For the most part, Touching Base with a Chainsaw delivers the goods. Pay particular attention to tracks "Pretty for Nostalgia," "Arbitrary," "Pull the Trigger," and their near eight minute epic "The Airport Symphonies." Then, as the album begins to wind down, they offer up a solo piano instrumental called "Two Years," it is a soft, contemplative piece which works well as chill down from the rage that has preceded it.
Musically, the band is led by the twin guitars of co-founder Ricky Vazquez and Ian Archer, as they team for some great melodies and very heavy power driven sections. Behind them are bassist Isaih Herevia, and drummer Matt Williams. They are young, and all show the skills to take Of Hearts and Shadows to the next level.
Touching Base with a Chainsaw is a strong debut for the emocore act out of San Diego, CA. I will say, I am not a big fan of the band name, sounds a little too, uh, screamo for me. Also, if I may comment on the album cover, the band's name is a little too hard to make out, it doesn't pop enough. I'd recommend a different font, or at least a different color, so I am not left starring at it trying to figure out who it is.
Bottomline. Definitely worth your time. This is an good album, no doubt about it. It is a band that does not seem content to follow what has been done, but tries to bring a little more to the table. It will be interesting to see how the develop over their next couple of albums. Of Hearts and Shadows is definitely a band to keep an eye on.
Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sorry Man, this stuff still holds to much of the Pop Punk/Emo sound for me to take it seriously.
Just poor all around...
2 - brian
i dont know if some people have a particular taste in certain music, but if you seriously give this album a couple spins.. its by far better than what a lot of people say it is. yes its pop, yes its heavy, melodic, yes a lot of bands sound like this, BUT i didnt like it at first either, and after listening to it you notice things that wernt there the first time through. and idk but if you ask me, the singer is WAYYY better than a lot of other bands. seriously.. pick this album up, and honestly tell me after a couple listens that its "just another screamo band" cause these guys got something the average listener wouldnt even care to comprehend.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Well, I can tell you that Mr. Beaumont is no average listener. He has admitted quite often that he is not a seasoned metal lover,BUT, he has listened to alot of stuff in his short tenure with the B.C. Metal Dept. And though I may criticize his reviews on stuff that he truly likes(this article is an example) I can say, honestly, that he is no fanboy.
Me, on the other hand, am as far as you can get from "your average listener" and take my job here at B.C. rather seriously.(Even though my articles don't make the cut anymore...*Hmmf*). Musically, this band may sound like they have potential(not my words)but I don't want to spend my crucial time following a band that first, I don't like their style and second, may or may not break their shell. With that being said, there are plenty O'bands out there that can blow your mind the first time around without getting married to the CD for a good month.
*Trust me, you don't want that list...*
4 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Actually, ya know what?? I got one band for you that I can bet with just 3 of their CDs will cover the "Non-Average" spectrum and blow your mind...
OPETH:
Still Life
Blackwater Park
Damnation
5 - Chris Beaumont
Thank you, Guppy. I always look forward to your comments on my reviews. Always get the straight and narrow with you.
My tastes run across the spectrum, metal and the related genres will always be my home, though I find I don't often have the time to delve in as deep as I would like. I like a little of a lot of different stuff.
The only Opeth I have is Blackwater Park and it is most definitely a phenomenal disk. I should pick up the others.
Brian, do you publish reviews anywhere? I think you should put together a metal genre primer as you have a better handle on the subtleties than most I have read.
6 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"though I find I don't often have the time to delve in as deep as I would like."
Chris, I often find,in general, as you really start to get a knack for the music that moves you, you will tend to dismiss quite a bit of what's out there. Unfortunately,there is plenty of "Metal", what ever sub-catagory you pick,that really isn't worth analyzing. But, because of that, when a band puts out some damn good material its real easy to spot. Usually, I will dig around the label's website that produced the bands that I really like because they usually have their ear to the ground trying to find another original act(to a point).
Opeth is just one of those bands... And even though "Blackwater" is their "Master of Puppets", you should check out their old stuff because it was just so heavy and inspiring.
I would love to write a primer but my last article didn't get published here because of some errors. Believe me, I couldn't find'em...
If I write some articles,with my best English & editing skills possible, could you take another glance at them so I could send them in??
7 - Chris Beaumont
Sure, I could take a look, no problem!
8 - sean
This band really does own. You just need to look deeper into the "screamo" cliche...it's much different than a lot of those bands out there today. Everyone needs to pick it up.
9 - sean
This band really does own. You just need to look deeper into the "screamo" cliche...it's much different than a lot of those bands out there today. Everyone needs to pick it up.
10 - dan
seriously, i like these guys.. enough said