Be reminded, my opinion is only worth what you think it's worth... with that being said, he's a track-by-track review of this album, let it be known that during this point of writing, I was optimistic... let's hope it pays off. *expand to see the whole thing*
Sol Luna: A short instrumental track. Reminded me of Treefingers yet much more chaotic and disorganized. Which wasn't necessarily aBe reminded, my opinion is only worth what you think it's worth... with that being said, he's a track-by-track review of this album, let it be known that during this point of writing, I was optimistic... let's hope it pays off. *expand to see the whole thing*
Sol Luna: A short instrumental track. Reminded me of Treefingers yet much more chaotic and disorganized. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing in this case, however the purpose of this song is unrealized for it fizzles out too quickly. Considering what the next track was, I'm surprised this was how the album started. Still, good instrumentation for a song that was too short. (7/10)
Halfway Home: The very first second of the song will be a surprise for everyone, with that being said, the actual song itself is very smooth yet rocky at the same time, with vocals that are produced with purpose, bridges that bring poignancy to the lyrics, and a guitar break that gives the listener a chance to breathe. It never stays in the same pattern, but it never becomes hard to follow along with. It may require less sensitive ears though. (9/10)
Protest Song: Although the title indicates that this would be a political song, it appears to be referring to something much more personal (but I'm too clueless to figure it out.) The vocals are beautiful and are a nice contrast to the somewhat overproduced vocals from the second song. Although words are said over and over again, it always sounds different each time somehow. Also, THOSE DRUMS! (10/10)
Skyline: The prettiest song so far, it's a song about managing to meet expectations (I think) that initially is an attack against someone else (you), before it ultimately turns back to the singer when he proclaims, "I shouldn't have come at all." Although the lyrics never change, the arrangement changes up just enough for it to never get repetitive, yet another perfect song. (10/10)
Stay Happy: A slow and almost quiet one-minute build-up gives way to a song about maintaining a bad relationship. The vocals at times can get annoying (but that's my taste of course... plus when the background vocals came in, it soon created a satisfying harmony.) and the drumming itself doesn't blend quite as well with the other contributing instruments in the song. However, the guitars, bass, and random variety of instruments keep it from falling flat, and makes it an enjoyable instrumental experience. (8/10)
Vanity Pail Kids: Although it starts off very raw, as soon as the guitars intensify with the drums, and the brass instruments come in, this song becomes a jungle. With quiet vocals, Kevin states what the listener will have to do to achieve many fantasies... also, there's a crying baby in the middle of it... if that isn't originality, I don't know what is. (10/10)
Hug of Thunder: The title track is one that starts off a bit too mellow, that comes across as too tense, I never quite get into the groove of this song until the second half, when even more vocal effects come into the song and make it more haunting... when all of a sudden, a mellotron comes into the song, along with a variety of instruments, and gives it the big boom it had been searching for. This song will require a long... or at least what felt like a long wait to fully enjoy it. (8/10)
Towers and Masons: The rawest song on this album within the first fifteen seconds, until it smoothly transitions into "ooh" vocals, powerful drums, and slick guitar arrangements. It almost seems as if the lyrics were arranged randomly at some points, which actually makes me more determined to find out the true meaning of this song. Also, satisfying synthesizer break in the middle. (9/10)
Victim Lover: It reminded me of one of those jazz hip-hop songs (a really good one), until the muffled vocals came in and slightly threw me off. Luckily, along with the vocals, the combination saxophone and trombone redeem what was initially a somewhat frustrating song... after the first "jazz bits" of course (8/10)
Note: I'm running out of characters, so these next few will be much shorter.
Please Take Me With You: A quiet yet ambient song, with the vocals themselves ultimately succumbing to the calming before the storm (which was basically the drums, and not much of a storm... I'm really bad with metaphors.) (9/10)
Gonna Get Better: I love the piano, love the progressive (interpret that word differently) lyrics, and robotic-sounding vocals. (10/10)
Mouth Guards of the Apocalypse: It could've singlehandedly been an instrumental with the way that it was coasting along... until the second half takes it away and makes the final song one of the biggest triumphs of the album. (10/10)
Final Score: 108/120 or 9... well, no debates about whether the number should be rounded then, lol. For an album that is 52 minutes long with only 12 songs, it never feels too long.… Expand
Hug of ThunderYour Score0 out of 10User Score
