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| REVIEWS |
Brand
New
Deja Entendu
(Triple
Crown / Razor & Tie)
Rather than partake in the creative stagnation and general apathy
that is common of young bands, Brand New took the ambitious
and uncommon route on their sophomore album Deja Entendu,
one in which they would grow both musically and lyrically. Their
efforts would pay off, for Long Island's Brand New successfully
meld pop, punk, and emo to create a sound precisely their own,
a style that promises to support the unyielding buzz that has
surrounded this band since 2001's Your Favorite Weapon.
From beginning to end, Deja Entendu captivates the
listener with carefully layered guitars, perfectly complementary
drumming, and lead vocalist Jesse Lacey's powerful and honest
lyrics.
The tone of Deja Entendu is set in the solemn opener
"Tautou," which fades into "Sic Transit Gloria...Glory
Fades," a stellar track with bass driven verses and a thundering
chorus made complete with emocore screams. "I Will Play
My Game Beneath the Spin Light" tells of the pressures
and loneliness of the road while the fourth track "Okay
I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't" is destined to be
quoted in the instant messenger profiles of bitter sad kids
everywhere with lyrics like "I hope you come down with
something they can't diagnose/ And don't have the cure for."
Lacey is not known for holding back at all in his lyrics.
First single "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows"
is vibrant and catchy with guitar slides and dueling vocals.
The sixth track "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot"
and "Me Vs. Maradona" are mellow, well-crafted songs
that showcase the band's ability to layer vocals, drumming,
and guitars in the most effective and beautiful way. "Good
To Know That If I Ever Need Attention All I Have To Do Is Die"
shows contrast between the quiet, haunting verses and the blaring
chorus and arena-worthy breakdowns. On this track, Brand New
show an understanding of the fact that when played skillfully,
instruments can speak for themselves, a concept that many bands,
who instead fill space with "na na na’s" or
pointless repetition, could take the time to learn. The bouncing
riffs of "Jaws Theme Swimming" and the power and sincerity
of "Guernica" give the album the necessary alt-rock
edge, and the acoustic "Play Crack the Sky" brings
the album to a fittingly casual and emotional closure.
Deja Entendu, which means "heard it before"
in French, is ironically one of the least derivative rock albums
released in recent years. Brand New did not make an album to
"break" the band, which is a common mistake amongst
young acts eager to join the world of fame, riches, and groupies.
The key to longevity is to grow as a band, make the best music
possible to satisfy themselves and music fans, and not to force
premature mainstream success. Brand New has done this, and as
they continue to tour and produce albums, they will find themselves
with a successful and well-earned career.
Reviewed by
Ashley Rigazio
June 25th, 2003
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