|
|
 |
 |
Only Boundaries
Balance and Composure
Reviewed by: John-Michael Bond [Tue, November 17, 2009 @ 10:15:54 PM]
Only Boundaries is bitter sweet. On one hand each of these four songs is so intensely well written, conceptually thought out, and emotionally compelling that any fan of '90s emo will find themselves muttering a disappointed “man” when its 18-minute run time is over. The opening rumble of “I Can’t Do This Alone,” a mass of groaning guitar and clicking snare rim hits, sets the tone for the record. “I Can’t...” is a brilliantly catchy song, equal parts The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me and For Your Own Special Sweetheart and an obvious choice for an opening track. Yet its opening seconds set a dark, plodding shadow over the song, 30 seconds without which the song would start as a basic soft/loud soft indie rock song. A minute later the guitar’s distortion suddenly morphs into the soaring cry of a trumpet for seconds before blending back into the pounding rhythm and searching vocals.
It is in seconds that Balance and Composure set themselves apart from their peers. At face value each of these four tracks are strong examples of melody, hooks, and choruses, yet there are plenty of bands that can write good songs. A moment of silence on “Show Your Face” lulls you into thinking the barrage of anger and doubt have ended, only to suddenly resume with a bridge that slowly swells from subtle crooning to end-of-the-world shouting. These are fine-tuned moments where already personable songs are taken to the next level with subtle grace.
Strangely, all of that’s the bitter stuff. It’s rare for four songs this well constructed to come along from a band this young, and the cynical mind can’t help but wonder if they’ll be able to keep producing this level of songwriting. Personally I think it’s a challenge they can live up to. Few can make you wonder what their next record is going to sound like the second their current one ends. The promise found on Only Boundaries is staggering, and these songs won’t leave my side until I’ve got new ones from Balance and Composure to take their place.
8.5 out of 10
RIYL: Small Brown Bike, Polar Bear Club, Jawbox, Brand New, or Braid
[ BACK TO ALL ALBUM REVIEWS ]
|
|
|
