ON LETTING GO

During the time this was released, I've listened to a lot of bands that have are considered post hardcore, especially the one band that lead vocalist Anthony Green used to front and it was mostly that kind of music I've listened to on end. Several years later after expanding my tastes to jazz, metal, folk, prog, etc. most of these types of bands no longer did much for me because they were almost identical and they never really did stand out much, however there are few to this day I still listen to, and this one is one of those albums I still enjoy listening to sometimes. Why?

Both guitarists Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom work perfectly with one playing a melodic, shoegaze-like wall of sound and the other playing melodies influenced by heavy noise resulting in an almost dream like atmosphere. Even the melodies have more substance than the typical post hardcore band and manages not to be over used and dull, especially when they play in clean. A really good example of this is in the fast paced "In The Morning and Amazing". I would even put it up to par with Thrice's Teppei Teranishi's playing. Very unique approach of melody and atmosphere that I would like to hear more often.

However, the first four songs are really the peak of this album, afterwards, the music becomes dull and while Steve Clifford isn't a bad drummer, he tries to be technical and just doesn't work that well, especially in the decent song "Kicking Down Your Crosses".

A very well idea on paper that wasn't executed very well, however, the first four songs here are quite impressive compared to what is in this genre nowadays.

6/10