New singer, FINALLY
rvanderveen | las vegas, nv USA | 07/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a fan since seeing them in concert back in 2006 with Paramore and Cute Is What We Aim For. Always loved the loud guitars and energy this band brings but never got passed the New Found Glory similarities. Especially the vocals. On the previous album "This is a stick up...." I always thought it could have been better with a different and clearer (very deep nasal blockage??) lead vocals. Well here we have it. And honestly this album just made my summer. The heavy guitar intros and riffs are still there. The vocals have been taken over by the guitarist who makes the lyrics much clearer and adds identity to this band. The chorus are fun and every song ("statues" is still growing on me) is ultra catchy and sticks in your head. Every day I get a new favorite song from this album. Judge it how you may, (see track 11 "say what you wanna say") but if your a old fan of the band and this genre (cartel, Hawthorne heights, all time low, new found glory, paramore, set your goals, Valencia, hello goodbye.....) of music then its a definite must have for your summer and collection. If you're looking for something new then just have a listen in the previews or their myspace page. You will like what you hear!!"
A Solid Album
Justin R. Smith | Kansas City, MO | 07/09/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After the ban lost Colin Ross, who provided a distinct sound on lead vocals, there had to be fears of a step back. However, Skip School, Start Fights is a solid album that is true to the bands old sound (that with Ross) but provides something new for their fans. The sound is fantastic and does not disappoint.
It is better to look at this album as a freshman, rather than a sophomore album. With the lineup shuffle the band has gone through this effort is nothing short of stellar. However, the album falls short of a 5 star rating for one main reason, compared to the wonderfully intelligent lyrical compositions of This is a Stick Up... Don't Make it a Murder the majority of the lyrics for Skip School, Start Fights are best described as good. The mix between great sound and good lyrics is certainly worth a listen and makes a great addition to any Pop-Punk, Punk, or Rock collection.
All things considered the album is solid and speaks to a promising future for the band, even with the loss of Ross.
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