TIN ARMOR
Life of Abundance
[Self-Released]
Verdict: 8.5/10
It’s hard not to like piano driven rock. While Tin Armor may not be as memorable as Jacks Mannequin, they certainly have their own style that deserves attention. Luckily, the band paid attention to the pacing of their album. As a result, each track flows with the other, and you never have a long period of time where things become boring or too slow. The lyrics are also rather interesting, especially near the end of “Just So You Know It”: “I’m trying to be honest, I’m not trying to be deep”. This line is a good way to describe the album as a whole, actually. Life of Abundance does feel very honest and real. The lyrics aren’t all sunshine and farts. They aren’t laden with foul words. They mostly sound like a guy just getting feelings off his chest and observing the vulture world around him. The vocal work is also a focus point. While they don’t jump around too often, there are moments (like in “Shake Up”) where the frontman cracks his voice in passionate straining. Some of these little things make a world of a difference. Tin Armor seem to thrive on that idea. Whether the song is up in melody, slow and resolved, rocking a good beat, or something in between, Tin Armor do a great job in offering a smooth and relaxing record that will appeal to an array of age groups.
Recommended Tracks: “Just So You Know It”, “Shake Up”, “Coffin Sheets”
Bottom Line: Any fan of piano based rock or indie should give Tin Armor a chance. Life of Abundance will surprise you more and more you study its sounds and words.
LUTHER
Siblings and Sevens
[Black Numbers]
Verdict: 8.5/10
We’ve been sent another great indie group previously unknown by us: Luther. Their 12” for Siblings and Sevens was a very pleasant surprise from Black Numbers (home of Banquets) we found definitely worth checking out. Side A features four songs, including the title track. It feels like the music progresses with every passing song on this side, making it the more “mature” section of the album. Side B, which features three tracks, is the most easy to get lost within. “There’s Always Money…”, “The Communion”, and “Aztec Tomb” are all great songs molding punk, indie, and rock in a memorable fashion. The lyrics are well written, the vocals smooth without polish, and the instruments laid back and focused. Siblings and Sevens shows new listeners that Luther is worth following from this point forward.
Recommended Tracks: “Siblings and Sevens”, “There’s Always Money”, “Aztec Tomb”
Bottom Line: This 12” may be shorter than expected from a vinyl of the size, but it doesn’t prove to be much of an issue. From start to finish, Siblings and Sevens flows and performs well. It may only be 7 tracks, but their construction and pacing make them feel like a full album.
GREY AREA / GO RYDELL
Split 7”
[Black Numbers]
Verdict: 8/10
This split 7”, featuring three songs from Go Rydell and two songs from Grey Area, was limited to 500 this summer (100 clear 150 red, 250 blue). The two new Grey Area tracks are the first recordings the band has done in over ten years, so longtime fans will surely love this 7” for that reason automatically. Both songs, “No Guarantees” and “Bliss”, are both brimming with that energetic punk rock that we all love. Out of the two, “Bliss” came out on top with its soaring and memorable line “I still keep believing we will find a way”. Compared to Grey Area, the Go Rydell songs have a rawer feel to them (due to the gruff vocals and faster pacing). If you don’t already know these guys, they are somewhat similar to Polar Bear Club. The first two tracks, “FOX and the Hounds” and “Not Cool, McCool” are done before you know it (but are enjoyable quick numbers). The final song is the highlight with its catchy and energetic chorus. Overall, this 7” took me a couple spins to reel me in, but once it did, I definitely was really into these songs. Both bands do punk rock much justice. This is a fun little vinyl to get your hands on.
Recommended Tracks: “Bliss” (Grey Area), “Battery Park” (Go Rydell)
Bottom Line: Fans of both catchy and gritty punk should apply. This is an energetic 7” worth playing when you need a quick boost.
Released today, you can now go hear a full album stream of Into It. Over It.‘s new album, Proper. Check it out here and then go purchase the awesome album. My review is coming soon.
Alternative Press has an exclusive album stream of the upcoming New Found Glory record, Radiosurgery. The album can be played here and will be available for purchase October 4th via Epitaph Records. My review will come soon.