SLEEP ON IT AS IT IS 3OH!3 + MORE!
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CONTENTS
WHITE NOISE
EDITORIAL 10 THINGS WE’LL MISS ABOUT VANS WARPED TOUR
2 4
ASSUMING WE SURVIVE
10
3OH!3
14
SLEEP ON IT
16
AS IT IS
20
REVIEWS
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WHITENOISEZINE.COM
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EDITORIAL
20 EDITORIAL Here we are, issue number 20 in the books! This one took a little extra TLC and emotion to create for you guys. Issue 20 is our celebration of the Vans Warped Tour. 02
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While it’s sad to see such an iconic tour for our scene go, we’re even more excited to see what type of phoenix rises from its ashes. Issue 20 features Vans Warped Tour stories from bands Assuming We Survive, Sleep On It, As It Is, and 3OH!3 as well as memories from us. This brings issue number 20 and the Vans Warped Tour to a close, however, it brings us to the start of fall with new music, new tours, and plenty of other things in store for you guys. See you for issue number 21!
CRISANNE GL ASSER & DANIELLE GIT TLEMAN
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WHITENOISEZINE.COM
10 THINGS WE’LL MISS ABOU T VANS WARPED TOUR WORDS BY \\ CASEY WOLFE PHOTOS BY \\ CRISANNE GLASSER
10 THINGS WE’LL MISS ABOUT VANS WARPED TOUR
W
ell, Warped Tour is officially over. It’s
honor and hope we used enough sunscreen to
like when our favorite TV show gets
prevent any real damage.
cancelled because the actors have grown so much that they’re no longer believable as their intended
6. Free Stuff - T-shirts are expensive and a lot to
characters. As disappointed as we are, all good things
carry around during Warped Tour. However, we need
must come to an end. Here are just a few things we’ll
to prove we were there. That’s why the stickers, pins
miss about Vans Warped Tour.
and posters that some bands just hand out are some of the best souvenirs you can get.
1. Meet and Greets - There is nothing more exciting
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than meeting artists you admire. And at Warped Tour,
7. The Chaos - Figuring out how we can see two of
they’re just real people hanging out in as much shade
our favorite bands on opposite sides of the venue
as they can find. Warped Tour eliminates the formality
five minutes apart is nerve wrecking. But you only live
of fans and celebrities, making the experience of
once, so embrace the rush and try not to trip while
meeting bands so much more organic.
running from stage to stage.
2. New Artists - Whether it’s a local band handing
8. The Lineup Reveal - Possibly the most anxious
out CDs or just bands you’ve never listened to before,
moment of Warped Tour is when they finally let us
almost everyone walks away from Warped Tour as a
in to the venue and everyone makes a mad dash to
new fan.
the giant inflatable schedule board. Let the crazy day planning and map routing begin.
3. New Friends - That girl who accidentally hit you in the head from moshing too hard? Your new best
9. Singing Your Lungs Out - It’s amazing if we’re
friend. People just seem to vibe in the scene. And it’s
able to speak audibly the day after Warped Tour.
always great to have a friend to help catch the crowd
Everything about it is loud, but in the best way. You’re
surfer imminently falling on top of you.
totally off key, like everyone else in the crowd, but no one cares because you’re at Warped Tour. You’re
4. Old Friends - Music brings people together, and
having the best day.
we all have that one friend who just gets our taste in music. When we find someone whose music taste
10. The Music - Finally, the sole purpose we go
matches our own, it’s an instant connection, and often
through this sweaty, thirsty, exhausting day. These
a lifelong one.
bands have had an impact on so many lives, and to see them all perform the songs that got us through so
5. The Heat - Yes, it’s a harsh condition and sweating
many bad days is the epitome of happiness. Warped
is gross. But we wear our sunburn like medals of
Tour may be over, but the music will always live on.
