Fourth and Goal
Written: Sep 23 '09 (Updated Oct 09 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ahead of their own curve, much less a genre or industry
Cons: Samples and vocals are a bit awkward at times.
The Bottom Line: Absolutely worth picking up, pay up to $13.99! find in most places for $9.99
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| hstisgod's Full Review: Daisy * by Brand New |
On their fourth major studio release, the pressure was seemingly built up more than their last long awaited release. So it's fourth and goal, can Brand New stuff this record down the throats of those playing a 'they'll never keep it up' defense?
Despite the lyrical redundancy of "Bed", the dropping and risings of melodies done in carefully tactful waves is unprecedented by Brand New. That's the imagery I get with this entire album. Even the lead track that leaked in all its terrible production glory, "At the bottom", has that signature unique Brand New embrace to it. Welcoming you with that loopy somehow guitar'ed atmospheric echoing of instrumentation. Lacey enjoys help from lyrical distortion, but this is merely the beginning of how the lyricism changed. I said to a friend, and though he wont ever agree, this album is a blinding realization that Lacey and company do not need politically or otherwise charged stories to have people enjoying their melodies. Brand New proves what The Juliana Theory couldn't, music regardless of lyrical connection is deep in one listeners soul. Daisy has much more connection with a familiar and memorable beat of human energy than the pipes of one's vocal chords.
For instance, "Gasoline", who actually cares what this man is rambling about? Let me explain it this way...Its like taking Explosions In The Sky, rolling it up tight inside a ball of rubber bands, adding just a backing vocals of random collections and tone, and you've got an energetically experimental acoustirock morphing. "You Stole" is black and heads back to "Deja Entendu" for that more story-bound Brand New. You can imagine it live, Lacey stepping up to the mic in one spotlight, as the band is black playing this dreamy blankness of progressive rock. Most likely a live opener? Regardless, the focus of this track is the bridge, once again, only comparable to those we don't speak of (Floyd, Radiohead).
I simply can't imagine another band out there, so against media attention, but flourishing in much part thanks to that very attitude. I can only hope this sort of open minded effort continues to come, no matter how long they take.
"Be Gone" has that country twaang everyone is referring to indeed, its odd, and simply an experimentation for the next album as far as Im concerned. The title track is moody, and with samples. As Lacey sings down the road, it's a bit of a sermon for him to speak of sermons, but his vocals play the general of this song, leading the path of electric fretting.
"Sink", at first can track in fans of Garage Rock (ala White Stripes), and then explodes like you need Brand New to. Digging for anything, it seems this record is done in prelude to an amazing challenge of bettering it on any next effort. On "Sink" experience what my friend Sean was saying. Listen for that Fugazi, out of control bellowing of upstream Punk Rock. While the solo's of "Vices" are very Cobain, this song has that over the edge audacity that simply can not be matched by anyone but these four.
Though another lyrically repetitive track, "Bought A Bride" has that scratchy aggressiveness only Brand New can place on your speakers. "In A Jar" has that gripping beat, and repetitive lyrical energy again. I don't know that I've ever heard a salado of genre this entertaining, not since their last release at least.
Another terrifically melodic track is "Noro". Which has that The Cure familiarity that hasn't been heard since 'Deja'. Soft starting, and tempo'ed by bass, Lacey has a strong hold on the instrumentation that only forces a tighter grip on the beat. Distorted vocals cut the jam during its bridges, then guitar solos riddle the track. Sprinkle in the very oddly placed 40's vocals thrown in from time to time, this very epic, and flowing song has left me with an imprint of this beat in my head.
Not many artists can consistently prove their critics wrong, but Brand New has proven themselves to be so prolific they not only get in the end zone, but don't even need a kicker. Send the offense back on the field for two. That begs the question, can Brand New continue to put out solid efforts at a quicker pace, and does it's fan base welcome the idea? In any fashion Daisy was worth the wait!
*iTunes purchasers (yes even us reviewers buy music!!!) will get an additional version of "At The Bottom" which has a lighter vibe, acoustic and all.
My reviews of:
Deja Entendu
The Devil and God Are Raging inside me
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Driving
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hstisgod
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Reviews written: 114
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