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Gutter Phenomenon, of course. |
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If anyone reads this, here's my (glowing) review of the new Every Time I Die album, 'Gutter Phenomenon.'
Gutter Phenomenon seems like the next perfect logical step for Every Time I Die. While their first EP and album were more heavily rooted in hardcore and metal, on their second album they started to open up with some southern rock influences that were not incredibly noticable, but undoubtedly there. This album really continues that evolution, as they are now much more rock 'n roll than metal/hardcore at this point. I think this change was definitely for the better, and judging by the Play Count on my iTunes for these songs after the first couple of days, Gutter Phenomenon will surpass Hot Damn! as my most listened to album of all time.
Also for this album, they began taking song structure and their craft in general a lot more seriously. You can tell they are really paying attention now to the overall arrangements of songs, and it makes this album more complete and satisfying as a whole than its predecessors. Keith also saw a vocal instructor before recording this album, to help "hone his instrument" and make his voice sound like he always had wanted it to. He learned more about singing and harmonies, and this is an album with much more singing than the last. Normally I would approach singing with caution in these type of records, but Every Time I Die is one of the few bands that are doing it flawlessly, and the singing sounds like a natural part of the music rather than a scheme to cram a few hooks into their songs and gain a wider audience. It's funny that before the second song they have a sound effect of a roar from a cheetah or cougar or something, because at quite a few times on the CD Keith's voice actually does sound a lot like that sound effect. You'd probably have to hear it to know what I mean on that one.
One last point, judging by what I can decipher just from listening (there are no lyrics on the internet for it yet) Keith's trademark lyrical style is still in full force on this album. He is an English teacher and reads a lot of books, which I think really rubs off on him and I think he is one of the best and funniest modern lyricists in music today.
Overall, I think this album is exactly where Every Time I Die should be at this point in their career, but for some reason I think that their next album will be even better, if not THE album of their career. I'm already excited for that, even though it's still probably more than two years away. I was really skeptical about whether or not I would like this album, and I sure as hell didn't think they would be able to top their previous album, but they might have just pulled off a small miracle here, and I would like to thank them graciously for all the hours of entertainment and happiness they have given me, and the hours that are yet to come.
Rating: 5/5 Best straightforward rock album I have heard in many a moon
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ashleyishot's journal
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