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WHITENOISEZINE.COM
ASSUMING WE SURVIVE LIFE’S AFTER PARTY WORDS BY \\ DANIELLE GITTLEMAN PHOTOS BY \\ ALYSON COLETTA
WHITE NOISE
H
ailing from California, pop-punk band
everything phase, and the past two years of touring,
Assuming We Survive had a huge
so much has gone on in our personal lives that this
summer on the Vans Warped Tour. Having the
record really tells everything. It’s a very personal
opportunity to be on the last tour, as well as release
record.”
new music, they had a very memorable summer.
it was written in an unconventional way. Stepping
At the beginning of the summer, the
Not only does this EP get really personal,
band released a new single, “Just So You Know,”
out of his comfort zone and trying something
and according to lead singer Adrian Estrella, the
different, Estrella approached writing this record a
reception to the song on Warped Tour was pretty
lot differently.
awesome.
years of touring straight, and I was like, ‘I wanna put
“It’s been really, really good. It’s weird
“We got home in October after almost three
because originally we didn’t think of it as a single.
myself in a position, in like an awkward position, in a
The song is about two actual people that I know and
sense.’ I didn’t need a job, but I got one, as the worst
their story, and the chorus is about just everyone in
thing you could possibly do, which is dish washing,”
general. The more I listened to it, the more I thought
Estrella explained. “What I would do, is I would put
we should release the song first,” Estrella explained.
my headphones in and I would literally do my shift
“It’s been great. Everyone is loving it. Actually my boy
and listen to the songs without vocals. I wrote every
Adam from Oceans Ate Alaska hit be up and was
single lyric on this new record while washing dishes.
like ‘dude the song has been stuck in my head’ so
It was kind of one of those things where I was in
that’s also a good sign, when your peers are enjoying
a stressful environment and it really helped me
the song as well.”
channel all of my emotions. The songs just came
together through washing dishes. It was really fun
Following the release of “Just So you
Know,” the band released a brand new EP called
to do that, because like, I’ve never had a job like that
Chapters, that was available exclusively on Warped
before. I made really cool friends, and it was just a
Tour before being released to everyone else. “We
really cool experience.”
recorded it with Tyler Smith from Dangerkids; he
also did the new Blessthefall record, the new Crown
band is sad to see the tour come to an end. “It’s sad
The Empire single, the new Falling In Reverse
because Warped tour has been our home for the
singles, so Tyler’s really awesome,” Estrella said.
summer for so long, not only for us bands, but for
“It’s called Chapters because this is definitely a
fans as well. Now that we don’t have that anymore,
new chapter for our band. There’s been a lot of new
it’s going to be interesting to see what happens.
things within our band, which is great. I’m very proud
The Warped Tour community is a really tight-knit
of this EP, it’s definitely in a direction that we’ve
community to begin with and we all see each other
always wanted to take. I’m very excited about it.”
throughout the year touring, but not having the
summer together, the punk rock summer camp, is
A few things have changed since the band’s
As for Warped Tour, like anyone else, the
last release, specifically, the band got really real
definitely going to be different. It’s very sad. It’s one
and personal this time around. “It’s less pop-punk.
of those things where all go things must come to an
In a sense, there’s like, two pop-punk songs on this
end,” Estrella said.
record, but everything else is a lot different,” Estrella
said. “I feel like our last record, All Roads Lead To
years on the tour, Estrella would have to say that his
Home, we were in like a party, super super stoked on
best memory would be back in 2016 in Cincinnati
Out of all the memories they’ve had over the
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ASSUMING WE SURVIVE
“Humbleness. Humility. A lot of humility. This is a very hard tour. It’s a lot of work. And then just appreciating the little things.”
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Solore, te dolore simpos ilis prae cusam eossus esequi inull
WHITE NOISE
when the band played to a full amphitheater, and he crowd surfed while singing. Even though there’s been a lot of fun and games while on tour, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into being on Warped, too, and over the years Estrella has taken a lot away from his time on the tour.
“Humbleness. Humility. A lot of humility. This is a very
hard tour. It’s a lot of work. And then just appreciating the little things, and I mean all of the little things. Like, the moments of silence, the moments of sleep, the moments of showers, the moments of hanging out with your friends, the moments fans come up to you and tell you that you’ve changed their lives. Just appreciating every little thing. I think that’s the biggest thing I’d take away from this tour,” he said.
Now that Warped Tour has finally come to an end,
Assuming We Survive are not stopping any time soon. They’re about to head out on tour with Rivals and Riot Child this Fall.
