Dashboard Confessional "So Impossible EP" Vagrant vs. The Actual "The Red EP" Missing Sequences
Dashboard Confessional: Chris Carrabba's 4th album delivers the very familiar "singer/songwriter with my accoustic guitar" sound, which seems to be getting a little old. Four songs, the first three in which are very similar, and no drums or bass to give the album a "kick". Layered accoustic guitars, a little piano here and there, some cello-sounding noises, and that's that. Carrabba still manages to deliver very clever lyrics about breakups and relationships, and he still delivers it with as much agnst and emotion as earlier releases, but sadly enough, the sound is the same as the earlier releases. This EP isn't very diverse, as the "solo artist with just his guitar "moniker lingers right over this one, as the final track "Hands Down" is the only salvation from this oh so familiar sound, and it is a weak salvation at that.
The Actual: The Red EP is five songs bringing on the debut of the L.A. indie trio, The Actual. This EP offers a little bit more than just five songs all sounding the same, which is great in itself. A refreshing pop-rock sound with songs about what else, relationships and breakups, and a interesting new voice via Max Bernstein which begs for you to sing along with him. From the first song, "Shells", is a constant barrage of a happy-catchy guitar riffage, all the way to the last track, a sincere me-and-my-guitar outing by Bernstein assures the listener that there's more here than just "rock". Styles coming from all over the place, a great blend of pop, rock, and even harder riffing axes.
Winner: The Actual
The Juliana Theory "Music From Another Room EP" Tooth & Nail vs. In Clover "Sailing The Seas Of Forgetfullness EP" Self-Released
The Juliana Theory: When this record came out, I didn't have any serious expectations for it, just that'd it would be the good, rocking-out Juliana Theory I was used to. This record is a little bit different from previous releases. It's not focused on the "rocking" factor, the faster-paced, guitar driven songs. This album is a newer sound, featuring more ballads, with the same keyboard sounds found in the backround of nearly the entire album. It becomes very annoying, but that's not all. There are many "heavy metal solo" type licks in the album, and even some Rush-esque riffs. Not good. Bret Detar delivers the vocals the same way in every song, soft, then hitting some high notes here and there, a little light yelling, thats it. Metal, prog rock, and even disco, a la track # four, "Liability", can be found here also. This record has almost a creepy feeling to it, where I guess singer/songwriter Bret Detar just got too wrapped up in writing huge ballads then straight up rock songs. To me wasn't a major let down, but I'd be willing to bet it probably let some Juliana Theory fans down.
In Clover: Chances are, you've never heard of this three-piece from Maryland. If I were you, I'd get to know them, quick. This record, put out by themselves, contains six amazingly crafted songs, filled with incredible lyrical delivery. This band simply proves that having more words doesn't make the song better. For example, track one, "In The Middle Of It All", the simple lines "In the middle of it all, I will find myself/In the middle of it all, wht did I lose myself?" is followed by the chorus. Repeat, rock, end. Great melodic rock, probably something you'd find on Deep Elm Records, that kind of sound, but better. Wonderfully crafted melodies and also some great rhythm can be found on this record. I won't mention more here, just go to the links section on our page and go to their site, and buy the album. Swear to god, you won't regret it.
Winner: In Clover