The Graduate - Only Every Time
Rating
RIYL
Temper TrapU2
Circa Survive
Release Date
08/31/2010
Label
Razor & TieTracklist
1. Don't Die Digging2. Siren
3. Stuck (Inside My Head)
4. Make Believe
5. Pull Me In
6. Choke
7. Halfway There
8. Permanent Tourists
9. All At Once
10. End of the World Delight
11. For the Missing
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The Graduate has always been a relatively inexplicable band in many ways. Seeming to come from nowhere with a whole slew of money behind them, the band always seemed close to marrying pop hooks with more legitimate musicianship but not close enough to score serious record sales. Still, the underground pop world seemed to embrace them, with one publication even going so far as to call them “The Voice of a Generation,” a relatively bold statement considering other artists that have been associated with that title.
But The Graduate has something to offer that can live nicely amongst their less respectable peers. The concept isn’t entirely original, though it’s well executed. Guitars are soaked in reverb and delay, fragile verses give way to bombastic choruses, and the band uses plenty of studio effects to play up the dynamics in their songs. However the songwriting and attention to detail is really what separates the band from their peers. Tracks like “Don’t Die Digging” and “Pull Me In” offer up some interesting textures, while the opening pair of songs offers up some mega choruses, driving drums, and thoughtful arrangements.
The album dips in the middle with some uninspired pop ballads, but picks itself up nicely with “All At Once,” which displays some hooky programming. “For The Missing,” which demonstrates the band’s ability to restrain themselves, at least for most of the song, to great effect.
However, the album isn’t without fault. The production gets in the way of the hooks at times, with obscene amounts of effects muddying up the mix. Additionally, the band’s attempts at radio friendly pop can make you feel like you ate one too many bags of Skittles, as evidenced in “Make Believe” and “Stuck (Inside My Head).”
All in all, Only Every Time is a valiant effort and a solid display of musicianship and able songwriting that allows The Graduate to outshine their competitors. They’re dramatic like Lydia, only with a better sense of melody. Their vocals soar like Circa Survive, only without all the unnecessary wailing. The Graduate is well poised for success if they can continue to outperform their peers.
--Alex Burton
Comments
Minnesota
I didn't really get into their debut initially, but I eventually let it grow and I thought it was decent. I'm interested to check this out, especially if they've managed to grow since their last album.
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Milpitas, CA
This album is one of my favorites of the year. I would've personally gave it a much higher rating. Good review though.
Leonardtown, MD
I really like this website, & I agree with most of your reviews.
But, this is the only album review I haven't really agreed with.
For me, this is my favorite album of this year.
& it has gotten better the more I have listened to it.
But I like the unbias way you put the whole review. You did a great job expressing your opinion, which sometimes gets skewed.
Thanks for reviewing this album though!
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Minnesota
This album feels a little more poppy in comparison to their last. It'll probably help them gain more fans, but I think I may have liked the more experimental version of the band better.
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