“We’re really excited for a headliner tour, and along with
that we get to play our new album, and I’m so stoked to play these new songs. We get to play a longer headliner set, and having one of our best friends, Rivals, on tour with us is going to be so much fun because we love them, and we love Riot Child as well, so it’s really cool. Both of those bands are female fronted, which is awesome,” Estrella said. “I’m excited for them to be able to get even more exposure because they’re amazing bands. There’s a weird stigma — and I don’t feel like it’s within bands, it’s with fans — they’re like, ‘oh it’s a girl band, whatever.’ But bands, know what’s up. We know what it takes whether you’re female or male, so I want fans to see these girls just kick so much ass.”
If you can check out the band this Fall, definitely do so.
The band is just as excited to get out there and play their new EP.
“We’re so thankful for all of the years of support. If you
ever need anything just reach out. We’re always here for you guys.” WHITENOISEZINE.COM
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3OH!3
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS WORDS BY \\ GIANLUCA D’ELIA
PHOTOS BY \\ CRISANNE GLASSER
WHITE NOISE
T
en years after
out four more albums — most
3OH!3 made an
recently, Night Sports in 2016.
unforgettable breakthrough with
their single “Don’t Trust Me,” the
also been focusing on songwriting
band came back to grace the
in recent years. The two have
stage at the last-ever Warped Tour,
penned tracks for Ariana Grande,
where the band says their music
Maroon 5, and Karmin when they
career first began.
weren’t busy working on new
material for 3OH!3.
And yes, they’ve kept up
Foreman and Motte have
with all the memes that came
from their iconic electropop hit,
label and no management, which
especially the ones that reference
has given them “a lot of freedom”
the line every high schooler
with their music, Foreman said.
probably screamed at some
point in 2008: you know, the one
and count the blessings,” Foreman
that goes, “Tell your boyfriend,
said. “Any band that has done this
if he says he’s got beef, that I’m
tour gets so much respect from
a vegetarian and I ain’t f**king
me. There are bands that jump
scared of him.”
into a privileged way of touring and
become assholes, but with bands
“I remember bands I
The band currently has no
“You have to look back
listened to in high school, and
down here, it’s hard to meet people
their lyrics are still ingrained in my
who aren’t feeling a sense of
head,” said Foreman. “So it’s funny
gratitude for the small things. It’s
that for some people, they still
a grind. You have to love what you
think of the ‘I’m a vegetarian’ line,
do.”
and that it’s a defining moment for
them. It’s so bizarre to me, but I’m
Warped Tour and the community-
thankful.”
like atmosphere it creates for fans,
Foreman said he’s thankful for the
The Colorado duo, made
Although he’ll miss
up of Foreman and bandmate
impact it’s had on 3OH!3’s career,
Nathaniel Motte, are now
and the fans that have supported
celebrating the 10th anniversary
them for the past decade.
of their first album, Want, which
also featured the Katy Perry
where I’m amazed we’ve been able
collaboration “Starstrukk.”
to do this as long as we have,” he
said. “I’m thankful our fans are
“We see people at signings
“It’s one of those things
say they were seven years old
crazy as we are about having fun
when it came out,” Foreman said.
and keeping the spirit of Warped
Tour alive.”
Since then, the band put
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S LEEP ON I T M IS S I O N ACCOM PLIS H E D WORDS BY \\ DANIELLE GITTLEMAN PHOTOS BY \\ CRISANNE GLASSER
ROCKY WALLACE
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T
his year was Sleep On It’s first time joining the Vans Warped Tour for multiple dates, and since the tour has officially come to an end, it was better late than never. As fans of the tour, and
attending it as fans for years, being on the last Vans Warped Tour was basically a dream come true. They were excited to play new music for an entirely different type of crowd.
Since releasing Overexposed last November, the band has had nothing but positive responses to the
record.
“It’s been really good. I think our fan base seems to like the record as a whole, which is the most
flattering thing for us,” said guitarist and vocalist Jake Marquis. “We put a lot into it. Honestly, we probably took too much time deciding the track order alone. The transitions from song to song we were like, painstakingly looking at that in the studio. We went back and forth for weeks. Once we finally settled on that, we wanted to make sure that this album made sense to people as a whole, and a lot of people have said that it does. Before Warped Tour started, we asked fans what songs they’d like to hear us play, and obviously we’ve heard a lot of the singles and stuff, but we also had a lot of fans telling us literally every song on the record.”
