Finch were one of many bands to emerge amidst the explosion of emo-core music. However, they had several traits that were desperately lacking in the majority of the scene's reportoire. Mainly talent, relevance, and originality. Their full length debut "What It Is To Burn" was one of the few albums able to keep this quickly sinking genre from drowning altogether. Indeed, Finch's role was quickly cemented by featuring two guest appearances on the aforementioned album by none other than Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw fame. This was even further solidified by attaining touring slots along side other heavyweights such as Thursday and the previously mentioned Glassjaw. Their new album "Say Hello To Sunshine" will have many daunting obstacles to overcome. It long ago became apparent that to become stagnant, especially as proponents of the ever oversaturated emo-core scene, is to fail. With this outing the band will have to prove, just as their brethren in Glassjaw and Thursday have done, that they have the ability to progress and craft a sound that is easily definable as their own.Upon first listen of the new record it is immediately clear that Finch are attempting something different with their sound. While their first album was top notch emo-core fused with sparse elements of elecontric programming their new album is straight forward with its hardcore delivery. Gone are the sugar coated sounds such as cuts like "Letters To You" or "Stay With Me" from their debut opus. Instead, the majority of the album produces reports closer to the track "Worms Of The Earth" that they completed for the Underworld motion picture soundtrack. Songs are generally discordant, heavy, and fairly quickly paced, while still offering sing along choruses thanks to singer Nate Barcalow's cutting croons. However, there are times when this overly frenetic pace can become tiring. It would have been better to break up the monotony of adrenaline by removing two or three of the less potent melodies and replacing them with a few experimental electronically tinged songs or a slower paced ballad reminiscent of some of their earlier works. However, the newly found aggression the band has channeled does shine quite often. Especially on the opening display "Insomniac Meat" and the next to last song "The Casket Of Roderick Usher" which brings to mind "Project Mayhem" from "What It Is To Burn" or Glassjaw's "Babe" in its ferocity and swift delivery.
The band definately had their work cut out for them when crafting this composition. They had the trying decision to make of staying comfortably in a method that has become formulaic in both its numbing execution and nearly guaranteed results or to strike off in a path of their own. Thankfully, Finch have chosen the road less traveled by those in the music industry. And while "Say Hello To Sunshine" nearly gets out of control from a steroid induced adrenaline binge, it does showcase fearless composure as well. If the members can further rein in their talents on future endeavors they will have a career brighter than sunshine itself.
hk_newbie said...
damn, that's a good review rainny. You made me want to download it from you, that's for sure!
when can we do that, BTW?
Oh, your description of why the emo-core scene sucked was hilarious.
RaiNny said...
"Who the fuck is Finch anyway? Another simplistic "puh chh puh chh" band?"
It's funny that you mention that because they have a song on their first album that is slightly reminiscent of that. I think I'm going to start listening to Dave Matthews Band...I feel a void in my life in the area of bland, ego-maniacal, drawn out, overly pretentious college psych/business major music.
hk_newbie said...
oh, is it getting hot in here? Do I feel a FLAME WAR starting?
hk_newbie said...
"use all his four fingers in his left hand"
What? did he lose a finger?
/obviously I'm kidding
RaiNny said...
"Simple music is for the simple minded."
I'd say my music is pretty simple wouldn't you? And yet, you seem to enjoy it quite thoroughly.