November 27th, 2013 
Drew Caruso 
Artist: Akissforjersey
Song: “War”
Album: New Bodies
Label: In Vogue Records
Have I heard this song before? I think I have. “War” begins nearly the exact same as “Oh Infamous City,” though that is not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just not a really great thing.
The thing about Akissforjersey’s newest song is that while it is a decent song, I dare say it is tired. Through the delayed lead riffs, and the onslaught of palm muted chugs, there is little left for new experimentation. Yes, the song is well produced and yes, the vocals soar, but there have been countless attempts at this sound before, and in my opinion, none of them truly provide much pleasure.
The band easily shows their musicianship, though nothing the members do should be taken by surprise. High pitched vocals yield brighter guitar notes, followed by a breakdown bridge, with screams. The contrast between light and dark is ever present, as it has been since what, 2006? Clear your throats friends, speak louder, not dirtier.
The shame, I find, is that this band is capable of much more. A group of talented musicians, I feel as if with a little diversification, they could truly find a sound that is new and exciting. Since my time out of high school, it takes a lot for me to enjoy a song with screaming (this kind of screaming that is). It feels incredibly cliche, and it doesn’t hit with a punch that I had hoped it would. But, who knows, maybe this was meant for the older fans, high school me would have been pumped. For those who still enjoy this genre, I can only imagine how welcomed this return to form this must be. But, for today at least, that is not me.
Traversing through the YouTube comments on the new track, I find that there are many more out there who are excited with Akissforjersey’s return, against my disappointment with the return to form, and that must be incredibly humbling for the band. With such a long break in between material, there is still a strong fan base waiting for more.
With their new record on the horizon, I hope that New Bodies, brings something more of what the title suggests; something new. But, in the meantime, if this tickles your fancy, at least there is something new to tide us over until late January.
Written by Andrew Caruso — (follow him on Twitter)
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