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Tracklist
1. Doomsday
2. Honor
3. Falling Down
4. Becoming the Bull
5. When Two Are One
6. Lose It
7. No One Cares
8. Can't Happen Here
9. Slow Burn
10. Blow
11. Lead Sails (And a Paper Anchor)
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There may be a debate about whether Atreyu is metalcore or screamo, and there may be a debate about whether or not recently signing to Disney owned Hollywood Records and releasing its latest album 'Lead Sails Paper Anchor' makes the bands "sell outs," but one thing is certain, it is damn good. Atreyu writes good songs and plays them well and has been doing so for the last eight years. Yes the bands sound has changed over those eight years from something fierce and untamed to something equally as fierce but a little better groomed and whether or not this makes Atreyu "sell outs" can only be determined in the mind of the individual. Every band matures and progresses and if a bands sound does not change overtime then listening to it gets stale.
It has to be noted that Atreyu's new album has a name and cover art that are strongly reminiscent of AFI's 1999 indie classic 'Black Sails in the Sunset'. Not surprisingly there are definite influences from AFI detectable in the sound of the album. Songs like 'Falling down' definitely embody that bouncy, angry punk rock sound that has been taking over the California indie punk scene for the last ten years. The verse of 'Falling down' has a bouncy bass line and quick, catchy lyrics and then the chorus is anthem-like complete with the simulated crowed signing along. There are also some brass instruments thrown in there for a bit of a ska influence.
'Lead Sails Paper Anchor' is definitely not one big AFI rip-off, it is far from that. There are many different influences on this album and each song has a distinct sound, they don't all run together at all. The opening track 'Doomsday' is heavy with shredding guitars and chunky bass, and there is even a brief but squealing guitar solo. The chorus is still catchy and anthem-like, and the bridge is an angsty interlude. 'Becoming the Bull' has a distinctly modern rock feel to it in the vein of Trapt or Disturbed with the heavy, chunky verses and a glossy, epic chorus. 'Blow' features a guest appearance from Buck Cherry vocalist Josh Todd and has a very glam rock sound, which is secretly the main influence of the many of the screamo/indie punk bands out right now.
Atreyu's progression as artists may anger some but it will no doubt delight others. For every fan a band looses when they get big ten more appear in their place. Definitely check out 'Lead Sails Paper Anchor' it is a well written, well executed rock album.
Review by: Colette Claire
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