Thorn for Every Heart - Things Aren't So Beautiful Now
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CD Details
Artist: Thorn for Every HeartEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2004-10-19
Music Label: Kickball
Soundtracks:
- 99 With An Anchor
- February
- A Night To Remember, A Morning To Forget
- Next Of Kin
- The Prediction
- Streetcar
- Summer So Bleak
- Pretty When You Cry
- Things Aren't So Beautiful Now, Pt.1
- Things Aren't So Beautiful Now, Pt.2
Music reviews of Things Aren't So Beautiful Now
Music Review: A very fresh and original take on the genre
Rating: 4 Stars
After hearing the 30-second sample of "February," I immediately went and downloaded all the songs from this album. But then, I ordered a copy from Amazon because I felt that A Thorn For Every Heart certainly deserved my $10 for this excellent album.
On this album, the band sets themselves apart from the typical screamo pack, a scene that's not exactly brimming with talent or originality. They are very adept at blending emo, post-hardcore and even a smattering of thrash. To me, they sound up the alley of Armor for Sleep and Thursday (both of whom I love). There's not much punk influence here, which I think is a good thing -- the lyrics are more mature and thoughtful than pop-punk, and as far as I can tell there are no references to high school. The songs also have tempo changes, which is not seen often enough in screamo, but is welcome here.
What drew me in so strongly to "February" (which is the best song on the album and is simply brilliant) was the dual-vocal harmony in the chorus -- it's just amazing. Writing one set of lyrics with melody is hard enough, but these guys can double it up with great results, which shows how skilled they are as songwriters despite their young age. This song is so full of energy and genuine emotion (without screaming!), it's practically impossible for me to not hit "back" on my CD player and hear it again -- it's that good.
"99 With An Anchor" is a fantastic opener, really setting the tone for the rest of the album. Usually singing/screaming combos in this genre get a little grating, but in this case it works like a charm. My favorite part of the song is when the boys sing, "We all have, we all have someone..." The melody is just awesome.
"Streetcar" (with its great lyrics of "After what you did, why should I care?") and the final track (which features some great synth) are also standouts. There is no track on here that I skip, although I agree with the other reviewer that there is too often a single-mindedness in their approach to the songs -- which is apparently to beat the crap out of every track. Hopefully the band will progress and write songs that lull and meander in spots and build anticipation -- something that doesn't happen in any of these songs, which are generally full of full-tilt energy. Although, the energy is certainly infectious.
And one reviewer remarked that the production is terrible -- it definitely isn't. The vocals (which sound awesome) were given so much attention that the guitars specifically suffer on the album. The guitars are mixed pretty weakly, which is a shame and a big no-no in my opinion. The guitars rest mostly in the background when they should have been huge in the mix with the gain cranked. The album would've sounded a lot different (and better) with the guitars sharp and chunky, but instead they're just warm and a bit muted. On a side note, the violins used on the album seem out of place and unnecessary -- the four instruments quite nicely stand on their own feet; anything extra is more or less a distraction.
And I also wonder why the drummer on this album isn't a regular member in the band (they still don't have a regular drummer) -- he's very talented, and it's a shame they don't keep him around. Revolving drummers in a band doesn't usually help its sound solidify or progress.
Despite a few flaws, this album definitely rocks and I would recommend it without hesitation. It's different, and that counts for a lot in my book.
Description of Things Aren't So Beautiful Now
All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.Alternative Rock CDs
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