Balance and Composure - "The Things We Think We're Missing" Album Review

One of the saddest moments of album reviewing is having to compare two albums or multiple albums by such a brilliant band. The old and the new are rarely the same; sometimes it will disappoint and sometimes it will be exactly what you're hoping for. Separation was and probably always will be a favorite album in not only my mind, but many fans of the alternative/post-hardcore genre (or whichever genre a person may feel fits the band best). With songs that I'm likely never to forget on Separation, the anticipation for the new release by Balance & Composure was at an all time high. There's a strong likelihood that many had no clue how the band would be able to follow-up such a masterpiece.

But they did. The Things We Think We're Missing has such a captivating, emotional pull to it, you could think it was planned as a continuation of Separation. The recording quality on this album sounds really stellar, and definitely a step up from the past. Heartfelt lyrics sung with such desperation, you can't help but getting sucked in emotionally.

Although each track is different, the album comes across almost like a story, each different song a chapter that all ties together smoothly. Starting off with a bang, the first song "Parachutes" quickly became a favorite, with its first lyrics, "My vacant heart, how is it that you split in two parts? I'm checking in to reminisce, a roller coaster in the dark to places I don't want to go." A great description of how B&C songs can make one feel  - like you're on a roller coaster.

From the very beginning, you will be able to tell you're in for an incredibly bumpy, but beautiful ride. As always, Balance & Composure brings long-time listeners to an emotional place that not many bands can. Although  not quite as devastating as previous songs, the tracks on this album definitely make you feel similar things.

"Back of Your Head" instantly became another favorite, with its hard-hitting, melancholy lyrics and softer vocals. The way that they can deliver such an emotional message in such a strong, but calm manner really throws me for a loop sometimes and leaves me shaken and impressed.

"Notice Me" really hit home, with true B&C style vocals that make you feel like they're crawling up the walls in desperation to be understood and to save you from feeling the same way. "And I can see the evil games you love to play. Don't give a shit, take all of me. Left me in the open, cut me deep, cut  me right."

The worst thing about listening to this album was trying to choose favorites to include in the album review. "Cut Me Open", "When I Come Undone" , "I'm Swimming" , and "Keepsake" should also be mentioned as tracks you've got to listen to if you want to get an idea of the album's well-rounded sound, if for some reason you haven't yet committed to listening to the whole thing.

All in all, being able to make life's hardest moments easier has become the biggest thing that this album has in common with Separation and what the band seems to be best at. They obviously understand what you've gone through, because they've experienced it too, and they want so desperately to ease the hard blows that come with life.

If you're unfamiliar with the band,  RIYL: Brand New, Polar Bear Club, and Joyce Manor.

Feather Oars "Reckless" Album Review

It seems like we're always looking for something new and unique in our hunt for music, and if you're someone who's "really into music," you're always in a different mood—and it's always something different that you desire that will make you feel satisfied. With the risk of seeming cheesy, you could almost relate it to an Easter-egg hunt. What will you find in some secret hiding spot that will totally blow your mind? I think it's similar to a small child finding their goodies at the hunt and the way it truly excites them. 

If you're fortunate, sometimes new music surrounds you in such a familiar, comforting way that it's like feeling at home. That's what I call a great find. Music that envelopes you, comforts you, and reminds you of everything you've loved: that's powerful. That's what Feather Oars have produced in their debut EP, Reckless. I couldn't compare it to any other albums by the band since this it's their first release, but it is certainly a strong statement to say that it's a great stand-alone album.

The first several times that I listened to the album, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was beautiful and full of life, and even one of my favorites that I'd heard in a long time coming from an indie rock band. I had no complaints or any ideas of what I would have changed if I could have. The real excitement for the album though came later, after I had let it stew for a little while. After getting the correct track list and putting the songs in order, I felt like everything had been turned upside down—in a good way. I knew that the album reminded me of something, but I couldn't exactly put my finger on. I liked that.

Listening to it a couple more times, I started to recognize certain elements and also came to a realization. And what it was that I recognized were elements that reminded me of some of my most loved and cherished music –but I'll get back to that in a moment. What I realized was that this album was the birth of musicians who truly loved music. Now, that might sound like something you would scoff and say, "Duh!" to, but in this day and age it isn't a given. There is a difference in the sound of a track where you can hear the love and the passion, and that is present on every track of this album. I use the word passionate specifically because it's a word that speaks to me, just like this album did.

Starting off strong with "Knowing Yourself, Art", I knew I was in for a real treat. The word desperation comes to mind, but not in the pathetic sense of the usual definition. More so in the frenzied, reckless sense, where you can just see how badly the band or the singer wants you to feel the message of the track. 

"Tear You Apart" reminded me, funny enough, of a track from 2005 under the same name, by She Wants Revenge. Funny enough, singer Michael Pfohl told me that he hadn't heard the song or the band whatsoever, so while it was not directly inspired by She Wants Revenge, it definitely might remind some of the sound. Regardless, the following track, "Collide" also had a rough, shaky sound that fell into the same vein of alternative, post-hardcore, almost gothic sounding rock music.

It's difficult to compare one band to another when you're invested in the sound, but with the hopes to find this wonderful band some new listeners, I would say RIYL: La Dispute, Brand New, Balance & Composure. Although some of the tracks are in a darker vein, there is an obvious attempt to make light of the darkness portrayed in the music.

All in all, there is real depth to this album, in the lyrics and in the music. The songs flow together so perfectly and it's always over too soon. Nashville has obviously been hiding some real gems, if this is any sign of what comes out of there!

This amazing album can be found online for free at http://featheroars.bandcamp.com/ on August 2nd, and will be on iTunes and Spotify, out on August 20th.