BRAND NEW CD REVIEW . . .
Deja entendu, the sophomore release from triple crowns very own, brand new. Back and better than ever, the boys definitely mixed it up for this album. Ironically, the album is nothing you would ever have expected from them, yet exactly what you do. If you were looking for a carbon copy of "Your favorite weapon" you're definitely not going to get it. They completely reinvented themselves, yet they execute everything as perfectly and skillfully as ever before, proving once again what a talented group of guys they really are.
The intro track, "tau tou" really sets the tone for the rest of the album, repeating the lines "I'm sinking like a stone in the sea, I'm burning like a bridge for your body…" Starting sweetly, with increasing seriousness, and desire. Without time to judge what you just heard, you're thrown straight into "Sic transit gloria…glory fades," Brand new successfully sheds a new light on a common misconception about relationships. "He is the lamb, she is the slaughter, she's moving way to fast and all he wanted was to hold her." this powerfully emotional song will leave the haunting words "die young and save yourself" stuck in you head forever. This song alone shows the bands gained maturity in all aspects of their music. "I will play my game beneath the spin light" comes off as a little bitter, and almost a stab to the fans. But, can be taken as only homesickness, which is easily conceivable.
"Okay I believe you, but my Tommy gun don't" is definitely a stand- out track, powerful lyrics and undeniable instrumental skill, and sing along hooks. "I hope this song starts a craze, the kind of song that ignites the airwaves, the kind of song that makes people glad to be where they are, with whoever they're there with." Easily one of the best on the album, the song incorporates everything it could, mixing the new sounds with the poppier tone of their debut album. "This is the craze only we could bestow, this is the price you pay for loss of control, this is the break in the bend, this is the closest of calls, this is the reason you're alone. This is the rise and the fall" The boys have done something completely different, and obviously they know it.
"The quiet things that no one ever knows" is the single off of Deja entendu. Is the most like their old stuff, its catchy and memorable, and will be on repeat for house. This is possibly one of the only "radio- friendly" songs off the album, listen closely for some awesome guitar work. "The boy who blocked his own shot" is one of the acoustic songs off the album. Reminds me a lot of Coldplay's "yellow", but hey, it happens.
"Jaws theme swimming" has an addictive melody and verse, which brings you into a surprisingly harder chorus (a quality given to many of the tracks on the album). This song successfully pulls you into the emotions of the writer. "Me vs. Elvis vs. Madonna" is the ultimate guy using a girl song, "I will lie awake, lie for fun and fake the way I hold you, let you fall for every empty word I say." But the way it's presented changes the lyrical tone. Making it easier to take in.
"Guernica" is easily my favorite off the album. Real driving emotion is presented here, and you can do nothing but be hooked. It is definitely the "hardest" off the album with a brief screamo moment, that is nothing but appropriate under the circumstances. The writer was frustrated after finding out his grandfather was diagnosed with a chronic illness when he was away on tour. "Nobody plans to be half a world away in times like these…so I'm asking you to shine it out and stick around" The song was written and executed flawlessly.
"Good to know that if I ever need attention all I have to do it die" is possible one of the most dramatic on the album, and easily holds it own, with driving passion and an undeniable lingering effect.
Finishing off the album with "play crack the sky" a powerful acoustic ballad. Brand new really impressed me with this album, showing a whole new side of their skill, but staying nothing but true to their sound. The album may not be easy to swallow for those who loved "your favorite weapon" but trust me. You have to listen to it a couple of times before it really hits you, but when it does you can't put it down.
Check out tour dates at www.brandnewrock.com
Written by our reviewer: Melissa
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