I'm sad to say that Sinai Beach were one of the biggest letdowns of my musical life. Their two tracks on the Blood & Ink vs. Facedown Sampler were freaking awesome. I was like, dang I can't WAIT to see what this band will do. Then I saw them live. Ehhh a totally forgettable performance. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, since it did snow and only about 30 kids came out to the show, plus Richmond isn't an easy place to do a show. I don't think the band quite knew what to make of Amir and Jason doing that "Duh duh DUH" thing they do, and the kids were taking their setlist and messing with em and stuff... but I just really couldn't get into it. They played a tight set, but I was just standing there kind of looking at my watch.

I went to the merch table and talked to the vocalist for a bit, and bought their CD anyway, thinking that I was still all about those 2 tracks on the Blood & Ink Sampler. I got it home and was disappointed yet again. Badly recorded vocals, including some singing that sounds like it was put on there just for the sake of having something "pretty" on the record. The vocal/drum only part at about the 2:12 mark of "Man or Animal?" showcases how terrible the recording quality is. I was playing that over and over going, wow... why would you put this on a CD and be happy with it? Maybe they're going for a certain sound. A few people have told me they really dig this record but I don't like it. The drums sound tinny, the guitars sound jumbled.

The songwriting isn't terrible, and the lyrics are alright, but the way this record sounds just ruins any chance of greatness. There are some memorable breakdowns, but yeah. Can't get over being annoyed by the fact that it sounds like they recorded it in their garage. Plus, it's just another unremarkable metal CD.

I'm sure I'll catch some crap over this review. But hey, I paid my ten bucks for the CD. I tried. Better luck next time, kids.

If you wanna spend some money with Facedown Records and not be disappointed, pick up the new Comeback Kid record. It's freaking amazing.

For more reviews, a list of shows, and plenty of scene drama, hit up My Aim Is True.com.