It’s been a little more than a year since I first spoke about a pop-punk band from Chicago called 1997. They were one of the few bands I was introduced to that I admitted I liked even though I have grown tired of the pop-punk scene. Within a year of being with Victory Records the band had survived a certain hardship many bands simply can not get through but 1997 somehow managed to pull through it and put forth On The Run, the band’s sophomore release.
A lot of things can happen in a year and this is no exception to the sextet group of friends as they made a tough change. One of their own decided to split ways for personal reasons just after their debut album was released and suddenly the band was without an important female vocalist. Perhaps it was a sign of good fortune or just pure luck but the band quickly found a replacement singer who promptly fit in.
1997 continued supporting their debut release and toured non-stop with many nights slept in their van. Touring coast to coast with other Victory artists such as Aiden may have not been the most luxurious of tours for 1997, but it paid off as the band was able to share their music with new fans. Their persistent attitude paid off with decent album sales and the sense of gratification making the band want to record a follow-up.
The band hit the studio in January to record its follow up but this time with a new vocalist. The pop-punk feel still is present and at times grows stronger but this time is mixed with folk sounds making for a notable listen. It appears that the long year that 1997 experienced really helped stimulate this release.
“One Track Mind, Four Track Hear” starts out very pop-punky and emo-ish but soon is transformed to more of a mellow passionate approach as soon as newest addition Alinda Marroni introduces her vocals.
Folksy “Sunset Beyond Black Clouds” had a nice tone throughout with the harmonica and piano. The song just felt more mature and previous tracks and was one of my choice songs on the CD. “4am Conversation” was bittersweet with quarrelling vocals between Alinda Marroni and Kevin Thomas. “January 19th” really reminded me a lot of Taking Back Sunday at times because of the singing style, but otherwise was a little boring for my likes.
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