Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 9.0
Production: 10.0
Originality: 7.5
Tracklisting
2. Sleepers
3. It's So Simple
4. Voices
5. Finding Home
6. Follow And Feel
7. Come Close
8. I Never Wanted To
9. Collapse
10. You're Not Alone
11. Bury Your Head
12. Some Sense Of Security
To call the new full-length from Saosin long-awaited would be a complete understatement. I’m sure the majority of you are aware of the overnight underground explosion when the band released the “Translating The Name” EP a few years ago. Anthony Green, of course, essentially became an idol of the underground scene. After the drama, which again I’m sure you are all aware of (Green leaving for Circa Survive, tryouts for new vocalists), suddenly a cool three years had gone by since the EP’s release.
So now, after last fall’s weak “teaser EP,” which was rumored to be rushed and after listening proved to be nothing but rushed, for some reason no one lost faith in Saosin.
All history aside, the full-length is finally out, and it’s a wonderful effort that is, in a way, totally predictable. It’s their major-label, Capitol Records debut and, without a doubt, was likely created to be a little more accessible, catchy, and melodic—which makes sense. And, sure, looking back and drawing quick comparisons to their “Translating” EP might reveal some obvious differences. Regardless, this record is absolutely fitting for the time, place, and style Saosin (and, probably, Capitol Records) were going for. The production is absolutely fantastic as Cove’s vocals soar and the technical guitars focus in on the usual, expected tight-knit riffs and chord structures we’re all comfortable with.
So how are the songs? “It’s So Simple” might be the first track that really brings back the style we all love the band for. Blasting, raging guitars and pummeling energy and rhythms make this track quite possibly the power-track on this record. Still, the single, “Voices,” is easily recognized as the radio-standout track, with insanely memorable choruses. My only disappointments were a couple tracks: the slower, wussier “I Never Wanted To” (formerly “No Angel,” a powerhouse track with a ton of energy and rawness) and the whiny “You’re Not Alone” which sounds like it might fit better on a Yellowcard album.
In the end, was Saosin’s self-titled, long-awaited, highly anticipated full-length everything it could have been? Absolutely. It’s exactly what we were all expecting, and while I hate to say it, I think even the mainstream might find something they love in the infectious melodies and memorable choruses on this record.