“The Brightest Colors” EP Review (4/5)
American Diary is a Maryland based pop-punk band with nothing new brought to the table. That’s what makes them amazing. With all these new pop rock bands trying to reinvent an already successful genre with garbage, American Diary takes what was done before them and resurrects the dead trend. The Brightest Colors EP is similar to that of The Starting Line’s Say It Like You Mean It or Sugarcult’s Start Static. The only problem is the disc is only 7 tracks long at a whopping 23 minutes. American Diary definitely brings color into this mundane, commercialized genre.
This EP definitely has the stain power needed to hold listeners till a new album arrives. The constant loops of the lead guitar combined with the high harmony of the pop vocals gives the band a similar sound Hit The Lights is conjuring now a day. The first track, “The Goodbye Celebration” sums up all the tools used for the rest of the disc. The first song sets the tone for the rest of the CD. The evergy never falls from the first note. The track “Liberationtoxication” is a perfect example of the old-school pop-punk sound. The song has the upbeat verses with the sing-along chorus and witty lyrics.
One smart tool American Diary uses is taking the aspect of stereo to the fullest. When listened through headphones, one ear takes in the lead guitar while the other listens to the rhythm guitarist. A neat trick used by Metallica which in this case made the EP more entertaining to listen to through those big Sony headphones.
The lyrics are creative, with practical situations. Pop-punk bands don’t usually stray from the girl issues. “I Love You I Like You” sounds like one of the most meaningful songs on the EP. The song is a light rhythmic melody about a “summer tease.” This track sounds similar to something October Fall would write melody wise. The last song, “Heart Attack Pact” is the weakest song off the disc though it’s still very well done. This track has the most creativity. The fast paced guitar riffs and the manic yell on the chorus, it sounds like a much better version of a Bowling For Soup song. The end chanting on the last few seconds of the track is the perfect ending to an awesome CD.
The Brightest Colors EP is a must have for those love pop-punk and not that new-school Simple Plan crap. The best song off the disc must be “Life With Out Living.” The track is addicting and can fit comfortably on repeat. This independent band should have no problem being signed once their EP gets off the ground. It’s surely a new beginning for the group, especially since playing alongside Jacks Mannequin.
1 comment:
Well written article.
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