In this world of dime-a-dozen emo bands crying over their high school crushes and total lack of talent, The Jealous Sound is a breath of fresh air. Kill Them With Kindness is the debut full length album from this conglomerate of musical veterans. Singer/guitarist Blair Shehan (formerly of Knapsack), guitarist Pedro Benito (Sunday's Best), bassist John McGinnis (Neither Trumpets Nor Drums) and new drummer Adam Wade (Jawbox, Shudder to Think) know how to write emotive rock songs without whining or dwelling on overly sentimental subject matter.
Stylistically, comparisons to Knapsack are unavoidable, but The Jealous Sound is much more pop-oriented than Knapsack ever attempted to be. Shehan's breathy vocals are in top form on the album, giving it a real honest and intimate tone. The songs are generally well crafted, interesting, catchy and (most of all) smart. I think every emo band in America should be forced to listen to Kill Them With Kindness at least once. The Jealous Sound is proof that music can be emotional without being cheesy.
3/4
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