The well-known Max Bemis and the rest of the punk rockers from California in Say Anything coming off their 2009 self-titled release. Bringing back Tim O' Heir, who produced "...Is A Real Boy," Anarchy, My Dear is one of those well-produced records from the usual deep, emotional lyrics to great instrumentals that shape the album up to arguably be one of their best records. They managed perfectly in having just the right amount in each song without adding too much to the song and without having too little really shows the growth of the band.
The first track and lead single, "Burn A Miracle" has those funny verses that remind you of their old work (Pleasured himself to the music/Of well-dressed, inbred college students/As his girlfriend starved on the altar/To his blog of the sickening things he will call her) while Max Bemis screaming to burn America in the chorus, to a well-rounded outro both lyrically and instrumentally. The acoustic-led "Say Anything" with a great chorus that has Max pleads his case "I'll do anything for you" with backing vocals that compliment it so well with an awesome bridge that just makes you want to rock out. The emotional "Night's Song" makes you only wanna listen it during the night, with the calming structure of the song. The album picks it up again with the punky, fast paced "Admit It Again" where Max is filled with anger that just needs to get it all out with an outro that just takes the song in a complete different direction. The love-ballad "So Good" one of my all-time favorite tracks by these guys is just a masterpiece to me, one that we can all relate to. The short, catchy "Sheep" with complimenting electronics, giving the album something a little different. "Of Steel" talks about Max's struggles in hopes he can be saved, with a creative bridge with the toms and those emotional lyrics, followed by backing vocals. The ending and longest track "The Stephen Hawking" surprises you with all the different directions the song takes, but still a fun track to listen to!
Overall this is a polished record, and my favorite album from these guys. I think they really nailed it and should be proud of themselves. I say that because this album, if you haven't know already, doesn't come out until March. As The Tour Bus, we cannot give you the source of where we got the album in respect of Max Bemis and Say Anything because being a musician isn't easy money, and we wish you would all buy the album if you are going to support them, even if that means waiting until March.
I give this album a 8.4/10
Listen to - Say Anything
So Good
Of Steel
Review by Sean Graham
Great album...agree with the rating
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