Blindsides latest release is somewhat more gritty than the two albums that preceeded it, but not as rough as their first two efforts (self titled and a thought crushed my mind).
Things to look out for on this album are mainly the incredible vocals, and how Christian puts his lyrics to such good use. There arent many singers like him. Theres a way he sings, speaks, and screams, that makes the links between seamless. His voice is consistent, and the gives most of the songs on the album the breath of the life that it is argued Silence lacked (due to a somewhat overproduced, mechanical sound).
The first song is an intro, where the singer speaks. It sets the tone for the rest of the album. Its very dark, sad, without being hopeless. He finishes the track with the words "this my friends, is the great depression".
The next song, heartattack, kicks off with a somewhat upbeat sound, but soon moves into a hard chorus, screaming as per usual. This track sounds a little off in the chorus, which doesnt do the vocals justice.
Ask me now starts slow with some nice wordplay. The instruments in this album mainly serve to reinforce the vocals, unlike their first albums, where things would get messy at times. The song stays pretty much on one level, but its ok at evening the pace of the next few songs.
We're all going to die has a beautiful chorus. The guitars kick in perfectly with the vocals. Very nice riff. The bridge is beautiful, with some nice use of drums. Christian goes slightly crazy at the end. The vocals have a somewhat unique feel to them, the screams sounding slightly different. Nice ending.
Yemkela is just crazy. If you read the lyrics, its understandable at the epic emotion in the song. The songs got a classic hardcore blindside signature on it, with a nice riff in the chorus. The screaming doesnt end, and the guitar work is very complimentary here.
Put back the stars is one of the albums anthems. A powerful, prayerful song, with a hard edge. Singing into screaming into talking. The guitars also have a way in this song of building and building the tension, until the chorus, where things quieten down. The song is sad, ringing with the words 'aint it something to know you're (we're) lost'. The song is beautifully consistent in mood.
Fell in love with the game was the first single. It was the single for obvious reasons. You can make up your own mind on it, lyrics are great, and the vocal overlays (go to hell please save me) are a nice touch. Sweet riffs too. The bridge is this song is outstanding. Christian paints a picture with his words, "you take me by the hand, i grab you by the throat, we wrestle in the mud and the blood and the beer. Stay with me". The song ends with a nice vocal effect.
Citylight is another spoken word like song. The connection between the vocals and the guitar work cant be understated. Its tight. Great song, unique singing.
We are to follow starts pretty conventional. The part leading up to the chorus is good though, another punk anthemy vocal like effect. The chorus sounds pretty conventional, nothing new. Bridge is another spoken word like section, erupting into some great vocal play. Ends very well.
Bleeding under your eyelids. Wow, these lyrics are transferred so well. The song just builds and builds. When it finally kicks in, it all gets rather emotional. "when you see yourself you see red, and it makes you blind. You must be bleeding under your eyelids tonight". The vocals where Christian says "you break for something to break the mould" is also a nice touch. The spirit of this song is so compassionate and sad. Some sweet guitar work as well with compressing the sound, making everything quiet, and bringing it up again. Raw touch. "wait for something to break the mould"
My Alibi. The beginning reminds us of heart attack. The lyrics are great. Very natural. "then we danced some more". "and ive been here before. These emotions are relived, its like a joy dejavu". Me with my deaf ear and my blindsides". This song is all about the message. Strangely enough, it kicks into a wierd electronic beat at the end. Its not too lame though, the guitar saves it.
Come to Rest. The most punk sounding song on the album. Hardcore punk i might add. Nice chorus. Guitars are loud on this song, and rightfully so.
This Time. Nice tempo in this song. Slow.
When i Remember. Probably the worst song on the album. Just sounds too conventional. Wordplay is good though. Nice guitar sound on the bridge. Also ends very well. "Nobody Loves me like you".
Like i said, the album captures a mood called "The Great Depression" without having to venture into self pity, and a complete grey area. In this Depression there are levels.
