Reviews

I am so tired of bands that sound the same, bands that get record deals for being talent less clones and bands that wouldn’t know real music if it slapped them in the face with a wad of twenties.  Emanuel is a few steps above one of those bands.  In fact, I’m mildly thrilled about this release. It’s like this really angry young man spent 21 years bottling up stories and fits of rage until he could find a group of people to put his frustrations to music.  “Soundtrack To a Headrush” is basically a soundtrack to Matt Breen’s own life, a recollection of hard times, good times and everything in between.  I’m sure this has been done before, but it works for him and it’s sort of interesting to wonder about.
 
"Soundtrack To a Headrush” combines screaming, singing, clapping, dancing, relationships gone awry, sex, drugs and brotherhood to form a stunning debut full length for this Vagrant band.  Vocalist Matt Breen has an impeccable tone to his voice, which makes great strides in the improvement of modern day “screamo.” The overall synapsis of the album musically is infectious and dynamic yet leaving much room to anticipate improvement. The release in it’s entirety is a fiery burst of energy so extreme that I have thus far listened to it through twice and am surprisingly not bored.  “The Hey Man” is an immediate hit, yet has serious potential to become obnoxious. 
 
A lot of people say they sound like Senses Fail, but I have to disagree completely because at least Matt Breen knows how to sing in tune and well, just be a lot better.  This band sounds a lot like Recover, and I have to say I like songs like “Buy American Machines” and “The Willing” better than something like “Breathe Underwater” because the vocals sound a lot better when they’re screaming than singing.  If you’re going to be angry, don’t whine about it, scream about it!
 
I like Emanuel. I like Vagrant Records. I also like birthday cakes and the color green but that has nothing to do with this review. The thing about Emanuel is that they don’t try to be anything they’re not. They are a screamo band; they act like it.  It’s what they want to do and how they want to do it and well, good for them! They’re a little above average, but not worth four stars, so we’ll say three and include a pat on the back for a job well done.