but whatever). However, Sydney may have caught my ear so earnestly due to Scott Sanderson’s discerning lyrics. His words reeked of true life, loss, and growing-up. But never once did I think, “Oh God, what is he whining about now?” When We Were Safe succeeds in this arena, too.
“The Terry Gartner Way” epitomizes the new album with an emphasis on light melodies that somehow coexist with precise riffs and gigantic drum fills. The song rises and falls many times, creating a pop-punk wave. “The Exit” is a stop-and-go, bumper car ride of a song. I could do without the distortion, though, as it periodically covers up Sanderson’s raw emotion. The instruments cut out for just a moment, just long enough for Sanderson to cement his point in our brains. (“Don’t sleep with both eyes closed!”) When the drums pound again, try not to give yourself whiplash (I say this from experience). “Listen…” becomes instantly replayable due to a soft interlude and its ensuing sonic explosion. The rest of the song isn’t bad, but I find myself listening through the whole thing only to make the end more goosebump-worthy.
Sydney have, without a doubt, matured exponentially. When We Were Safe doesn’t need a slow, acoustic track like its predecessor to prove this. Instead Sydney manage their post-hardcore influences (as heard on “Until The End”) and pay special attention to choruses (give “Sorry Stranger” one listen and you’ll see what I mean). Pop-punk doesn’t have to be a constant regurgitation of done-to-death styles or structures, and Sydney make it clear that sugar comes in more than one variety. Even though I would hardly call myself a role model, maybe you and I have similar tastes (Vanessa Carlton 4 lyfe). Take this opportunity and supplement your pop-punk collection. Alright, you can wait until “White Houses” finishes.
Recommended If You Like: heavier pop-punk bands? I don't feel like comparing today. (Boys Night Out mixed with Billy Talent, maybe?) See below to decide for yourself.
I think a good RIYL for this album is Armor for Sleep. I really love this CD. One of the better surprises for me this year.
i love when reviews and comments make me wanna check out a cd that i normally wouldn't listen to.
i'll probably listen to it within the next day or two.
Wow this is actually pretty good. Except reading their myspace, it says that the cd is available on smartpunk and canadian resellers like HMV. What about Best Buy in the United States? Anyone see it there? I want to pick this up, but don't feel like going through smartpunk. Plus, I have a Best Buy coupon, and im cheap like that
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