A Day To Remember - You're Welcome
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Press release: “It’s finally here – almost!” enthuses frontman Jeremy McKinnon. “To all our fans around the world, we want to say, ‘Thank you!’ You’ve waited patiently, and we can’t wait for you to hear this. There’s a lot of detail in everything we do from the mixes to the artwork, because it all tells a story. So, we made sure each element was perfect. Every line happens for a reason. We took what we envision modern music to be and made a hybrid of who we were, who we are, and who we want to be. It took a lot of maneuvering to get it right, but we feel like we did. We’re here now and very happy to present You’re Welcome.”
My thoughts: There are some forgettable tracks on this release (Only Money, Bloodsucker), but this record isn't nearly as bad as everyone is making it out to be. Sure some songs have weaker lyrics (Viva La Mexico) but generally the music saves it and those that have a mailed in sound (High Diving) gets saved by the lyrics and melodies.
Jetty Bones - Push Back
Label: Rise Records
Press release: Today, the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jetty Bones (aka Kelc Galluzzo) has announced that the she will be releasing her debut album, Push Back, on February 26th via Rise Records. Push Back features songs that dart between alt/pop, indie-rock, and even a hint of bluegrass stomp-and-clamp. “I started focused on my mental health, followed my own medicine, practiced what I preached, and actually took care of my brain. This record is more definitive of the project, because I was intentional with it. I worked through everything” says Galluzzo.
My thoughts: The honesty is refreshing on Push Back. Most people act metaphorical about mental health struggles instead of just saying what happens as Jetty Bones does on this album. The singles That's All and Nothing were my introduction to Jetty Bones and I enjoyed both quite a bit (especially the latter). The other standout track was Taking Up Space which was another single that I missed last year. Everything else is a melding of sounds, ideas and genres some were stronger (Woke Up Crying) than others (Bug Life) but overall it's an interesting album that deserves more spins.
First And Forever - Let This Love Lie Dead
Label: Adventure Cat Records
Press release: Rock elements and emo charms interweave here. First And Forever try to escape the traumas of day-to-day life on their new EP: Let This Love Lie Dead. They spark truth throughout these 5 songs, a collection which seems mature and well-constructed, a small batch which will alert the emo contingent. And for all the sorrow, there is a party atmosphere.
My thoughts: Although I don't agree with the top portion here about "rock" this is a pop punk EP with emo throughout. Think The Great Depression era As It Is but not necessarily as strong. First And Forever is on the rise however and I definitely think that in a few years when they release their debut full length they'll be primed to explode.
