Farewell - Run It Up the Flagpole
Rating
RIYL
New Found GloryBlink 182
Midtown
Release Date
09/01/2009
Label
EpitaphTracklist
1. We All Fall Down2. Devoid (That's What I Think About That)
3. A Collect Call to Arms
4. Rock On the Radio
5. Sucker Bait
6. Before I Wake
7. Catch-As-Catch-Can
8. Priorities Intact
9. Drop Dead
10. Expect the Worst
11. Take It From Me
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Ever since 2005 Farewell has been reminding us of the salad days of punk rock. Their infectious pop punk hooks are bursting at the seams with a catchiness quite a few of us miss from the 90s punk era. Run It Up the Flagpole more than dodges the sophomore slump and hearkens back to a time where music seemed to have just a bit more integrity. Farewell's debut full-length, Isn't This Supposed To Be Fun!?, was received with quite a few positive reviews because it plucked the heartstrings of the many people nostalgic of their youthful days spent skating in the parking lots of malls and rebelling against anything they could. It was a soundtrack for those of us growing tired of where modern music was and is headed; specifically the electro-pop leanings so many bands have begun to take. Now, with their second album, Farewell is back to preach the same ideas and to remind you of what music used to be about.
Run It Up the Flagpole is fun and carefree, but there's a depth here that's lacking in most modern punk acts. "Devoid", an endlessly addictive tune about the focus on fashion in music, synthesizes two very important elements that seem to come one or the other these days: infectiousness and thought-provoking lyrics. Most tracks on the album don't last any longer than three minutes, but the band leaves themselves plenty of time to fill each song with a hook just begging to get stuck into your head. There are certain tracks that stand out, but that's not to imply there's any lack of consistency here. In fact, that's probably the most impressive part of the album -- there is no dragging point to speak of.
Sonically, Run It Up the Flagpole is impressive. There's not too big of a leap in improvement in terms of actual instrumentation, but Farewell has clearly had the time to grow tighter as a band and better refine their sound. Thankfully, this did not strip away their upbeat and fun mentality in regards to music. If anything, it has enabled them to polish that attitude and deliver an even stronger album.
Run It Up the Flagpole is a much needed reminder of the good old days of pop punk. The days where simplicity didn't always imply a lack of originality. Had this album been released in 1998, it may have fallen under the radar of many, but instead we've received it in a time where we need it most. If you can, take the time to look back and listen to the music you used to enjoy, and try to remember what it was about it that you loved most. If you aren't a fan of pop punk, this album most likely won't change that. If you're a fan with an appreciation for the classics of the genre, then there's a strong chance you'll be rocking this album for days on end.
--Dant Rambo
Comments
Lehigh Valley, PA
I dig this album. Good review Dant.
San Jose, CA
Album's def better than most of the stuff out there today, but personally it didn't cut it. Too boring for me.
last.fm/user/thetsaiguy
Dubuque
This album didn't do anything for me. I thought these guys would've took off after they released their demos, but even the last album I thought was subpar.
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Well, when I found out Farewell had a new album I was so excited to download it. I used to always go to their shows and act a fool. I loved their 2nd album "isn't this suppose to be fun" but i've got to say, I'm thoroughly disappointed! I expected so much more from them. I actually ended up just deleting it because I was never going to listen to that. Nothing like their last one. I'd give it a 2.5/5