Instant win. This album is an easy punk/hardcore success. Leaning more towards the hardcore side, each song is powerful; a well done ensemble. A hail to the reasons we love hardcore: positive, motivational lyrics, energy, musical strength. Reminiscent of H2O, they have enough punk in them to do this wonderful chorus singing, while the lead vocals are more full-out screams. Both types of vocals are woven into a very melodic, strong punk sound. Track 3 has some very Solomon type vocals, but the comparison is strongest there, and not even close to sounding too much like Stavesacre or Outer Circle. The lead vocals are easy to listen to and very well done, and paired with the other vocals are pretty much another instrument. There is some beautiful guitar work throughout. Great tones. Track one starts off with this Bon Jovi sounding intro, almost like a joke, and then gives the listener its real sound. Lots of fast guitar work but not metal. Lots of power chords but still getting chuggy like some metal. Consistent work throughout that retains a sound, but there is enough variety in each song to keep things original and captivating. Vocal style and guitar work match very well and seem to feed each other more than some bands. This isn't totally original stuff but it's totally one of my new favorite albums of the year. Just when I had almost convinced myself that Emo was all there is, I hear incredible music like this and am reminded of whence I came.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis is one of my favorite, if not the favorite, hardcore releases of 1999. Let me explain. Just put the disc into your player and start it. The album kicks off with When Sorrow Falls. The intro might distract you a bit but then the band launches some powerful hardcore with great playing abilities and full of punkrock energy. The song structures are excellent, diverse and still such a unity. The…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohWith an eye on the old-school and an ear for melody, Stretch Arm Strong shows that they're not your average hardcore band. The classical guitar opening of "When Sorrow Falls" proves this. But, seconds later, when the band starts speeding along ala old school hardcore, you also learn this band isn't for wimps. It's this strange dichotomy that drives the Stretch Arm Strong sound. The song "For Now"…Similar sounding releases
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