Killing The Dream - Lucky Me
Rating
RIYL
The CarrierDefeater
Trap Them
Release Date
11/23/2010
Label
Deathwish Inc.Tracklist
1. Blame the Architects2. Walking, Diseased
3. Testimony
4. Past of a Saint (We Were Thieves)
5. Part IV (Sinner's Failure)
6. Hell Can Wait
7. Black
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I discovered California’s Killing the Dream a while after Fractures was released, and I wasn’t too impressed after my first initial listen, frankly. Of course, as music listeners, we all know that there is sometimes that impasse that has to be conquered before a band finally clicks with our ears. The moment I noticed just how painfully angry Elijah Horner was on their staple “Thirty Four Seconds,” I was sold. Earlier this year, when vague tweets and news snippets hinted at a new release from the group, my eyes lit up, and for good reason. Lucky Me has turned out to be one of my favorite albums of 2010, and it should be one of yours as well.
The major difference between Fractures and Lucky Me is that where the latter is rooted in anger, the newest finds its footholds in melancholy. “Blame the Architects,” the first single and track on the album, is a prime example. From the struggling, strained vocals to the expertly placed violin, every moment leading up to the song’s climax is well-ordered and executed. “Walking, Diseased” follows a simple structure that exemplifies the melodic tendencies of the band and allows frontman Horner to have his voice heard. The song trails out with simple melodies, ending on a seemingly uplifting note before turning back around at the beginning of “Testimony.” The third track, which features an incredible vocal performance by former Dance Gavin Dance vocalist Kurt Travis, comes together beautifully, ending up as one of the band’s best compositions yet. As usual, incredible lyrics accompany the stellar vocal performances, and the rest of the band provides the perfect backing for the emo-esque track.
“Past of a Saint (We Were Thieves)” begins more subdued, which feels right following a track like “Testimony.” The fourth track contains some of the best Killing the Dream lyrics yet, outshining the instrumental portions by far, and cementing another excellent song on this record. Finally taking a breather, the instrumental “Part IV (Sinner’s Failure)” sits in between the rest of the album, featuring a foreboding build-up that relaxes just before jumping back in with “Hell Can Wait.” Following this is the album’s finishing touch, “Black.” It opens with a distinctly different feel, as if it were supposed to be separated from the rest of the album, echoing “Resolution” from the band’s previous release. The dreamy delay and drawn-out intro add an air of importance, kicking into the song with a fervor that can truly be felt, per usual with the band. The closer is hard to sum up, but at very least is extremely well-fitting for the rest of Lucky Me.
There are so many angles from which Killing the Dream comes at the listener on this album. They play on one’s emotions, both lyrically and musically, much more than many other bands which seem to have a melodic or heartfelt edge these days, and they don’t flaunt it like others. The seeming need to read along with the lyric sheet for this album is one that shouldn’t be ignored. The poetry behind the audible screams and wails is my favorite part of this release, as is to be expected from a band of this nature. I can honestly say that my only complaint about Lucky Me, the only thing holding me back from giving it a perfect score, is its length. However, I’m not going to argue over a band’s creative output, especially with a release like this. A progression like this, while still holding a unique and memorable style, is something only very special bands seem to be able to accomplish. Killing the Dream are one of them.
--Cody Rogers
Comments
San Diego, CA
Oh man, I can't wait for this. One of my favorite bands.
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
Coopersburg, PA
This is a big step up from Fractures and I like the brief attempts at singing, it sounds great over the melodic parts. I have to listen to it a bit more, but this could be top ten material.