With such a good reception from the fans, it’s no wonder why the band was super excited to get out
and play these new songs for fans. “The only weird thing about Overexposed is we toured it with Waterparks and then we took six months off because of Warped Tour. So, this tour is where we’re seeing the full response to the album because on the Waterparks tour, we released the record while we were on the tour, so like, people didn’t know all the songs yet. So now, people have had time to digest, and it’s really cool,” Marquis said.
A lot went in to the making of Overexposed, right down to the track list and the lyrics. The band made
sure that everything flowed and everything was intertwined. “‘A New Way Home’ was a direct response to our song ‘Unspoken.’ ‘Unspoken’ is like, a whole different type of song. The tagline is, ‘it’s been a long year,’ and the new record opens with ‘I’ve been trying to lose myself for a year now’ and it’s sort of like a transition from the EP to the album,” Marquis said. “I think the EP was a little angrier, and a little more bitter while Overexposed is a little more reflective of how we were feeling. There are also a lot of references to older songs within that song.”
“We’re a lot older than people think, we’re in our late twenties, so I think the record is really about
finding our place as adults,” Marquis continued. “The record is processing our early twenties, and going into our late twenties. That’s a lot of what the record is about. Finding our place, and how music is such a big part of our lives, and coming to terms with that.”
With all of the time and effort that went into the making of Overexposed, there’s no wonder why
there’s such a big difference compared to the band’s previous releases. “The EP was a lot faster when making it. It was two very short weeks, maybe even ten days. Meanwhile, the album took a lot longer, maybe a little over a month, it was significantly more time. For the EP, we didn’t even have time to ask like, ‘what if we did this,’ or ‘what if we did that’ it was like, here’s the song it’s done, let’s move on. Which was good and bad, because sometimes if you’re overthinking a song, you can make it worse,” explained Marquis. “I think for what the EP was, we did a really good job. For the album, it was the reverse. We had pre-production, where we played some things for the producers first, and talked about it. We also had a lot more time to write this time around, too. We had seventeen songs, and had to narrow it down to twelve. We kind of polled our team on what songs they liked, which was an option we didn’t have before, and that helped us narrow things down. Sometimes you need that outside opinion of what your art is and what it sounds like, because you might think it sucks but someone else doesn’t.”
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SLEEP ON IT
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WHITE NOISE
“As a musician, it’s your dream to make people happy, and really feel something. You want it to have memories attached to it, you want people to have this sort of connection with it. When people tell us that our music does that, it’s like, mission accomplished. We did what we set out to do.”
Even though the band’s LP, Overexposed isn’t quite a year old yet, the
band has been working on new material, working on some new things a little at a time. “We’ve been writing probably for the last three or four months. We had so much down time after our tour with Waterparks, so we have a lot of new songs and ideas. We actually just recorded a new single that we hope to release some time after Warped as like a standalone thing. We’ll probably record a new album in early 2019, nothing is really set in stone, though,” said Marquis.
Since Warped has come to an end, the band doesn’t plan on stopping
any time soon. In fact, they recently announced that they’ll be heading out on tour this Fall with Broadside, With Confidence, And Small Talks, where they’ll be continuing to promote Overexposed.
As for the fans, the guys of Sleep On It are so thankful for each and
every one of them. “We’re very, very grateful for our fans. I want our fans to know that we do read the letters that they give to us, we do see the art you guys make us, and we really do appreciate it,” Marquis said. “It’s hard to put that into words at a meet and greet, and it’s even hard to put that into words on social media. I think it’s really cool, and it really makes our day, that people care that much. Even the tattoos are insane, that someone gets our lyrics tattooed on them. It’s the highest form of flattery as a musician, and it never gets old and we’re very appreciative.”
The band makes music for their fans. At the end of the day they want
them to listen to their music and truly feel what they’re listening to.
“As a musician, it’s your dream to make people happy, and really feel
something. You don’t want your music to be disposable. You want it to have memories attached to it, you want people to like, have this sort of connection with it. When people tell us that our music does that, well, it’s like, mission accomplished. We did what we set out to do.”
