Potential is such a cruel concept. So many bands have it, yet so few can reach theirs. Schoolyard Heroes writes some interesting music, but the execution of it doesn't feel right.
There are the normal issues that plague most indie bands, like making sure the whole band is on the same page sonically and rhythmically. Time and practice can take care of that. But the greatest step they could take is to find their own voice. It feels like Schoolyard Heroes is at some spots trying to be Marilyn Manson, at others trying to be Evanescence, and occasionally System of a Down.
It all boils down to Ryann Donnelly. A lead singer is the voice of a band and until she figures out what her voice does a good job of (and stops trying to do force her voice into a sound that it just isn't made for) Schoolyard Heroes will never have the opportunity to reach their potential.
With all that said, I still enjoy this CD a lot. Even after harping about it's flaws, the simple fact that I can still feel like this album delivers something worth listening to bodes well in their favor. The second they find their voice, expect big things from them. Pick this up if you want to be on the cutting edge of tomorrow and enjoy the afore mentioned artists.
2.5/4
