Released March 9, 2010
Track Listing:
- The High Road
- Vaporize
- Your Head Is on Fire
- The Ghost Inside
- Sailing to Nowhere
- Trap Doors
- Citizen
- October
- Mongrel Heart
- The Mall & Misery
Broken Bells is another friend recommendation. Let’s see what’s up with this one.
The High Road
I like the jaunty vibe this has, then it shifts into something more darker, which I also enjoyed. Lyrically I am into it, as well. I like the idea of examining how the individual differs from society. Good start to the album.
Vaporize
After multiple listens, this has me on the fence about it. Sometimes I am into it, other times I find myself wanting to skip it. I wish I had something more substantial to say about this song, but I quite pinpoint my thoughts on it.
Your Head Is on Fire
I did the psychedelic sound to it but the song hasn’t grown on me as much as I thought it would.
The Ghost Inside
The first time I heard this song, I found myself wanting nothing but this sound from them. I love the drums and bass drive the song and everything else complements it. More of this, please.
Sailing to Nowhere
I like that this immediately follows The Ghost Inside. Thematically, they fit. Someone losing their soul and/or sense of self could lead to a directionless life. Sonically, I do like this song, as well. I like the softer, yet a foreboding sense of something else happening.
Trap Doors
Granted, I have a cursory level of familiarity with The Beatles, but that’s the vibe I got from this song in particular. Also, I’m starting to really dig the sequencing of this album. Having this come after Sailing to Nowhere, again, thematically it fits.
Citizen
All I imagine is this song plays during the end of the second act of a coming-of-age teen movie and the teen is lying on their bed contemplating what just happened and how their life is forever changed. The sense of helplessness of the lyrics makes it hard for me to imagine anything else working with this song in a movie.
October
I don’t have much to say other than yo, this song is pretty damn good.
Mongrel Heart
This beat is amazing. Love it every time it comes on. I like how this appears near the end of the album. The urgent energy with lyrics like, “This waiting game will bring the specter down” I find effective.
The Mall & Misery
Strong ending to the album, too. It feels climatic and proves a real sense of closure to the album.
Overall Thoughts
This album is quite good. It feels of a piece, and somewhat timeless in it’s subject matter. Some of these songs in particular lend themselves to my imagination, which is always a plus. Time will tell if I continue to return to this album, and the band in general.
December – Steve’s Selection
