As a standalone pop punk album it's exactly what you would expect from the genre, plus a little extra. However, in comparison to the band's previous albums, this leaves a little to be desired; a lot of the raw energy is gone and Before It Caves is a record consequently left with a lot of catchy poppy hooks, but not much punk. While The Kids Can't Lose was a very sharp and aggressive sounding album, No Sanctuary actually ventured more into the territory of alt. rock and was all the more impressive for it - the hardcore-esque title track being of particular commendation. It would seem that A Loss for Words have decided to play it safe and take a step back with Before It Caves, using a tried-and-tested formula for a cohesive pop punk album, instead of bravely traversing a more experimental and polarised construction to their music. As a lead, Matty Arsenault has so much more to bring to this band (see his Class of '92 side project alone), and it would seem apparent that the direction this band goes next with their sound could well seal the fate of their career together.
Bump |