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AS IT IS THE STIGMA WORDS BY \\ KIYA GASKIN PHOTOS BY \\ CRISANNE GLASSER
WHITE NOISE
A
s It Is is in the midst of a rebrand for
did not forget about the fans. He explained that
their recently released concept album
mental was a topic not only to him, but to As It Is’
The Great Depression. As with all new endeavors,
fanbase as well.
there is a certain level of uncertainty that comes
along. But no amount of uncertainty could stop the
to our fans, but it’s very important to me,” he said.
UK-based pop punk band from exploring new ideas.
“We’ve discussed it to great lengths with fans before
and after our sets: our own mental health and our
Frontman Patty Walters was all about
“It’s certainly subject matter that is important
embracing the change and was ultimate satisfied by
own background experiences.”
the end product.
(Boys Don’t Cry)” ahead of the album. They also
“It’s one of my favorite records we’ve done
As It Is released their song “The Stigma
so far,” he said. “We’re so proud to have written this
dropped a poignant music video to accompany the
record.”
track. Walters said this song was what kicked off the
The Great Depression tackles mental health
project.
and provides commentary on how society perceives
mental illness.
the record,” he said. “It’s kind of where we kicked it off.
It’s been so fulfilling and rewarding to see the lyrics
“(The album) talks about a lot of things,”
“This was one of the first songs we wrote for
Walters said. “I think it’s less about statements and
and the message resonate with so many people.”
more about questions. We’re just kind of talking about
the potential reality that we as a society — we as a
the song high praises upon release.
scene — glamourize or romanticize mental health and
depression. I know we all want to do everything we
expect,” Walters said. “With previous release I’ve
can to eradicate the stigmas and make the world a
been, not apprehensive, but I’ve been trying to predict
better place, but we have to ask if we are doing it in
how people would react to any kind of aesthetic or
the right way.”
musical changes in direction. With this record I was
so confident and self-assured that the predictions
The band’s take on mental health presented
And resonate with people it did. Fans gave “With this record, we didn’t know what to
itself in a darker manor than they were used to.
weren’t worrying me in any kind of way. I was like
‘If nobody likes this record that’s okay with me
“It’s our darkest most ambitious record yet,”
he said. “It wasn’t the record I think anybody really
because I’m proud of it.’ I am really am. Thankfully, the
expected us to make, but here we are.”
response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Walters grew tired of writing about himself
As It Is’ new concept album follows a
in the same way as he had on previous records. He
character through a journey. The band is using the
cites aging and maturity for the changes in the band’s
characters journey to be representative of how
sound.
society can make the world a better place.
“Writing this record, writing another album
“It’s all metaphorical for our role and how we
about myself and my struggles, my thoughts, and
need to do better, not just for mental health but for
feelings, it didn’t appeal to me in the same way,” he
the world,” Walters said. “It’s hugely important to us.
said. “Maybe that’s the result of getting older and
With our previous record, which was in part about
maturing slightly. But I wanted to write something
mental health, we were encouraging people to speak
that was bit broader and more mature.”
up, to talk, to know that it’s okay to be vulnerable and
imperfect and human just like everybody else. And
While he was trying something new, Walters
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AS IT IS with this record, we really want to encourage everybody to listen because if we’re speaking up, if we’re being vulnerable and open, honest, transparent, the receiving end of that needs to be listening.”
To help spread their message, the band partnered with several nonprofits during this record cycle.
During the bands stint on the final Vans Warped Tour, Patty Walters partnered with Hope for the Day to do a workshop called “Warped Wellness: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.” As It Is also held fundraisers for a few UK charities.
While the band was anticipating the release of their new record, they set out on the final Vans Warped
Tour. Although Walters was sad that the tour was coming to an end, he was glad he got to be a part of it.
“It’s bittersweet,” he said. “(Warped Tour) is an integral part of punk rock and alternative music history.
And it’s always so much fun…I’m just feeling so fortunate to have been a part of this, for even just a small time. This is our second time out here. We’re all going to miss it, but we just need to be glad it happened, I guess.”
Right after Warped Tour ended, The Great Depression dropped via Fearless Records. The band is now
getting ready to embark on a headline tour in Europe and the UK, which will be their biggest headline tour to date.
As It Is recognizes the large role fans have in the bands success. With their helps, Walters and the
rest of the band can keep pushing to bigger and better things. Walters had nothing but thanks to give to everyone who has supported the band.
“Thank you for your open-mindedness and embracing all these weird, bizarre, and cool changes that
we’ve embraced as a band aesthetically and musically,” he said. “We hugely appreciate you.”
