Architects- The Here And Now: Album Review

For a few decades now, the U.K. has had many world-renowned rock bands that have released records that top the charts in almost every major country. Architects, a lesser-known metalcore band from Brighton, England, may not be at the top of the charts, but their most recent album The Here And Now, gives critics of the scene a run for their money.

I had the opportunity to meet Architects' vocalist Sam Carter at a show they played back in November 2010. One key thing he told me as we were talking was to "get excited" for the new album because "it's some of the best stuff [they've] written". Needless to say, Carter's little words of advise (since I don't know what else it could be considered) gave me a good idea of what to expect from the album: the album that this band has been working towards since their origination.

The album starts off with "Day In Day Out", which is a track any metalcore fan can enjoy: a heavy main riff with a powerful chorus that Carter's vocals shine in. The third track, "Delete, Rewind", which they actually played at the show back in November, has a breakdown that makes those avid rock show-goers want to dance, headbang, or whatever you may want to do to jam to this song.

There are two main differences between this album and previous Architects albums. One of these is that there are two slower-paced, mellow songs on this album, which is two more than they have on any other album. "An Open Letter to Myself" is like this, until the last minute, until the pace picks up and Carter screams in the song a couple times. "Heartburn" gives us a calming melody on the acoustic guitar, then the drums explode, yet keep that calm melody given by the acoustic guitar. These songs are two main highlights on the album, for those looking for something different from this band.

The other main difference on this album is Sam Carter's vocals. His singing and screaming on this are what I'd consider less aggressive than previous albums, such as Hollow Crown or Ruin. I'm not one for changing one's singing style, but this may be my only exception. He does very well on The Here And Now regardless of his newer vocal style.

The Bassline:
This album is very good, despite the changes in vocal style. Any metalcore fan could enjoy this album. 4 out of 5 stars. If I ever meet Sam Carter again, I'll have to show him this. He'll definitely enjoy it, or at least I hope he will.

Jonny Craig Taking a Hiatus

After days of searching what to write about on here, I finally realized that the thing I've been searching for is right in front of my eyes, something I've been thinking about every day since it was announced. Why did it take me until now to consider writing about it? I'm still trying to figure that out.

Jonny Craig is a 24 year-old Canadian singer with the voice of a angel (which has been compared to Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera). He sings for two bands, Emarosa and Dance Gavin Dance, and has written one solo album, with another one in the works. On Sunday, Craig announced on his Twitter account that he would be taking a hiatus from his music writing. He originally said that he would be canceling all upcoming tours and albums; that was changed the day after, as he said he would still be touring with Emarosa in February and Dance Gavin Dance in April. On Wednesday, Dance Gavin Dance announced that their next album, with Craig on it, will still be released as planned.

Craig, in white, performing with Emarosa at Warped Tour this past summer, Pittsburgh, PA.

Personally, I, along with other fans and musicians, are very distraught and surprised about this decision. Craig is one of my favorite singers and an idol of mine. I had the opportunity to meet him briefly this summer when I saw him and Emarosa at Warped Tour (hence the picture above that I took).

Anyways The Bassline (I can thank Prof. Jakiela for the idea of using this) of this blog is that Jonny Craig may be taking a shocking break from music, but in no way shape or form should any fans lose hope in him. He's still touring and spreading his beautiful voice around the world (as cliche as that may sound).

If you're not familiar with Jonny Craig, you should check out a few songs of his:
- "I Still Feel Her Pt. III"
- "7 AM, 2 Bottles, and the Wrong Road"
- "The Past Should Stay Dead" (with Emarosa)
- "Heads or Tails? Real or Not" (with Emarosa)
- "And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman" (with Dance Gavin Dance)

EDIT:
It seems as if Craig is not going on a hiatus after all. He announced on his Twitter last weekend that he will not be quitting or anything of that nature. After 7 years of touring and recording, he's still going to push onward in his music career. And let me be the first to say, "thank God."

Kids Icarus EP Review

One day as I was roaming the news stories on Absolutepunk.net, I came across a story that this band, Kids Icarus, a band from the small town of Farmington, Connecticut, has a free EP for download on their Bandcamp website (kidsicarus.bandcamp.com). Of course, I couldn't pass up free music. And in this case. I'm very thankful I didn't.

The cover (which can be seen on the right)  can be a little decieving for listeners. It portrays a calm and peaceful landscape with, what looks like, no civilization around the area whatsoever. Therefore, one would think this EP is a more mellow, acoustic, or even a country-genred work. However, it is not any of those. For those people who like A Day to Remember, add a little more punk to them, and Kids Icarus is what you have from that.

The opening track, "It's On Me", shows many similarities to A Day to Remember. The singer, Brian Bellitto, can be easily compared to ADTR's Jeremy McKinnon; the only difference is that Bellitto doesn't scream in his songs, like McKinnon. Also, the main guitar riff definitely sounds like something you would hear from ADTR's Homesick album: a heavy melody with power chords and double strummed low notes, on top of an ear-thumping drumline (the ear-thumping can be seen towards the middle of the song).

The introduction on the third track, "Monster", shows great work by the drummer during that opening 14 seconds.  His work during this song, and every song for that matter, shows that he is definitely a talented drummer and can go far with his talents. You can also see another huge ADTR comparison in the middle of the song, as the chant "This is where it all goes wrong" is used to raise energy for the listeners and for a live audience, which may in fact be it's primary use.

All-in-all, this EP is very entertaining. I'm excited to see what else they can do, if (and when, hopefully) they get signed, that is. If I have to give this a rating, which I will probably do for my reviews, I'll give this EP a 3 out of 5. Individuality is a must in the music industry these days; though this is very entertaining, there are very many comparisons to ADTR in the EP. Nonetheless, give the EP a listen and see what you think.

An Introduction: Who I Am, What I'm Here For, etc.

My name is Dave Kocinski, 20-year old student at Pitt-Greensburg. I've changed my major 3 times already; the most current one, and one that I really plan on sticking with throughout the rest of my time in college, is English Writing. I plan on sticking with it because I actually enjoy writing many things: articles, poems, stories, etc.

Though I may be a Writing major, my biggest passion is music. It's always been a part of my life, ever since I was a little kid. I started learning drums when I was 10, and since then I've learned to play, aside from drums, the keyboard, some guitar, and bass guitar. Oh, and I try to sing too. Haha, that's a different topic for a different time.

I listen to a little bit of everything, for the most part. I mainly listen to rock, hardcore, progressive rock, and metal. Aside from those, I also enjoy indie rock, dubstep, and some hip-hop, among others that aren't coming to mind. I'm sorry, but I really don't like country music, just to toss out there.

This blog includes many things music-related; such as recent news (with my opinions about them), recent album reviews, bands I find cool that you might enjoy too, among many other subjects. Who knows, you may see a random, off-topic post from me here and there for good measure.

But that's all for now. Any questions or anything of that nature, comment on this. Thanks!