REVIEW: First Impression of "Ghosts" by Mayday Parade

Huzzah! We've been given a taste of the new music from pop-punk group Mayday Parade, even though the album is more than a month out. Their single Ghosts was released today, August 27th, 2013.

You can listen to it here before reading on if you'd like (sorry, there are no YouTube lyric videos so Spotify will have to do).

Right off the bat, it begins with lead singer Derek Sanders' distinctive voice accompanied by almost angelic the background harmonies. A different direction we're used to seeing from Mayday Parade, but kind of cool anyway. Then as soon as the drums start, we hear the great Mayday Parade we know and love.

I really hate to say this, but I will: it's a nice track, but I can't help but feel that something is missing. Maybe due to an absence of co-lead singer Jake Bundrick's voice that blends and adds more dimensions to Mayday's songs. He's reduced to simply a harmonic device, a background sound. Both equally talented singers, they should both be equally present on the track, which is probably why Ghosts rings empty to me.

Don't get me wrong, I love both Derek and Jake, and Derek has sung solo on many tracks before that I enjoy (such as Anywhere But Here, one of my favorite songs and many songs off of the album by the same title), but this time it doesn't seem like their best work.

What I do admire about it is the direction they took with the song. It's not their typical stuff, and it really mixes it up. It's pretty, even if the lyrics are kind of simplistic and repetitive for Mayday Parade, who have an odd knack of making lyrics, simplistic or otherwise, sound heartfelt and emotional. This track, however, doesn't quite do that for me, but I won't give up on them yet.

Verdict: Ghosts isn't a bad song, but I hope that their new album is better than this single.

What do you think of the new song?

Till next time xx,

Sierra

Mayday Parade announces new album!

According to Property of Zack, alternative-punk band Mayday Parade announced their new album Monsters in the Closet to release on October 8th, 2013. Panic! at the Disco's new album also drops on the same day, so fans of both bands (like me), are either gonna be really happy or really sad that day.

But most likely very happy.

Here's the album art for the new album!

Hope everyone's having a great Monday!

Till next time xx,

Sierra

REVIEW: Save Rock and Roll - Fall Out Boy

After a four-year hiatus that seemed to never end, Fall Out Boy is finally back with a new album titled "Save Rock and Roll".

The pop-punk band has returned with a fresher sound while still holding onto their roots. Some tunes are reminiscent of lead singer Patrick Stump's dance-pop solo album "Solo Punk", which he produced during the hiatus. The lyrics, often co-written by lead singer Patrick Stump and bass player Pete Wentz, are driven by Stump's wide range and unique sound that distinguishes Fall Out Boy from the rest of the pop-punk crowd. Stump's voice, if anything, has gotten more electric during the hiatus. His powerhouse vocals fit well with the variated, rhythmic-heavy melodies blended with the traditional "emo-pop" feel like their previous albums "Infinity On High" and "Folié a Deux."

Like everyone else that's been a long-time fan, I was caught in the overwhelming excitement of YES FINALLY NEW ALBUM. But I did have my doubts. After experiencing many disappointing comeback albums such as McFly's "Above the Noise" (which I was less than thrilled with), whatever All Time Low's new album consists of (I still haven't listened to it), and all the hope that disintegrated after Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel" (a generic concoction of repetitive party music and vapid lyrics to please the masses), I did not want one of my favorite bands to fall into that trap.

Fall Out Boy circa 2005. Mmm, guyliner.

Unlike their previous albums, "Save Rock and Roll" features many guests artists, such as Courtney Love, Foxes, Big Sean, and Elton John, whose signature voice blends surprisingly well in the title track "Save Rock and Roll". To be honest, my first thought when I saw Elton John's name on the list, it was a mixture of  "Hell yes, this is gonna be SO AWESOME" and "How on Earth are they going to pull this off?" In the end, I was pleasantly surprised. Don't be quick to dismiss it, you guys.

A few things can be said about Fall Out Boy: they are aware of their fans and the demand of this new album. Several weeks before the official album release, the band posted the album on SoundCloud for fans to listen to in its entirety. This, my friends, is an example of the changing music industry: the band can post their whole album for their fans to enjoy, and in return the fans will more than likely buy the album anyway. Loyalty can a big factor in album sales. Record companies, take note.

The band has also taken advantage of almost every social media outlet and have directly interacted with fans through twitter, google plus, and have used tumblr to base their website.

My personal favorite tracks off the album are "Death Valley", "Alone Together", "The Mighty Fall" and "The Phoenix." But really, there's hardly a sour note in the mix this time. 

left to right: Andy Hurley, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Patrick Stump circa 2013

Here's the full track list:

1. The Phoenix
2. My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)
3. Alone Together 
4. Where Did The Party Go 
5. Just One Yesterday (ft. Foxes)
6. The Mighty Fall (ft. Big Sean)
7. Miss Missing You
8. Death Valley
9. Young Volcanoes
10. Rat A Tat (ft. Courtney Love)
11. Save Rock and Roll (ft. Elton John)

In regards to the overall sound: the moderate deviation from what many regard disdainfully as the "true Fall Out Boy" or "the old Fall Out Boy" has driven a portion of previous fans away. But in return, they have gained greater admonition from their die-hard loyal fans as well as garnered a newer generation of listeners, post-FOB-hiatus. Bands grow and continue to change their sound over time, it's a fact of life. Sometimes it works, other times it could spell disaster for the group's success. However, in the case of FOB, this album hits a high note. 

"Save Rock and Roll" is now available on iTunes and Amazon.

---------

Share with me what you think of the new album! Love it or hate it? Does Elton John belong on a pop-punk track? Leave a comment below.

Till next time xx,

Sierra

Follow me on BlogLovin'!