Reviews

Under The Boards

Saves The Day

Released: Oct 30, 2007
Label: Vagrant Records
Reviewed by: Maureen Evans Arthurs
2 comments

For over a decade, Saves the Day has constantly re-invented their style from record to record and Under the Boards is no exception. This record is part two in a three-album trilogy regarding self-discovery, self -destruction and redemption. The record fluctuates between depressing and sorrowful to surprisingly upbeat and poppy. It's kind of like a bi-polar person who sporadically takes their medication.

Just when you think Chris Connelly couldn't possibly get any darker after Sound the Alarm, he whispers on the opening title track, "I wanna crawl into the ground and not come out....Let everybody hate me, make me kill myself". Oh, how he always has such a way with lyrics. His decent into turmoil is halted by the poppy sing along tunes, "Can't Stay the Same," "Get F*ucked Up," and "Bye Bye Baby," which are unexpected departures from the nature of the rest of the other ten tracks.

STD doesn't typically dabble with keys, but the piano work on "Lonely Nights" is beautiful as is the slow and acoustic, "Stay," which is slightly reminiscent of Elliot Smith. The fast pace and short length of "Because You Are No Other" is a nice throw back to the Can't Slow Down era. The last two tracks are the most severe and emotional of the entire record and definitely my favorites. "Woe" and "Turning Over in My Tomb" are by far the most expressive and dark pieces that convey the theme of this record.

Perhaps Saves the Day's constantly changing sound is due to the revolving door of band members. Or it could be the fact that Chris Connelly has matured and evolved over the years. Whatever the case, if you are looking for Stay What You Are: Part Two, this is not the record for you and neither were the last two. However, if you are an STD fan who welcomes change, then I say definitely pick up a copy of Under the Boards. Maybe it's my undying loyalty to STD, but they can do no wrong in my eyes. I am looking forward to what Daybreak - the final installment of this trilogy - will display.