Search - Static Lullaby :: Static Lullaby

A Return To Form

LeftManOut | TheCityThatNeverSleeps, FL | 10/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""...And Don't Forget To Breathe" was (and still is) one of my favorite screamo/post-hardcore records, and it was a real gem for it's time. 2005 saw the band departing Ferret records in search of greener pastures, and thus also brought in the release of the band's sophomore disc, "Faso Latido", which was widely regarded as both a commercial failure and huge disappointment to long time fans. So with much turmoil in the ranks (ASL was dropped from their major label, and 3 of the 5 members exited the band), Dan and Joe were basically handed the challenge of rebuilding A Static Lullaby from the ground up. And their Self-Titled album is probably the best thing they could have ever possibly released right now.



"Faso Latido" saw the band ditching most of its aggressive elements (screams, heavier music parts) in favor of a more toned down and melodic sound. This was a huge problem since one of ASL's biggest strengths was the way they combined beauty and dissonance so well. Granted at the time Screamo had become the meal ticket, but the album left its fair shares of bad tastes in many fan's mouths. Well this problem has been fully addressed with "A Static Lullaby." First of all Joe is screaming again. And screaming very well at that. His screams on the last record were fairly weak compared to ADFTB (when he actually got a vocal spot), but with this offering it sounds like he hasn't lost a bit of his ferocity. The music is also much more interesting than anything the band attempted on "Faso Latido". The new members all show they are more than capable of filling the large shoes they stepped into.



"Hang 'Em High", "Annexation Of Puerto Rico" and "The Art Of Sharing Lovers" all recall the energy of ADFTB, and make for some of the best tracks the album has to offer. However more melodic pieces like "Stare At The Air" and "Static Slumber Party" are no slouches. The best thing is that Joe and Dan both see almost equal vocal time over the course of the album, whereas the last record was very lopsided in Dan's favor. The guitar work at times is aggressive, yet it can instantly transform into somber, melodic sections as seen on "The Collision" and "Eager Cannibals". The bass pounds with vintage fury, and the drums are far more interesting and rhythmic than anything attempted on the last record.



Overall "A Static Lullaby" feels like the record that should have came after "...And Don't Forget To Breathe." All sides of A Static Lullaby's dynamic sound are fully represented on the disc, whether it be the aggressive or the melodic. If "Faso Latido" left you wanting more, then this is the record that will make you a fan again. It's a little rough around the edges, but it's far more interesting and fulfilling than anything that was attempted by these guys last time around. If you had lost faith, rest assured their Self Titled album is indeed their return to form. Fans of the band should not be without this."

Incredible.

Sherri E. Whitney | Louisville, KY USA | 11/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this isnt sherri e. whitney. this is her son.



First off i was brand new to this band when I saw this album reviewed in AP.



this my new favorite band

and favorite album



i cant stress enough how amazing this album is.



Everything feels so put together, and thought out, nothing like the sophomore slump "Faso Latido" (which i recently purchased just because i've developed such a love for A Static Lullaby.) which felt thrown together a week and a half before hitting the studio. A Static Lullaby (the album) shows a darker side to ASL. I like this side, it doesnt seem so pop punk as Faso Latido did.





the lyrics are well written



the scream vocals are full of adrenaline



the melodic vocals are original and sound perfect.



the instruments all flow.



this album is perfect. it pwns.

buy it.



now."

If your new to ASL...

Karen L. Long | 03/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thank god you picked up this album instead of Faso Latido. Faso Latido was basically ASL experimenting and it went horribly wrong, they belong here in the screamo/hardcore industry where they started. I picked up And Don't Forget to Breath awhile back and fell in love with them and when Faso Latido came out I basically just ignored it and denied it ever existed. This album put my faith back in them, its a good return but its not ADFTB. A lot of reviews say this is just like that album but i've yet to find one in more than two songs. ASL has matured a lot. I liked their old style, they seem like a glam rock band or something now haha. [Totally just kidding]



Anyways, pick this album up. It's pretty solid. If you like this album, don't think twice, just go buy And Don't Forget to Breath right now."