Too melodic to be called emo, but too creative to be called pop, Austin's Pop Unknown float somewhere in the waters of neutrality between the two with their latest release, If Arsenic Fails, Try Algebra. It's pop in the fact that it is accessible and extremely catchy, but it's emo in the fact that it has those beautiful chiming guitars and emotive vocals. While not sounding at all overproduced, this album has a very clean production that adds to their accessible vibe. Hypnotic guitar picking, passionate vocals and tear jerking melodies all melt together to form the perfectly crafted and balanced album. This album feels a lot like a joyous cry - - one of those cathartic sobs of release that just feels right; the kind of cry that occurs at the end of a beautiful movie. You're not sad, on the contrary, you couldn't be happier, but all of the feelings and emotions just well up inside of you until you just have to pour it all out in a pool of tears. If you appreciate moments like these, then If Arsenic Fails... will strike a chord with you from the very first time it makes it to your CD player. For those of you who have seen the advertisements and the "ex-Mineral" labels, I would suggest that you drop any preconceived notions now. These young men have taken quite a departure from Mineral's unbridled intensity and found a comfortable niche in the domain of melodic hooks and gentle smiles. If the raw angst of Mineral ripped your heart out, then the luscious melodies of Pop Unknown would be just the antidote to heal the wound. I think I would describe this album as "post-emo." The emo influences are there, but it sounds like these guys have taken the next step in their musical journey. If emo is the fit of depression that follows the anger of hardcore, then the passionate melodies of Pop Unknown would be the sound of the healing process that would hopefully ensue.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2000Reviewed by ConradThis is hooky alternative rock. This album surprised me. I was expecting really moody, boring music. But this album is upbeat enough to at least make me not want to turn it off. What you have here are solid alternative pop songs with full vocals, tons of harmonies (thank you) and creative guitar work. This is one of them bands that switch off from clean channel guitar to distortion to create…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianThis is a really great CD. So far I have been really impressed with this band. They definitely seem to be on the right track. Some of the songs off their EP I think I liked a little bit better, but these are all still solid songs. With this album I was always kind of waiting for them to kick it in and just rock out, but they really never did. I think it may have been the production that kind of…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by TimThis band sounds a lot like my favorite band Coward. The only problem is that they aren't quite as good. But at the same time, Coward broke up, so I guess that makes them the next best thing. The songs are good, but not great. It was fairly catchy, but not quite as catchy to be considered great. BDecapolis 2000Reviewed by Matt AI really liked Pop Unknown's first EP, but when I brought this CD home I was a little disappointed at first. Instead of the catchy emo/rock that was prominent in their previous recordings, this album is basically straight up pop, which took me by surprise a little. I knew there had to be something here, so I kept listening. After 3 or 4 listens I found what I was looking for. This record doesn't…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Eric DaamsThe opening track of If Arsenic Fails, Try Algebra would suggest Pop Unknown are a fairly heavy rock band. They are not, however. Instead, the majority of this disc is a mix of emo, guitar pop, and light rock. The guitars (there are three, not including the bass) are featured prominently, while the drums are kept fairly quiet. Tim Lasater's lead vocals are good for the emo aspect of their music,…Similar sounding releases
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