Reviews

A few days ago, I was able to really go in depth with Jamison of Jamisonparker in an interview for the site. What made this interview so worthwhile was his insight and appreciation for music; far beyond my expectations of him.  Not only that, but the interview was actually done before I was able to even hear the new album. With that said, when I finally did receive the release, I went into this review with a much more open mind than I may have if I didn’t have the words of Jamison looming in the back of my mind. 
 
Jamison came up with the idea of blindfolding listeners as they walked into a show and shutting off all the lights so that people were forced to just listen to the music and nothing else. Maybe then they would be less apt to judge and to jump to conclusions about someone before they picked up their guitars to play. Why then, Jamison, do you feel the need to deck yourself out in black eyeliner, dyed black hair and tight clothes. Am I mistaken or is that the new “cool” way to look? Is that appearance a trend? Maybe I’m wrong, but I wouldn’t bet on it. So basically you’re so bent on making sure listeners don’t pay attention to what you look like that you go out of your way to look like every other scene dude? That makes so much sense now.
 
The emotional distress and true motivation behind this album is indisputable. However, it seems a little rushed. It’s almost like the band just couldn’t wait to record, so they rushed into writing the tracks and even threw in an old favorite, (“Paper Rock Scissors”) just for kicks. I’m not trying to take away from the meaning of it all, but I do think that when putting out a debut full length, it’s important to take your time and make sure that everything is done just right.  These things can cost you.  However, the lyrics are deafeningly chilling, full of real life experiences and gripping imagery that I was informed are not meant to be metaphorical. The music is clean, a little rushed at times but altogether pleasing to the ears.  Standout tracks include “Alcohol and Bandages,” “Here’s Everything I’ve Always Meant To Say” and “Paper, Rock, Scissors.”  This is emo rock in all its entirety; nothing more and nothing less.
 
Perhaps the lesson learned here is that actions speak louder than words. You can dress up your life and your music in an interview but when the album is pumping through the speakers, it’s only about the music and sadly that music just isn’t up to par. Two and a half stars.