Album Review: "Forever Halloween"

BY: Emily Harris



The Maine has done it again. After their previous full length, Pioneer, a lot of fans were questioning what direction their sound was going in. Pioneer changed The Maine's game (Accidental rhyme woo!), completely transforming their sound. With the release of Forever Halloween, everyone was anxiously waiting to hear what tricks The Maine had slipped under their sleeves. And I have to say, what awesome tricks they were.

Forever Halloween is one of the rawest and honest compilations of music I have ever listened to, and trust me, I have listened to quite a few songs. Not only have their songwriting skills as a band improved tenfold, the whole album was recorded live- no autotune, no 10 different guitar parts recorded, no weird synthesizers. It is just The Maine and their message. The blatant, simple feeling that evokes in itself is incredible. It's symbolic of how they want their fans to hear exactly what they truly are about: music.

Some songs like Love & Drugs, White Walls, and Happy, are classic The Maine tunes, except much more simple. The aspect of the recording process really sets the tone for this album, and I am in love with it.

The song that is the most memorable on this album is These Four Words. The song is basically about not loving someone. The intent of the song is very different and beautiful in a sad way. A raw piano melody and John's voice convey the meaning even more so. The haunting sensation it sends down to the bottom of your stomach when you hear the lines "I don't love you" is unavoidable; the amount of unrefined and pure emotion that is embedded into this song alone is crazy. Overall, it's beautiful in it's sadness.

Forever Halloween, the entitled song off of the album, conveys the overarching message of the album. It takes the actual event of Halloween and symbolically compares it to the real world of being someone you are not. I think by recording this album live without any modern touch ups, that's what The Maine is trying to break free from: being someone they are not. Having other people's hands decide who and what they can be or release.

In short, this album is a great representation of how "rock and roll" is not someone sitting behind a computer and digitally creating "music." It's about passion and being who you are, even if it's not the best or the most popular.

Album Review: "Battle Scars"

BY: Liza Boodhansingh


Paradise Fears have begun a new chapter in their career as a band with the release of their new mini-album, Battle Scars. Two years ago, Paradise Fears was only beginning to gain a small following. One year ago, the band had just finished their first ever headlining tour. Fast forward to this week, and they have released Battle Scars, as they entered into a new era as a band. On the night of its release, Battle Scars charted at #2 on the Alternative iTunes charts, as well as breaking the top 20 overall on the iTunes charts. Let me remind you that Paradise Fears does not have a label or manager. Impressive, isn’t it? Coming from the small town of Vermillion, South Dakota, Paradise Fears sure knows what they want, and they’re not letting anything or anyone get in their way.

Battle Scars begins with a prelude stating, “This is a call to arms for the poets that are inside of us. This is shedding our skin and breaking the chains that are binding us.” This track sums up the album. You’re in for an emotional ride.

The next three tracks, “Battle Scars,” “What Are You Waiting For?” and “Warrior,” all flow together effortlessly. “Battle Scars” is an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled. As the song states, “we’ve all got battle scars.” It shines hope on those having doubts through lyrics such as, “hope is so much stronger than fear…you can light up the dark.” The bridge breaks into a speech, similar to the speech from “Sanctuary,” but this time around the speech is about fighting for what you want and marching on. “What Are You Waiting For?” rolls in to give the needed push to fight. With lyrics such as “This world is only there for those willing to take it,” and “You love it? Embrace it. You want it? Then chase it,” you will be ready to take your chances and embrace your fears. In the end, you come out as a “Warrior,” which is the next track on the album. “Warrior” was enhanced and re-released for “Battle Scars.” The ending connects these three songs together with the line “They don’t run from this like they did when they were kids because to not have some battle scars is to never have lived.”

There has to be at least one love song on an album, right? “Lullaby” fills the role of a long distance relationship and not wanting to say goodbye, but knowing that the special someone is on the other side. Often with love comes a break up. “Fought For Me” and “Used” reveal the fallout of relationships.

The album closes with a reprise of “Battle Scars” You will be picked back up in a blink after hearing the uplifting spirits in the melody and backing vocals by Brian Dales of The Summer Set. You’ll keep marching on.

Paradise Fears has come a long way since they embarked on their musical journey. I am constantly impressed by their achievements. They continue to mature with each music release. This album is proof of their growth and the start of a new beginning. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy.

“Never underestimate the power of ten thousand hearts beating in time.” – “Intro (Prelude)”

Album Review: "I Like That" EP

BY: Amanda Puglisi



     After two long years of writing and recording, pop band Before You Exit finally releases their new EP “I Like That”; which sends fans into quite a bit of a frenzy. And it’s not only in the States: fans all around the world are buzzing about the new music. Single “I Like That” made it all the way to #7 on Monster Radio RX93.1 in the Philippians, while the EP itself also climbed it’s way to #19 on ITunes. Wow, impressive boys! They’ve really come quite a long way since their last EP “Letting Go.” Now, not only is the band re-emerging with a new sound, but also a new member, Toby, brother of band members Connor and Riley McDonough.
     The six song EP released earlier this month features a revamped version of their hit song “End of the World” with rapper Anth, along with two other catchy tunes, “I Like That” and “A Little More You.” These high energy songs will get you throwing down some of your best dance moves and singing along at the top of your lungs in no time. But the EP also shows a softer side, with tracks “Settle For Less,” co-written with Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low, “Three Perfect Days,” and “Soldier.” After listening to this EP, you will hear just how much they’ve broken away from their once punk rock edge genre into a more pop kind of mold.
     The EP opens up with title track “I Like That,” which introduces us to an insecure girl who is unaware just of how beautiful she is both inside and out. The boys shower her in compliments, but she immediately shoots them down thinking they are “dead wrong.” They keep insisting that they will “follow her until she sees it too.” It has a One Direction “What Makes You Beautiful” vibe.
     Next, we slide into the already popular track “End Of The World.” This is always a crowd favorite at the live shows because the simple echo of “NaNas” gets everyone singing. It is carried by an infectious rhythm that will be sure to get you on your feet.
     Moving into track three, things slow down with my personal favorite “Soldier,” an acoustic ballad written completely on their own. This song packs powerful vocals from both Connor and Riley and really serves as an anthem for their fans. It’s all about staying strong and letting them know that you’re never alone.
“A Little More You” talks about wanting to do away with all the little things, just to spend more time with their girl. Cute, right? This has to be my second favorite track on the EP because the lyrics are not only funny but super clever and upbeat. I can’t seem to get it out of my head.
     Quickly following, we have “Settle For Less” which describes a girl in a relationship who is not getting the proper attention she deserves. The boy from the outside looking in point of view is trying to prove to her that he can be a better boyfriend, that he is “someone to love her till the end.” We’ve all heard this kind of story before.
     To close the album, we have the serious play on words of “Three Perfect Days.” A story of what seemed to be a perfect relationship, only to come quickly tumbling down because he was “just another weekend fling.” The lyrics allow you to really paint a vivid picture in your mind about how the scenario is unfolding. That is something I find unique about it.
      So after listening to both EPs, even though I am a fan of “Letting Go,” I do really enjoy “I Like That” as well. I believe that this big shift into pop suits them very well, and it seems like they have finally found the sound they were looking for.
     With that being said, I do highly recommend this EP for those that are big supporters of pop music. I would say overall it’s a well produced EP. My copy has been stuck on replay for weeks.