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Genre: alt rock/pop punk Rating:  ½Check Out: “Holly Wood Died,” “Sure Thing Falling,” “How I Go,” and “Waiting Game.”  myspace |
Lights and Sounds was the sophomore album of this primarily pop-with-an-edge band from Florida, but it couldn’t have surprised me more. After hearing and liking Ocean Avenue, one would naturally expect adherence to the tried and true method that had sent Ocean Avenue to double-platinum status. Instead, we got a serious and very lyrical side to lead singer/songwriter Ryan Key that hinted at a more grown up angst.
Yellowcard has always been distinctive because they have an official violin player as a part of their band, but this album marked the first time where the violin was an integral part to the song arrangements rather than a pleasant accent. No where is this more evident than in opening number “Three Flights Up,” which is only orchestral. It becomes a running theme throughout the rest of the album, which makes the songs that much more pleasing to the ears. Sure, you have your requisite anti-Bush song and anti-war song, but they’re only minor bumps along the way. This album wasn’t a huge winner with their normal fanbase, but I thought it was pretty damn good anyway.
Tags: lights and sounds, yellowcard
