Senses Fail
From the Depths of Dreams

5.0
classic

Review

by hybridofsound USER (37 Reviews)
January 14th, 2005 | 158 replies

Release Date: 2003 | Tracklist

Album: From The Depths Of Dreams E.P
Artist: Senses Fail

Buddy Nielsen - Vocals
Dave Miller - Guitar
Garret Zablocki - Guitar
Mike Glita - Bassist
Dan Trapp - Drums

Released: 2003 (Self Released then Picked up by Drive-Thru and re-released)

Senses Fail are one of the many bands Drive-Thru records has picked up in an effort to break the label of 'Crappy Pop-Punk' label and by now that label should have really disapered. They've signed acts such as RX Bandits, Early November and Senses Fail are just amongst the many talented acts. Senses Fail originate from New Jersey and some may be quick to point comparasions with other New Jersey bands such as Thursday and Saves The Day but Senses Fail are truely unique. This EP was originally self recorded and produced by the band. It landed on the desk of Drive-Thru records and Drive-Thru soon signed the band and re-mastered and added a bonus track to the EP and then re-released the EP. EPs are generally known for crappy production but this EP is a step above the bar of others.

The EP kicks off with 'Stephen'. It's not the best track but gives you some idea of what you will expect with the EP. From the lyrics it seems like a tribute to a dead friend 'November 10th, a cold dark night. You could feel that something wasn't right. That night many hearts did cry. When we learned we had to say goodbye.' The lyrics throughout this EP are outstanding and Stephen is a good example. The vocals of the song might be a bit hard to get into but it's a song which if you keep listning to it will grow on you. The next track 'Free Fall From a Parachute' opens with a cool guitar riff then everything kicks in. It's a fast paced song and a bit of a harder song. The lyrics are macarbe on this song but yet very well written. The chorus of this song is great and is very catchy 'With every passing moment, it just keeps getting worse. The walls are getting smaller and I am six feet beneath the earth'. Buddy sings. He also gives a very good vocal preformance and makes this song a very strong track. 'Bloody Romance' is a pretty song. It has a slow building intro and then it all kicks in. The band certanely get points for musicianship on this album and this song is no exception. There's another catchy chorus in this song and it's the most memorable yet. A stand out song. The guitar intro riff from 'Dreaming A Reality' is probably one of my favourite ever. It's not super difficult it just sounds great and with the other guitars and drums building up it has an awesome intro in general this song. It does take a little while to kick in but if you appreciate musicianship that should be no problem. Vocal preformance is great and lyrics are well written though a little weaker than the previous songs. The chorus glues this song together and makes it stand out. Something pretty consistent in this album are the cool intros and the next song 'The Ground Folds' probably takes the cake for the best intro. A small melodic guitar riff keeps going with distorded guitars and drums coming in for a few seconds at a time then bang into a verse. The vocals are at their best on this song and it's probably the most melodic song in terms of vocals. It's a love song but a dark love song. (This is after all an album with a very dark sound). 'One Eight Seven' could fool you at the begining for sounding for something of a New Found Glory album with a pretty guitar riff and nice vocals but this song has very little in common with NFG and is in my opinion the best on the album. The lyrics are great and Buddy puts up a brilliant vocal preformance. After the intro and verse (They go for a while) the distortion kicks in. The chorus is the most memorable part of the song and it's a beautiful chorus. I don't usually rate songs but this is a 10/10 for me. The last full band song is called 'Handguns and Second Chances'. A song which takes you in right from the start. The vocals are well done and lyrics still well written. It's not so catchy compared to some of the EPs other songs but by no means is it a let down. Finally the EP ends off. An acoustic version of 'The Ground Folds' does it. It's a great way to wind down after seven songs of dark emotional rock. It's incredibly pretty this song. Buddy sings very well and the guitars sound just right. A fitting end to probably the best EP i've ever listened to.

Though it's easy to label this band another Thursday or Taking Back Sunday, Senses Fail have their unique sound and are not going anywhere. This EP is great. The vocals and lyrics are some of the best that i've come across in a long time. Yes the album is dark and does have lyrical similarites to the former mentioned bands but Buddys vocals are unique and end the similarties of the band. Senses Fail are due to release their debut album on Drive-Thru this year and like Finch the album will probably be the labels stand out release for the year and I can't wait to hear what they sound like with better production and a full studio at their use. Considering this EP has 8 tracks it's more than worth going down to your local store and buying for $10. A great release by a group destined to be a great band.

Rating: 5/5 :thumb:

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