Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 7.5
Production: 8.0
Originality: 7.0
Tracklisting
2. Haven't Seen You In Years
3. May I Bum A Smoke?
4. Janis Joplin Hands
5. Long Distance Calls
6. Constant Apology
7. Relevant Elephant
8. Spread The Rumors
9. Don't Say
10. This Opinion Of Mine
11. Diamond In A World Of Coal
12. Another Headache
After two years on the road Socratic went into the studio to record their sophomore album with the illustrious Mark Hoppus (of Blink 182/Plus 44 fame). To go along with Mark’s impressive musical career, he's already recorded hit albums for Motion City Soundtrack and The Matches. It seemed a perfect match for the band's new, sunnier sound shown off on their free EP Just Turn which was released in the winter of 2005.
The album comes right out of the gate showcasing that brighter sound in the album opener and first single "Boy In A Magazine." The first things fans of the band’s last album Lunch For The Sky may notice is the piano significantly downplayed for the majority of the song which is a theme the band continues throughout the album. "I Haven’t Seen You In Years" is a repeat off of the previously mentioned Just Turn EP. "May I Bum A Smoke" is yet another great summer jam and opens up with a line the summarizing the band's new philosophy "What happened to the good time music? I don't want to sing about dark things, I want to see what the sunshine can bring." The band finally turns down the volume on "Long Distance Calls" which reveals pianist Vincent D'Amico’s reminiscing about his childhood years. Offsetting the personal lyrics is a steel drum and lighthearted chorus of "La di die die" to round out the song.
Kicking the fun factor back up is "Constant Apology' which is a pretty straightforward pop jam. "Relevant Elephant" is the most unique song on the album and quickly changes tempo mid-song. Next up is the title track which continues in the personal lyrical style laid out in "Long Distance Calls." "Don't Say" starts out reminiscent of an Early November b-side but switches up at the end into a psychedelic romp. "This Opinion Of Mine" begins with a scratchy guitar over Duane’s airy vocals and features the entire band helping out on background vocals. "Diamond In A World Of Coal" serves as the big finale although it's not the last track. The piano makes its big reintroduction through the majority of the song before ending with soaring guitars over the song title repeated which makes for an epic ending.
"Another Headache" finally closes out the album on a soft, folk-tinged edge closing the door softly behind itself. For someone who did not get attached to their debut album, this album had all the hooks to keep me nailed in this time. The band has pulled off what others like The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Rolling Stones were all famous for: creating catchy songs that still had substance and could stand the test of time. With a great live show to boot, this band could vault themselves to the top of the charts in no time flat.