Search - Dead Poetic :: Four Wall Blackmail

The Nomenclature Of Emocore

Troy Polidori | Tujunga, CA United States | 01/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Bleed one more time for me. Cause my heart is filled with loneliness. And this world is filled with loneliness." This is a Solid State band? A hasty first impression of Dead Poetic would shadow another Dashboard Confessional clone. The sweaters, flowing hair, and soulful whines of frontman Brandon Rike seem to imply nothing more than, at best, a carbon copy of Thursday. However, a quick listen to their debut album, "Four Wall Blackmail", will negate all such accusations. Brandon's vocals tend to lean on the emo side of Sean Corbray (Embodyment) or Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw) rather than Chris Carrabba. Even more satisfying are his frequent departures into Dan Weyandt (Zao) territory by means of glass shattering screams to accompany his soulful cries of passion. Backing up Rike is a group of musicians who do not excel beyond comparison, but have a unity which crafts a sound that is exceptionally cordial. Any music fan would prefer a band that is able to write music as a whole, than several separate entities driving their ego's above the zeal of their music. Dead Poetic can slice through hardcore rants ("Corporate Enthusiast"), and cry for pity with unmatched remorse ("Bliss Tearing Eyes") with incredible fervor. Lyrically, Brandon surpasses every other emo frontman to date. His desperate cries pooled with murderous screams create the most emotional environment one man can create, and rightfully so. This amount of ardor can only befall a human through supernatural grace. Rike cries not for another human, but for a Being so beyond he, that nothing can be said but, "I can't forgive myself for all the things I've done. But you, you do." This kind of oxy-moronic, sorrowful class of thankfulness can only be initiated by a spotless Divinity of which few truly know. Remote are discoveries of groups of individuals with real emotions residing upon the only real foundation. Unlike their secular counterparts, these poets have confirmed that their spirits are far from dead."

I love it.

Elizabeth Creamer | Palm Harbor, FL USA | 06/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i started out just knowing the title track for this album. and i fell in love with it. i was in a slump and had discovered the dashboard and soco that wasnt all over the radio. i also stumbled apon Dead Poetic. i went to cornerstone in orlando this year and they were there. saw them live. and the rocked. truely. the lead singer has a passion that could not be outdone. and can still sing and scream. the entire energy for the band is also amazing. if you are into this christian screamo buisness (like Dead Poetic) may i suggest Norma Jean (lots harder), Blindside (yes.. they are christian... and their pits are crazy),and Emery (more like DP only more screams...) that will turn you onto christian rock that isnt Third Day. Dont be afraid of the christian screamo and other rock that is emerging... it can still be "hardcore" believe me... i have the bruises to prove it!biz."

Emotion expressed to a tee!

Jayme Barkdoll | Tuscaloosa, AL | 05/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! that is the one word you just have to say after you hear this amazing cd. Brandon Rike's voice is perfect at the least id say! Each line pulls at your heart and each scream is perfectly timed so that the true emotions bleed through. I am a huge fan of the whole "post hardcore emotional blah blah blah whatever you wanna call it" so id of course recommend this is you like A Static Lullaby, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Poison the Well, From Autumn to Ashes, or Senses Fail. Seriously for everyone that pushes this away cause it is a Christian cd, I am very sorry cause you are really missing out on some intensely amazing music! Dont think that religion drowns out the talent or the lyrics cause it doesnt do that at all! I say rock on to these guys for stickin to what they believe when it comes to music, emotion, and religion! Pick this cd up and you wont be disappointed. Crank it up loud and rock out to the screams and the lyrics cause both are gonna cut ya deep! Just how music should! Id say the best songs are "A Green Desire", "Four Wall Blackmail", "Arlington Arms" and "Tell Myself Goodbye""