Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 7.5
Production: 9.0
Originality: 7.0
Tracklisting
2. Carouseling
3. A Vespertine Haunting
I had this band on a pedestal for a long, long time. Since their conception back in 2003, I've thought of nothing else. Obviously, this is a bit far-fetched, but case in point: I was essentially in love with this band. Because of my previous, and certainly a bit overzealous, professions of love for Goodbye Tomorrow, I now find myself between a rock and a hard place.
In a sense, this is the band's debut. Over the past year or so, and not without some drama, a new line-up has emerged. Travis Bryant, former Terminal extraordinaire, has filled in on vocals while Matt Grabe has taken to the guitar. While the new recording in itself merits a quite a sizable round of applause, Goodbye Tomorrow, with their original members, will always be my "band that could have been."
Upon hearing the pre-released "A Vespertine Haunting", I was convinced that this new chapter the band was about to embark on might just be okay after all. You see, after the departure of former vocalist Matt Gilbert, I was sure that the band was headed to ruins. Certainly, this isn't the case. Though the EP may be a bit anti-climactic, it's something worth hearing - and potentially really liking. While "A Vespertine Haunting" is undoubtedly the disc's standout track, the other two seem at times to sound like slightly less-inspired versions of the track.
Altough Travis indeed has quite the voice, the versatility and distinctiveness possessed by former vocalist Matt Gilbert is unparalleled. It's a shame, because Travis is certainly capable, it just seems as though he opted not, at least not often, to extend his efforts past a dulcet murmur.
Though three tracks is not nearly enough to move the ground beneath my feet, it has left me anxious for things to come. Also, it takes a little bit of the pain away from the still fresh wound that was the result of the original line-up's decline.