Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Yellowcard's Second Swan

While the general consensus concerning first impressions ring true, when it comes to music, I find how you end a career more important than a debut. While, the album was a fauxnouement, the Paper Walls that constructed the origami swan were incredibly sturdy, The album was energetic. earnest, and engaging; a testament to their growth, in merely a year. The Lights and Sounds were merely a preparation for something greater.
I could not answer the rhetorical question that their return had set in motion, but I was able to ask "What Happened?" after listening to the sounds of Southern Air. It sounded like a document of a band scratching the studio itch, when interest for a follow-up was virile; recording when they possessed the energy, intent, and motivation, yet not the heart or the patience for the best or most creative ideas, but this is where I find it difficult to critique an artist's work because I am not sure where they were coming from, nor do I know how they truly felt in spite of it written on paper; it was a good album, just not my favorite.
The eponymous album, is another chance to make a statement as to who you are as a collective, or an artist, to where you stand, or at least give an example of how you believe that you should sound. They manage to score in the final period, without even a hint of a yellow card. They manage to show their range, rawkin' riffs or somber keys, sometimes even in the same song. "like Air?"  Yes, but it did not seem as forced as the songs on that album were, and the instrumental accompaniment, fresher; at least in this context. As for favorites, you "Got Yours," and I have mine; such as the aforementioned and "Savior's Robes." I could name every song, yet some are more apparent. The hurt is gone, especially after releasing an album such as this one. You have succeeded, and may you rest in peace.

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