FREE SINGLE: SILVERSTEIN
Writeup By: Jesse Shultz // Photo By: Mark Luciani
Are you a fan of Silverstein? Well, get ready for a treat. Silverstein has just released an updated version of their song ‘Smashed Into Pieces’ for free! I encourage you to check it out if you’ve been looking for new music lately, or just love post-hardcore.
Download link here
SHOW REVIEW: THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT
Review and Photo By: Sean Murphy
Those who were at The Majestic Theater on Wednesday, May 15, witnessed music in its greatest form. The concert featured The Airborne Toxic Event headlining, with LEAGUES as the opening act. Both bands played their hearts out and proved to the filled theater that true musicians do still exist.
LEAGUES made their return back to Detroit, this time as the opener for The Airborne Toxic Event. The soulful group from Tennessee started off the night with a setlist that kept everyone moving. LEAGUES started their set, and half of the venue wasn’t really sure what to think while the other half knew right away that this was going to be a great night for music. As the band made their way through the setlist, the number of people who were unsure of the band’s appearance or sound grew smaller and smaller. By the time the band’s most notable song, Spotlight, was played, the venue was blindsided with an energy they did not necessarily see coming. As an opening act, the job is to prepare the crowd for the headliners. LEAGUES not only prepared The Airborne Toxic Event’s fans for their set, but they also left the venue knowing that they had made a number of new fans in Detroit. Much to the disappointment of the crowd, LEAGUES played a relatively short set; however, each song they played showcased passion for their music. I applaud opening acts who end their sets and leave the crowd looking to one another and discussing how good this band was. Their set proved that LEAGUES has what it takes to become the headliner of their own tour, like their tourmates were able to do.
ISSUE #6: THE SUMMER SET
With their recent release of their 3rd studio album, the Fearless Records band, The Summer Set, shares details on the new album Legendary, their record label, and Brian even shares why the song “Someday” means so much to him! Also featured in this issue is The Maine. Just announced a new album, headlining summer tour, and more! How did they come up with the album name Forever Halloween? No label, no problem? It doesn’t stop there! This issue features a brand new clothing line called STUD (created by former At The Skylines frontman Chris Shelley and his girlfriend Janie), The Atlantic, Barnstormer, The Mill, and MORE!
ALBUM REVIEW: MAN OVERBOARD
Review By: Sean Murphy
★★★☆☆
The genre of pop-punk has a lot to thank Man Overboard for. The band has helped “defend” the genre and prove to naysayers that Pop Punk never really went anywhere since 2008. Man Overboard has been on the forefront of reinventing merchandise and lingo of listeners, with the “Defend Pop-Punk” slogan that has been solidified as a symbol for, not only the band but also, the genre. It seems as if every “pop-punk kid” has at least one “Defend Pop-Punk” shirt in their closet, making MOB a quintessential part of recent pop-punk history.
Unfortunately, Man Overboard did not live up to their historic role with their new album. Heart Attack, which has been highly anticipated, confirms that Man Overboard is a great band, but does nothing to show any maturity or reinvention by the band. It is disappointing to know the positive things MOB has done for the genre, but unlike their counterparts, have failed to find new ways to help the genre thrive musically. Heart Attack does have some positive attributes: it is clear that the new songs feature the sound of a full band.
ALBUM REVIEW: FALL OUT BOY
Review By: Emily Salswedel
★★★★★
After 4 long years of debate between “hiatus” and “break up,” Fall Out Boy is truly back, and in my opinion, better than ever. Their brand new album “Save Rock and Roll” was originally scheduled to come out in May 2013, but the band pushed it’s release up to April 16th, which is even better.
The album’s first track “The Phoenix” is everything an opening track needs to be in order to get the listener pumped. It has a solid beat that is perfect for fist-pumping, plenty of chant-worthy lyrics, and a melody that will be stuck in your head for days. The second track is the band’s first single off the album, “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark.” If you haven’t heard it yet, you definitely should listen. It is the perfect setup for the albums sound as a whole.
As the album carries on, “Alone Together,” “Where Did The Party Go,” and “Just One Yesterday” continue with the band’s new sound; it definitely showcases more of a pop element compared to their older work. But with the complexity of their music and lyrics, I think it works for them and helps them stay unique.
ALBUM REVIEW: ONEREPUBLIC
Review By: Emily Salswedel
★★★★☆
The American rock band from Colorado Springs, OneRepublic, released their third studio album Native in the UK today (and will be released tomorrow in the US.) Their mainstream breakthrough kicked off in 2007, with “Apologize.” Just like their previous two albums, Native is 14 tracks of genuinely great music.
The second and third songs on this talent-filled album, “If I Lose Myself” and “Feel Again,” were the band’s first singles released off this album. Both of these tracks are what I like to call “radio friendly.” They’re great songs with catchy beats, inspirational lyrics, and that “driving with the top down” kind of sound.
Although the majority of the album has that “radio friendly” sound, they decided to take a break from that sound in the middle of the album. “Light it Up” was probably my least favorite song on the album. It had a different grungy-rock sound to it that was a little weird to hear from OneRepublic. Another different kind of sound was “Au Revoir.” With the orchestra sounds at the beginning and the overall lyrics, there is no better way to describe it than truly beautiful.
The end of the album comes full circle right back to where it started. The last song, “Life in Color” is the best example of “radio friendly” music on the entire album. I can already picture myself driving all around town listening to it. If you’re looking for a CD to listen to on one of those “I’m unstoppable” days, I recommend you should definitely check this album.
ALBUM REVIEW: LYDIA
Review By: Amelia Charleen
★★★★★
With a genuine sound through unique instrumental and beautiful vocals, Lydia is definitely a favorite of mine. With this album, Devil, I feel the band is proving themselves. I was personally so anxious for this album, not only for the beautiful sound of Lydia, but because the album art was taken by the talented Dirk Mai who is an inspiration of mine.
The first track on the album is The Exit. It’s a truly beautiful in every way from the drums to the background vocals to the progressing chorus. The first single released off of their album was Knee Deep. It’s catchy and flows so well. It feels relatable and honest, which definitely makes fans love it. Back To Bed is an upbeat acoustic song that makes you want to sway. It’s unbelievably easy to get lost in and shows the diversity of this album. Hurry Back Tonight is not a song; it’s an anthem. The sounds that are generated through this track are so uplifting and have this sweet energy that I feel only Lydia can bring to the table.
I cannot get over the unique qualities this band showcases through ALL their songs on this album. Lydia fans will not be disappointed with this album whatsoever. It is basically drenched in perfection. I highly suggest buying this album. There is so much talent here and everyone should give it a listen. You can purchase this album on iTunes here.