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REVIEWS
3/5
Australian pop-punk band With Confidence recently released their
latest album, Love and Loathing. It fits so purely in the genre that even if fans don’t love it, they can’t dislike it. The album starts strong with “That Something,” a catchy tune that will stay with listeners, even if only in bits and pieces.
Even more contagious than the last track, “Sing to Me” really grabs
attention in the chorus. Lyrics like, “I know that time is on your mind, but time
WITH CONFIDENCE // LOVE AND LOATHING WORDS BY \\ CASEY WOLFE TOP TRACKS // “SING TO ME” “JADED” “PAQUERETTE (WITHOUT ME)”
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is just a construct,” gives the song an optimistic vibe that agrees quite well with the melody.
“The Turnaround” has an authentically pop rhythm and positive vibe
that With Confidence does so well. It’s simply about making the present better than the past, and it seems entirely possible with this track.
The band continues with the fast paced, contagiousness in “Jaded.”
It’s energizing and alive, contradicting the actual meaning within the song. For example, lyrics like “I wish I could be everything you’re needing/I wish I could find all the things you’re seeking/I wish I could say what you need to hear/ but I’ll never be, never see, everything you’re needing,” should traditionally be accompanied by a slower, sadder tune, but actually this may be the most upbeat song on the album.
In a pleasant surprise, With Confidence slows things down with
“Bruise.” It’s a fairly drastic change of pace on the album, but that’s what makes it stand out. It’s not quite a ballad, but it’s enough of a difference to grab attention. The band holds on to the mellow vibe for one more song, “Paquerette (Without Me).” It’s stripped down acoustic for the most part, and one of the more meaningful songs on the album. “I hope you’re better off with me, in your bed and sleeping soundly, dreaming in the arms of someone new,” shows a side of the band that proves they’re more than pop-punk.
Things pick back up with “Dopamine,” a track with an obvious hook
that listeners love and expect from the band. The sentiment is fairly cliché, but With Confidence pulls it off with music and lyrics that really are true to the genre.
With Confidence gives listeners a wide variety of very genuinely
pop-punk music with Love and Loathing. It starts strong and ends strong, but with a lot of variation in between. Regardless, it is classically pop-punk and listeners will appreciate it for that fact in itself.
WHITE NOISE
4/5
As It Is confront Death itself in their new album, The Great
Depression. Tackling mental health and questioning who’s to blame for the world’s current society, the band confronts the reality of darkness in humanity. Filled with heavier instrumentals than their previous album, As It Is puts lyrics front and center to tell a story of a man face to face with Death.
The opening and title track, “The Great Depression” sets the tone for
the rest of the album. Coming from a self-aware perspective, the narrator
AS IT IS // THE GREAT DEPRESSION
has his eyes opened up to a reality where society is being sold a lie about perfection in everyone’s life that the rest of the world is ignoring. The track does a good job about setting listeners up for the album’s other messages about the realities of misery within this perfection society.
Other tracks on the album focus more specifically on the way men
and boys are both indirectly and directly taught their emotions are weakness. WORDS BY \\ EMILY KLINGMAN
In tracks “The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry),” “The Handwritten Letter” and “The Two Tongues (Screaming Salvation),” As It Is highlights the vulnerability men
TOP TRACKS // “THE HANDWRITTEN LETTER” aren’t typically allowed to show. In “The Stigma,” the band does a good job in “TWO TONGUES (SCREAMING the verses, speaking to fans from a knowing and understanding space. SALVATION)” The chorus of “The Stigma” is memorable, however the lyrics “THE TRUTH (I’LL NEVER TELL)”
“You’ve got to keep it together now… ‘cause boys don’t cry” aren’t delivered
in a way which separates it from the verses. It feels as if there isn’t enough desperation in the vocals for listeners to convincingly believe this isn’t how the narrator feels. The irony that is found in songs with similar themes (like My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not Okay (Promise)”) seems to be missing, which would take the track from being good to great.
Overall I did enjoy the album, and I appreciate how As It Is worked
hard to tell an honest depiction of mental health issues and society’s role in letting it manifest in people’s lives. The Great Depression is an album with an impactful theme and a solid message that will connect with a lot of listeners.
