Just Surrender - Phoenix
Rating
RIYL
Dangerous SummerHit The Lights
Mayday Parade
Taking Back Sunday
Release Date
07/13/2010
Label
Razor & TieTracklist
01. Intro02. Through The Night
03. Take Me Home
04. Crazy
05. On My Own
06. Burning Up
07. Stronger Now
08. Lose Control
09. Better To Leave
10. Carried Away
11. Jukebox Memoirs
12. Burning Up (Acoustic)
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Just Surrender made their mark in 2005 on MTV’s You Heard It Here First, being praised as a fresh new band full of catchy hooks and refreshing harmonies. Although they were capturing the ears and hearts of many teenage fans, they were also catching a lot of flack from the critics, being told they were just another carbon-copy band in a scene with enough Taking Back Sunday wannabes to begin with. A few lineup changes and some attempts at ironing out their sound, Just Surrender have maintained a steady cult following despite the naysayers and are now releasing their strongest effort by playing a sound that suits them best. With the backing of Razor and Tie Records, the guys have released Phoenix, an about-face to the rock sound they have been trying to accomplish for quite some time now.
Let it be known right from the start that Phoenix does not cross any major boundaries. It doesn’t break down any barriers, nor does it put out an original sound that some have yet to hear. However, what it does is remove Just Surrender from the cliché pop genre they have been drowning in and move them one step closer to the sound that best fits them. Sure it still has the pop sound but what band nowadays doesn’t? Take, for example, the second track, “Through The Night”. This particular track kicks off with a grooving riff that is definitely sure to catch you by surprise. The vocals come in the same way as the initial riff: gritty. They sound raw and full emotion but when the chorus takes its turn on the track everything is brought together by driving drum work and impeccable harmonies. It should be noted that the harmonies on this album are what make each song so damn catchy. While we’re on the subject of harmonies, let’s talk about the dueling vocals. “Take Me Home” is a model example of vocalist Jason Maffucci and guitarist Dan Simons’ constant battle for the vocal limelight. Fortunate enough for us it comes out to be near perfect every time. These two are the perfect ingredients for the harmony recipe. “On My Own”, which is the first track off the album that the band shot a video for, is an immediate repeat. This track in particular has the power and catchiness to give the band a more mainstream push yet still preserve an edge. However, as far as mainstream goes, “Burning Up” takes the cake. It’s beyond catchy, easy to follow and has the type of lyrics that become idiosyncratic.
Just Surrender slows it down a bit with “Carried Away” which is a slight reminder of Mr. Big’s “To Be With You”. It has a basic chord progression, but the guys also incorporate some simple scale work which makes for a decent listen. This is definitely a track to turn up while you’re on a long car ride with your closest lady friend (not your mother) and do all the corny flirting you want. Out of the twelve tracks on this album, there are three that manage to grab your attention better than the rest. All three of those tracks just happen to be at the end of the album: “Lose Control”, “Better To Leave” and “Jukebox Memories”. All three have the edge they need to give them a push to a more mainstream audience. Each track, in its own right, has balls, perfect melody and a driving force that is absolutely irresistible. Do not listen to this album without expecting to, at the very least, catch yourself bobbing your head.
For a band that’s been treading through rough waters for a few years now, Phoenix is the perfect remedy for Just Surrender’s wounded musical souls. Just as a phoenix does, these guys are rising from the red hot ashes of their past and re-birthing into a more suitable form. Overall, the album is a solid effort and deserves some major attention from the masses. Let’s hope they receive this interest, though, otherwise Just Surrender will be left scratching their heads yet again while heading back to the drawing board. For anyone looking for a solid end of the summer pop rock album, I suggest you head to your closest record shop and actually buy a copy of Phoenix.
--Bill Lohr
Comments
Raleigh, NC
This band has never let me down, ignoring the fact that they are great friends.
This is their best album yet, no doubt. It's perfect if you're asking me.
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Minneapolis, MN
I'll have to give these guys another shot. I think I last listened to them in 2005 when their first album came out. I just remember it being very poppy and forgettable.
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Illinois
first time i heard these guys was this album. it's great.
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San Borja, Lima, Perú
Does anybody know why they don't mention 'if these streets could talk' album in their myspace? are the guys that much ashamed of it? i kinda liked back in the day. Probably I can still give it a listen and be amused. By the way, check http://www.myspace.com/passengeractionrock, awesome pop/punk/rock from Canada.
Bronx, New York City
i've tried to like these guys three times now (two full lengths and an EP). i know they from buttfuck Upstate in Dutchess County (New York) so that's cool, i think, but every time i listen to their songs i really dig them and then forget every last moment of the song with within 10 minutes.
i'm gonna give this a chance though, i wanna like it. i really do.
--FTTW--
Washington, DC
Half of me enjoys it for what it is, but the other half can't help but think it sounds like Hawthorne Heights listened to Four Year Strong and decided to act accordingly, but it all just turned out limp.
"Standing still is where we've gone wrong" - The dingees
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Bronx, New York City
you said limp and your avatar is a (game) cock!!
sorry about that.
--FTTW--
Cincinnati
Been listening to this for awhile now. Not sure it tops their first disc, but much much better than "We're in like Sin."
I've always liked their ability to combine dual vocalists. Definitely catchy, the acoustic "Burning Up" might be my
favorite track here.
Cincinnati
Oh yeah....and the album art is absolutely amazing!
Dubuque
I still need to give this a listen. Always thought these guys had potential.
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