You always need that one factor that separates one band from the others, and Yellowcard is the perfect example with violinist Sean Macklin. Nobody would have ever imagined of a violinist in an alternative/pop punk band, but if you are like Yellowcard surrounded by great talents such as lead singer Ryan Key and the extremely talented drummer, Longineu Parsons III, along with the rest of the band, then it can totally happen. It also helps when you create songs like Ocean Avenue and Only One that everyone will remember forever. A band like Yellowcard should never break up, but it can happen. Coming off their 2 year hiatus from April 2008 to August 2010, and replacing former bassist Peter Mosley with newcomer Sean O' Donnell, this album picks up right where they left off on their previous release, Paper Walls.
When I saw Yellowcard in concert last March at the Chameleon Club, I remember Ryan Key saying that he had to come back because his best work is when he writes songs about girls that have screwed him over. I laughed but completely agree with him as he does it again in this record, songs we can all relate to. These guys clearly still know how to rock out. Songs like "For You, and Your Denial," "Life of Leaving Home," and "Soundtrack" bringing full of energy as if the band was rejuvenated. But my favorites are "With You Around", and "See Me Smiling." I like to call "With You Around," ocean avenue part two because of the similarity of the lyrics and of course, both choruses are just too catchy! Ryan Mendez great guitar craftsmanship on "See Me Smiling" along with the rest of the album is one of the best parts about the album, as he nailed just about every song on the guitar. You can't forget about the ballad "Sing For Me" as Ryan Key talks about his Aunt Stephanie's struggle with cancer, unfortunately she passed away a little over a month ago. The closing track "Be the Young" really makes the album go out in a bang with the smooth verses thanks to LP drum play, and the ending really showed the band coming together as one.
Overall, it is great to see Yellowcard back making music as they always stay true to themselves. It was a little disappointing to see this album was short since there are 10 tracks (plus one b-side "Promises") and only 2 are over 4 minutes long, however it is understandable. This album helped get them back on the map plus more as they prepare to go into the studio March 1st, 2012 for their next album.
I give this album an 8.8/10
Review by Sean Graham
Listen to - For You, and Your Denial
With You Around
See Me Smiling
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