The Commercials have undergone a major overhaul since the first full length "First Time For Everything" saw the light of day. Gone are lyrics about sandwiches and fast food joints, the new sound is much more well rounded encompassing a little bit of punk, a little bit of emo and a little bit of hardcore. The recording is crystal clear with a depth to the vocals and a hint of acoustic guitar in the background of many songs.
The writing is as creative as it's ever been. Songs like "It Never Ends" and "Put You Out Of Our Misery" explode with energy and emotion. Most of the songs are peppered with time changes, cuts, and really catchy vocal parts, and as a result they all have their own personality and are capable of standing on their own.
If you're looking for filler tracks, keep looking because "Twenty Years Tonight" doesn't have any. The vocal style is a tag-team attack from behind the bass and the lead guitar, which adds another element to an already packed release. The drums are capable of instant change from a hardcore fury to a soft rhythmic sound that can redirect the sound to fit the emotional content of the lyrics. Lying side by side with rough and tumble songs like "This Is Where We Die," is an emotional ballad, "Immediately" which any sap who has ever watched a girl from across a crowded room can identify with. "The Last, Sung First," like the Jimmy Eat World song, "Goodnight Sky Harbor," seems to continue on for ever then fade into crickets. One wonders how they lured that many crickets into the recording studio.
The artwork also deserves a mention, with a calendar being used to further the theme of time. This is a fresh release, with a unique sound and great song writing. Capturing the best the Commercials have to offer and flirting with the listener by using a promise of continued greatness. The CD is available from Kickstartaudio.com so treat yourself to an early Christmas present and get this while the getting is good.
A-
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Tom BastianThe Commercials are probably one of the hardest working bands I know. I have seen this band many times, often opening up for the larger bands that come through my area. Often the shows are even set up by Tony, the guitarist for the Commercials. I think I see Tony at more shows than anyone else I ever see at shows. If his band isn't playing he is handing out flyers for his bands next show. The…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Luke HarlowI have always felt that if The Commercials could get it together vocally, they would be capable of a lot as a band. On "20 Years Tonight," they have it together vocally. This is a very, very quality release and their best as a band. The Commercials have always been tight musically, and this album is no exception. The band has garnered one of the stronger grassroots followings in Central…Similar sounding releases
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