If you think Kensrue’s solo project is going to continue on in the tradition of the hard rock band, Thrice, you’re gonna be surprised. In a good way. This album only has 8 songs, but I can listen to from beginning to end and still want more…a lot more. It leaps from a Johnny Cash type tempo (“Blood & Wine”) to a prodigal son themed ballad that could be sung in church or at a bar (“Please Come Home”). The stand out song on this album, for me, is “Consider the Ravens”. The actual recording of this song gives you a sense of the room he’s in, which in turn gives off a very personal feeling. You can hear the scratches in his voice and the emotion in the room. I’m not afraid to say that this is one of the best folk/rock songs released in the last 5 years. Out of all the punkers going folk, Dustin Kensrue shows the greatest potential.
- Against Me! “New Wave” (Sire/July, 2007)
myspace.com/againstme
If you haven’t heard Against Me! yet, let this album be your introduction. It is an eclectic mix of Against Me!’s tried and true themes like, protesting the war/government (White People For Peace), Americanization of the world (Americans Abroad) and the declining morality and lack of originality in the record industry (Stop!, Up The Cuts, New Wave). Even though these topics seem heavy, AM! does a great job of lightening the mood with their catchy harmonies and upbeat melodies. Also, keep an ear open for a Cindy Lauper-esque guest appearance from Tegan Quin, of Tegan and Sara. The whole album is almost perfect, with the exception of the last two songs, “Animal” and “Ocean”. Neither is unpleasant to listen to, but neither are as impressive as the rest of the album. It’s too bad they didn’t replace one of those songs with “You Must Be Willing” from their “Thrash Unreal” 7”. If you ever get a chance to download (legally) or borrow the 7” from someone, DO IT! This song is one of my favorites to come out of “New Wave”, even though it wasn’t on the CD.
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