Reviews

Okay, I like horror movies ... a lot. I think it's exhilarating to have the shit scared out of me, however, I think there is a fine line between entertaining horror and just gratuitous content. Schoolyard Heroes sit proudly on the later. I'm not sure when it happened, I know bands like Alkaline Trio have helped catapult the "horror" genre into mainstream spotlight, but what exactly is going through these bands' heads. What compels a band to write a song called "Cemetery Girl" is beyond me, but all I can think of when I hear it is Jessica Alba in Idle Hands clutching her notebook full of gothic horror songs no one is allowed to see...you know you remember that.

Anyways, back to the band, Schoolyard Heroes is comprised of decent musicians, a great female vocalist, and the uncanny ability to release an album with 12 songs void of any difference between one another. Tracks 1 through 3 were honestly quite difficult to get through, complete and utter cheese. Front woman Ryann Donnelly has a powerhouse voice, which is very obvious on this album and the reason I had to give it two stars. I think if there were any effort put into lyrical content, instead of spewing out makeshift soundtrack songs for any Tim Burton Film, they would have something. They have the components of a good band, with the direction of a forgettable one. Track four was a slightly redeeming song for Schoolyard Heroes; for the first time I heard a half way decent song NOT focused on death and ridiculous lyrics, but solid melodies, a great chorus, and excellent musicianship.

Sadly, that one song was not enough to keep me coming back. I understand this genre is a saving grace (ironically enough) to the depraved and goth/emo minions. I'm sure some people will enjoy it and I wouldn't tell you to not at least take a listen and decide for yourself. This is a love or hate band I think, and personally I just hear a lot of hilarious lyrics with little to no social or emotional impact, but plenty of gore and promotion of violence. I'm not calling anyone out, but don't we have enough of that in the world? Must we now make our music a weapon as well? I digress. All in all, not an album I will ever return to, but I have a feeling once this band is over, we will continue to see the young lady wielding the microphone in the spotlight.