Roughly fifteen years ago began a string of three excellent debut albums by "alternative rock" one album wonders for three consecutive years; 2003 saw the release of Revis' "Places For Breathing"; 2004 was a little more "Scenic" with Denver Harbor, and last but not least is the vanguard of the group, who released a followup in 2017.
If all that was left of the band were phantoms of its loose ends and their engaging debut, then I met that with acceptance. after hearing their first single, my expectations were set and soon challenged by word of digital print, and I found that the majority of the album was quite "Different" when it came to energy and alternative rock, emo, pop-punk muscle.
Considering there had been a considerable amount of time to "bond" with these songs, I had to lower my expectations for the band's return, and postponed the listening session until months later; I wasn't ready. "You waited over eleven years and weren't ready for new music from them?" Exactly.
It would be foolish to expect to forge a similar bond in so short a time, or one at all. Also, with that amount of time to create more art and experience life, the latter of which can afford a multitude of interpretations, it would be naïve to expect the same sound from the band that brought us their memorable debut.
I could fit the bill for the "Diagram of a Simple Man," and my commentary may reek of shallow observations at times, yet I cannot help notice something in retrospect; the chorus could be an elder relative to Ocean Park Standoff's union of one lover and his hypothetical significant other in "If You Were Mine."
It has been said that an artists have their whole life to pen their debut, out of the limelight, but once that focus shifts, they may end up with ten percent of their life to pen a followup, if lucky; unless they decide to take a hiatus of over ten years for the betterment of the band and its members. Regardless of time between the sophomore album and its debut, it will always fall under scrutiny, the degree of which may depend on notoriety.
There are traces of phantoms in this album, and one of which is the title track; albeit a feint one. However, "Sunset" may serve as a better example. It is plausible to become lost in the spectacular sight that most of us take for granted, even contemplate life, or sometimes lose ourselves in the realization of our own insignificance, and that can leave one in the cold, in spite of its radiating warmth.
Another standout would have to be a song that conjures a Phil Collins reference, and may have you think twice. Its sound also urges you to "Come Closer" even amidst the sounds of chaos that uproot an old friend by the percussion.
While one person can say we are all just chemicals, another can proclaim we are both "Fire and Rain," we all have the ability to bring to light our true selves and embrace our inner fire, or douse it by our own doubts and idiosyncracies. You may ask, "To what is this, to what relevancy?" Just to end the review on a golden note. But seriously, that single is great