November 4th, 2008 
James Shotwell Band: Sing It Loud
Album: Come Around
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Epitaph
Tracks:
1. I’ve Got A Feeling
2. We’re Not Afraid
3. Come Around
4. Don’t Save Me
5. Give It Up
6. MPLS
7. No One Can Touch Us
8. Marionettes
9. Over You
10. Fade Away
11. Best Beating Heart
Once upon a time, I was introduced to this band from Minneapolis named Motion City Soundtrack. After countless (okay…. not countless [51]) times seeing them live and multiple copies of multiple albums, it’s safe to say they are my favorite band. I mean, I borderline stalk them. I bet you all are reading this wondering what the heck I’m talking about and exactly what my purpose is. Relax. There is a reason I’m speaking of dear ol’ Justin, Jesse, Tony, Matt and Josh. Well, sort of. See, in my most recent “research,” I’ve learned that Josh Cain, of MCS, has been dabbling in the production side of the music industry. His latest project involved Epitaph label-mates, Sing It Loud, and their debut full length album, “Come Around.”
Based on the band’s name, album art and the fact that are on Epitaph, I automatically assumed it would be a pop-punk type of release. Track one, I’ve Got A Feeling, only confirmed this assumption. Immediately, I fell in love. I’ve always been a sucker for synthesizers. Couple the synthesizer’s catchiness with the “stick-in-your head” vocals of I’ve Got A Feeling, and you’ve got a great pop-punk tune.
Track two threw me a bit of a curveball. Yes, more synthesizer is good but this song goes way beyond that. The music alternates between thinned out synth/guitar layers to heavier, full band, more volume layers, which seem to compliment the vocals in perfect fashion. Just as I find myself being impressed with Pat Brown’s singing, the vocalist changes. WHAT! Guest vocals by Justin Pierre?!? Heaven.
Title track, Come Around, is number three. After listening to this song, it becomes clear why they named the album after it. Guitarist, Kieren Smith, and bassist, Nate Flynn, begin this one with strong chords, in power-ballad fashion. All of a sudden, a catchy keyboard riff and a pop punk drum cadence are added, by Ben Peteson and Chris Lee, respectively. If you can’t tap your feet to this song, you need to immediately see a doctor, just to confirm your heart is actually beating. Seriously.
The album continues on the same path until the end, going out on a good note with Best Beating Heart. This song starts off with light guitar and light vocals. Ten seconds in, the band is introduced. We definitely get a lesson on ABAB form with this one, as the verses tend to be light and the chorus is heavy, or so you would think. At the two-minute mark, the chorus goes from heavy to light in a matter of seconds, creating a very dynamic effect. Between the bass breakdown, overlapping vocals and weird ending, I’m hard-pressed to find anything I dislike about this song. Or the album, for that matter.
I didn’t say it was impossible, though. The only real critique I have is that, while the album is easy to listen to, many listeners may find it easy to forget. The songs are very poppy, which can be good, however, after a few of them, they start to sound the same. I don’t necessarily mean the same as the other tracks on the album, but more the same as what’s already being put in front of us from other bands. There’s a bit of lack of creativity on the album. I mean, as I said, the songs are a nice introduction to new listeners but Sing It Loud really is going to have to step it up to set themselves apart from all the other pop-punk bands in the music world today.
I’ll admit, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m definitely into it. The best way I can describe it, in terms of bands you know, is Motion City meets Reeve Oliver meets Sugarcult. While “Come Around” is definitely more pop than it is punk, it’s totally worth a listen. Sing It Loud is really one of those bands that you should familiarize yourself with now, before EVERYONE knows them in three months, simply for the bragging rights. With great lyrics, catchy riffs and easily danceable rhythms, it’s a decent piece of work. Mix in guest vocals by Justin Pierre and Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low), and I dare you to tell me you don’t like a single song on here. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the next biggest thing in the music scene.
*Written By:Meaghan Allen*
Grade: 8/10
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Well said. I’m linking to this.