Armsbendback - Armsbendback
Rating
RIYL
HopesfallCodeseven
This Day Forward
Release Date
11/10/2009
Label
TrustkillTracklist
1. Where's My Bourbon2. It's Nothing New
3. We Can Change It
4. Take All The Time You Need
5. Megan Fox
6. The Queen Is Dead
7. Hyper Real
8. Dead Or Barely Breathing
9. Solaris
10. Future Whores of America
11. Don't Stand So Close To Me
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Armsbendback, whom most know as the early creative outlet for Century mastermind Carson “THE_XENO” Slovak, has laid mostly dormant since the release of their 2003 album The Waiting Room and their subsequent break-up in 2006. Unexpectedly, vocalist Mike Coasey announced earlier this year that the band would be reforming and releasing a brand new album. As the story goes, Slovak recently unearthed a collection of the group's unreleased demos, got the guys back together to re-record the material, convinced Trustkill to release the album digitally, and the rest is history.
Far removed from the metallic stylings of Century, Armsbendback fits more comfortably among the likes of Hopesfall, Codeseven and This Day Forward. More rock than anything else, the group's polished sound occasionally ventures into territory occupied by radio stalwarts Incubus as Slovak's spacey guitar work weaves in and out of the relatively straight-forward drumming and Coasey's melodic delivery. Not unexpectedly, considering much of the album was recorded well before this year, the group's material sounds quite similar to that of their previous release and, at times, dated when compared to the output of current bands.
Armsbendback's tendency to trade in their melodic, rock-oriented material for Slovak's powerful screams offers a welcome respite from Coasey's sugary delivery (“Where's My Bourbon,” “The Queen Is Dead,” “Future Whores of America”). Coasey's slightly overproduced performance, which borrows equally from Jeff Jenkins of Codesven and Daryl Palumbo, will likely make or break the group for many listeners used to over-the-top screaming of typical hardcore vocalists.
While Armsbendback's return is mostly a success, the material is somewhat repetitive throughout. Slight deviations in tempo and style would go a long way for the group, who seem content writing the same song almost every time around. The songs that do break from the standard template, “Hyper Real” and “Solaris,” are two of the more interesting tracks on the album and show what the group is capable of should they decide to spread their wings on any future releases. Fans of Century should give this album a shot as Slovak's screams and guitar playing are frequently at the forefront of the group's sound, as should fans of the lighter side of the musical spectrum. I personally will await the next Century album, though one can't fault Slovak for wanting to get the old group back together for one last go-round.
--Matt Murphy
Comments
San Borja, Lima, Perú
Damn, almost did a cuadruple click when I saw that RIYL... the voice sounds pretty good but the guitar work falls short compared to the ones mentioned above. I can sense a more straight up rock ala Chevelle maybe. Nice production tho... hey there's a Police cover on therir myspace.. now I like them better.
My top 10 list for 2009:
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London, UK
I liked their first album and was excited to see they have a new one. That said, my list of albums to listen to is getting massively out of control so it may be some time before I do. Really I think I need to take on an intern to manage my music priorities.
Currently listening to:
(Damn) This Desert Air - Ep 1
Alpha Galates - A Stimulus For Reason
Code - Resplendent Grotesque
Counterparts - Prophets
Scott Reeder - Tunnelvision Brilliance
Green Brook, NJ
their full length for trustkill sucked, but the first EP was magical. i'll check this out, but i'm not holding my breath and waiting for greatness.
Decatur, Alabama
I checked this album out the other day and it's pretty cool for a listen or two.... liked the first one a lot.
P.S. Max. Orbs is ,musically, very awesome; but Fear Before's old singer is terrible on that album. your thoughts?
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London, UK
It's not quite a case of me liking the album despite the vocals (although I can understand someone having that reaction to them) and I could see myself liking it more with another singer.
BUT, I do like the album a lot as it is & really liked the Always Open Mouth too. The weirdness of the vocals add to the overall sound so it could change the album's feel to go with a singer who was more conventional.
Currently listening to:
(Damn) This Desert Air - Ep 1
Alpha Galates - A Stimulus For Reason
Code - Resplendent Grotesque
Counterparts - Prophets
Scott Reeder - Tunnelvision Brilliance