Band: Breathe Carolina
Album: Hello Fascination
Release Date: August 18, 2009
Label: Fearless
Rating: 3.5/5
As I do not typically support bands whose careers began with GarageBand and 10,000 daily Myspace plays, I am pleased with the level of experimentation, “musicianship,” and effort that Kyle Even and David Schmitt put into their sophomore album. Now, that is assuming they personally had anything to do with it. As their first album on Fearless Records, Hello Fascination nearly meets the hype that surrounded its release. While their previous tracks were seen as thoughtless and sexually-overdosed electronic songs laced with cheesy vocoder effects and unnecessary screaming, this new album has a small dose of what the others have lacked: substance.
In a world where three girls bopping around on stage wearing next to nothing, while lip syncing to tracks on their iPod can be called a “band,” it is difficult to excel in this genre without being considered fake. Though many were skeptical about Breathe Carolina when they first released Gossip in 2007, I have a feeling this album will receive a more thoughtful assessment. Adding actual instruments was a wise decision to break away from the trend and prove that the duo is not just banking on a marketing fad. This can also be seen through the lyrics, which, for once are not solely about wanting, witnessing, or having sex.
The opening track, “Hello Fascination,” starts off a bit Marilyn Manson-ish, but begins to make more sense when the first verse kicks in. With lyrics that anyone in the public eye could appreciate: “here’s to you- criticize, my darlings. Are you satisfied?” David expresses, sans vocal effects, that he acknowledges people are listening and analyzing the band’s every move. The instrumental and digital complexity of this track, along with others such as “Welcome to Savannah,” prove that the two have more up their sleeves than just brainless dance screamo.
Tracks “I’m The Type Of Person To Take Things Personal,” and “Take Me To Infinity” flow together seamlessly, and are each valuable songs to the album. Both begin like classic electronic tracks with fast-paced dance beats and synth overtones, but with clever hooks and gripping vocal melodies. While “Dressed Up To Undress” adds a hint of pop to the mix with higher pitched vocals and a simple piano melody, it is by no means a childish take on an upbeat dance number. Albeit annoying, the sexual connotation theme is synonymous with Breathe Carolina’s overall sound. “I.D.G.A.F.” further supports that assessment.
Much to my surprise, I enjoyed the first half of the album. However, 13 tracks is a bit of an overkill with this genre of music, and it lacks cohesiveness. For example, “Tripped And Fell In Portland,” is much too nu-metal for its own good. Although it failed tremendously, I can see what they were attempting: to reach out to their post-hardcore roots and explore a more instrumental sound.
With that being said, I give Hello Fascination an “A” for effort, but a “C” overall. Already established Breathe Carolina fans will buy into it, sure. However, even with the provided ability to attract all the critics and skeptics, this record failed to step up to the challenge and likely won’t win over a new fan base. But hey guys, pat yourselves on the back for attempting to be “real” musicians. Just don’t expect much more than a bit of glorifying praise from teen scene girls while their boyfriends roll their eyes. You should be used to it by now.
Continue reading
Band: Cobra Starship
We know you’re a trust fund baby, stop acting like you’re poor, scenesters. For products of suburbia with arms loaded up with $15 rubber bracelets and $500 cameras to wear just for show, scene kids sure do love free stuff.
Hey guys! Bamboozle was a blast! We will be posting a recap video with some of the Bamboozle bests this week. I just got home, and so expect a regular post tonight.
Let’s face it. We know you don’t go to shows for the music, so really, why should you pay? …at least not in money. That’s why there’s a guest list. Suck someone off, get a show-going Gold Card.
Formerly used to keep sweat out of Paul Pierce’s eyes, and hair out of faces, headbands, sweatbands, bra-straps, and shoelaces are the hair-must of the scene. Placed like Ceasar’s crown atop the the layered manes of Myspace’s scene kings and queens, headbands serve no real purpose, but Hanna, Jac (and now Demi) just can’t get enough.
