Labels: Troubleman
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Do you like Amber Inn? If so, you should rush out and buy this LP immediately. Because, just like the Inn, 3p Opera have mastered the art of writing the emo hardcore influenced indie rock song. It’s a formula that has been taken on since, and developed to the point that most of the hardcore influences have been wheedled out, but hey, the Opera know what’s what, they’re doin’ it good.
This is towards the melodic end of the emo-hardcore spectrum, with dual guitar assaults, and emphatic vocals rather than screaming. Guitars drive and play against each other, building a big rocking and powerful wall of sound, then occasionally breaking down into more jangly and slower sections as necessary. Tracks like “In Directions” build up with cool rocky intros, and maintain the groove til’ death. Certain aspects even give me flashbacks to the first Promise Ring album (the drumbeats and bass on parts of “Number One Sun” are soooo “Anne You Will Sing”), which is kind of odd. And how about the awesome bounce of “You Are Signalling”, the best song Braid never wrote. But I guess this is pretty much the bridge between the sounds of emo rock, and the more dischordant, aggressive emo of yore.
I should think this album will appeal to many – especially those into rocking melodic hardcore bands. Everything is so tight and together, there is hardly any pause for breathe as one song stops and another starts. The sound of a band that knows exactly what they are doing.
Thanks list includes 400 Years and Engine Down. This is ex-members of Shotmaker by the way. That’s all you need to know.