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REVIEWS
4/5
What does the quintessential American Dream look like from the
outside — specifically, from the eyes of five Australians? It looks like a love letter, for starters, and it sounds like a series of anthems backed by the highly emotional energy fans have come to expect from Trophy Eyes.
In a departure from their punk past, Trophy Eyes’ The American
Dream bursts forth with a new sound that’s missing the brash tempos and angsty vocals, instead featuring John Floreani’s vocals soaring in a style reminiscent of Jared Leto or even Bono. The overall result is an approachable
TROPHY EYES//THE AMERICAN DREAM
album with a wider potential demographic. No, this doesn’t mean it’s totally fit for the mainstream; A-side track “More Like You” has the screams that make pop fans wince. This just means that the album has already garnered high praise from a variety of publications and has been recognized for the genres
WORDS BY \\ TAYLOR GILLIAM it encompasses throughout.
The new direction after 2016’s Chemical Eyes can, possibly, be traced
to Floreani’s time spent in Texas, where he moved with his girlfriend and lived as an expat. The record has that new-perspective feel to it, a sense of awe at the magnitude of changes and the new places to explore. Somehow, too, there is nostalgia woven in between the melodies and the softened edges. 26
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Highlights of The American Dream are scattered throughout, both
sides holding their own as equally strong. Ballad “Tip Toe” and radio-friendly “Something Bigger Than This” especially stand out as the tracks that are bound to translate to a live setting. Each one tells its own story, tales of love and rebellion and The American Dream.
It all culminates in “I Can Feel it Calling,” the boisterous closer that
has it all; the spirit, the tension filled build releasing into a grand chorus, and the leave-it-all-out-there energy that cements the record’s legacy even after one’s first listen.
Despite its creation outside of the United States, The American
Dream captures its namesake the same way the movies do: from behind rose-colored lenses and full of optimism.
WHITE NOISE
3/5
Death Cab for Cutie brings us into a vivid dream-scape on Thank You
for Today, full of their familiar chiming guitars and built upon mellow synths and lush, focused songwriting. The album remains central on the theme of humanity’s passage through time, and the subsequent changes that come with it. The band’s ninth studio album also brings a distinctive new sound with it, reflecting the band’s maturation and continuation without longtime member Chris Walla.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE // THANK YOU FOR TODAY WORDS BY \\ LIZ MUSINSKY
Thank You for Today kicks off with “I Dreamt We Spoke Again” where
Ben Gibbard revisits the theme of ghosts through a metaphor for bitter-sweet memories. The song is simple and built upon the band’s signature upbeat yet melancholy sound, with the most definitive line being: “It’d been so long, it’d been so long, your voice was like a ghost.” They seemingly continue with “Summer Years” which furthers Gibbard’s reminiscing on the past with a repetitive and haunting “And I wonder where you are tonight/If the one you’re with was a compromise/As we’re walking lines in parallel/That will never meet and it’s just as well.”
The band then moves into a more traditional Death Cab tune
with “Gold Rush,” an upbeat tune reminiscent on their earlier work. The song finds Gibbard contemplating the capitalistic focused changes in his hometown of Seattle. The song opens with “(Gold rush) Digging for gold in my neighborhood/(Gold rush) Where all the old buildings stood.” With, “(Gold rush) I remember a winter’s night/(Gold rush) We kissed beneath the street lamp light/(Gold rush) Outside our bar near the record store/(Gold rush) That have been condos for a year and more,” we dive deep into Gibbard’s fond memories, and are shown how the passage of time can be a double-edged sword. Musing on your past evokes somber emotions, and the physical maturation of Seattle represents how much has changed in Gibbard’s life.
“Northern Lights” brings another shining, driving song before
returning back to the ethereal sound of the beginning of the album in “You Moved Away” and “Near/Far.” However, Thank You for Today’s closer “60 & Punk” reflects on the life of an anonymous role-model “He’s a superhero growing bored/With no one to save anymore.” The final verse is a poignant representation of how our lives race ahead of us with “There’s nothing elegant in being a drunk/It’s nothing righteous being 60 and a punk/But when you’re looking in the mirror do you see/That kid that you used to be?/Broke and working in a record store/Daydreaming about the upcoming tour/Were you happier when you were poor?/Were you happier when you were poor?”
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