Stuff Scene Kids Like

Hello Fascination

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.

About:

Band: Breathe Carolina

Album: Hello Fascination

Release Date: August 18, 2009

Label: Fearless Records

Rating: 3.5/5

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thew said:

	... top 40 dance radio music meets an angry screaming boy. Good review, i cant agree that i found anything listenable on the cd though.
	report abuse vote down vote up

March 22, 2010
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Emily said:

	... This is a good review, but what happened to actually posting about stuff scene kids like?
	report abuse vote down vote up

March 22, 2010
Votes: +1

nona said:

	... seriously, this review was lame. what the fuck has happened to this site?
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March 22, 2010
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ash said:

	... What happened to the site is that the chick that wrote everything quit and started a new blog, thesnarkyscenester.com. if it werent for anthony raneri i totally wouldnt know.
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March 22, 2010
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sam said:

	... BOO GET OFF THE STAGE.
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March 22, 2010
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bernadette said:

	... hey i love u guys so much you guys rock my world out
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March 22, 2010
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Shannon said:

	... I just stumbled apon this site and read everything. This is hilarious! Yous guys have spunk (;
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March 22, 2010
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danny said:

	... wow. at first i though that was kinda cold… but after realizing the truth of it. It makes clear sense that this band is hopeless. if they work on a third album they might go back into having more sex an times 2 (inhale)screamo less vocals and times 10 synth over tones. ): I kinda enjoyed the gossip EP till it got over rated with scene kids.
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