The Matches - A Band In Hope (Review)
This is my first ever CD review. I don't know why I decided to review a CD or why I picked this one, but my decision makes sense to me because A. I actually bought it soon after it came out and B. I haven't heard anyone talking about it.
1. AM Tilts - A good opening track. It sounds "optimistic" to me with all the talk of mornings, the background shouting, and the spacy guitar. The kind of song you would start your day with.
2. Their City - Not as big on this one. Not a bad song, though, all things considered. The guitar effect sounds somewhat dated, which I don't like. The song comes as trying to be this sort of urgent, epic "it's all or nothing" type songs. I would expect this song to be the theme to a movie involving some sort of epic battle.
3. Wake the Sun - Another optimistic track for a lot of the same reasons - the repetitions of "wake up," the sun, which is associated with mornings and new beginnings, and the line "wait for the first train," which can also be associated with a new start.
4. Darkness Rising - A haunting ballad, but not totally convincing. I really like the harmonies.
5. To Build a Mountain - My favorite song on the album by far. The acoustic guitar is reminiscent of Weezer, which I like. There is also the sort of Italian-sounding guitar riff, which fits well. I really enjoy the "do do do do dos." The "kikt-ahhs" (I challenge you to describe that sound better than I did) are also a nice effect.
6. We Are One - Sounds like the kind of song punks would rally behind. Not really for me.
7. Point Me Towards the Sun - An anthem-like romp. More traditional Matches fare. The Matches are morning people, apparently.
8. From 24C - A very different direction for The Matches. Not a terribly strong effort, but not the worst song on the album. Actually, it might be the worst song on the album.
9. Clouds Crash - An acoustic ballad. The string arrangement really fits the song well and helps to develop it. It's a nice compliment to the acoustic guitar. I enjoy this song.
10. Between Halloweens - The background vocals are very Queen-esque, which I like. Pretty decent song overall. Shaun could definitely control his vocals a little bit better, though.
11. If I Were You - Returns me to the days of childhood crushes and the feeling of innocence one gets when looking back on them.
12. Future Tense - A less traditional take on the proverbial "I Like You" song. Driving, engaging, and earnest. The "what d-d-do you knows" make the song for me. This song really gets me pumped for love.
13. Yankees In a Chip Shop - I would say the roots of this song lie in punk music, with the "heys" and "hos." Not a bad effort, but not great.
14. Proctor RD. - I like the build-up. This could be a solid track if developed more.
1. AM Tilts - A good opening track. It sounds "optimistic" to me with all the talk of mornings, the background shouting, and the spacy guitar. The kind of song you would start your day with.
2. Their City - Not as big on this one. Not a bad song, though, all things considered. The guitar effect sounds somewhat dated, which I don't like. The song comes as trying to be this sort of urgent, epic "it's all or nothing" type songs. I would expect this song to be the theme to a movie involving some sort of epic battle.
3. Wake the Sun - Another optimistic track for a lot of the same reasons - the repetitions of "wake up," the sun, which is associated with mornings and new beginnings, and the line "wait for the first train," which can also be associated with a new start.
4. Darkness Rising - A haunting ballad, but not totally convincing. I really like the harmonies.
5. To Build a Mountain - My favorite song on the album by far. The acoustic guitar is reminiscent of Weezer, which I like. There is also the sort of Italian-sounding guitar riff, which fits well. I really enjoy the "do do do do dos." The "kikt-ahhs" (I challenge you to describe that sound better than I did) are also a nice effect.
6. We Are One - Sounds like the kind of song punks would rally behind. Not really for me.
7. Point Me Towards the Sun - An anthem-like romp. More traditional Matches fare. The Matches are morning people, apparently.
8. From 24C - A very different direction for The Matches. Not a terribly strong effort, but not the worst song on the album. Actually, it might be the worst song on the album.
9. Clouds Crash - An acoustic ballad. The string arrangement really fits the song well and helps to develop it. It's a nice compliment to the acoustic guitar. I enjoy this song.
10. Between Halloweens - The background vocals are very Queen-esque, which I like. Pretty decent song overall. Shaun could definitely control his vocals a little bit better, though.
11. If I Were You - Returns me to the days of childhood crushes and the feeling of innocence one gets when looking back on them.
12. Future Tense - A less traditional take on the proverbial "I Like You" song. Driving, engaging, and earnest. The "what d-d-do you knows" make the song for me. This song really gets me pumped for love.
13. Yankees In a Chip Shop - I would say the roots of this song lie in punk music, with the "heys" and "hos." Not a bad effort, but not great.
14. Proctor RD. - I like the build-up. This could be a solid track if developed more.