September 8th, 2014 
Drew Caruso 
Artist: The American Scene
Album: Haze
Label: Pure Noise Records
Genre: Alternative, Indie
The American Scene found themselves far too underrated after the release of Safe For Now, an album that created intricate guitar lines, hauntingly soft and delivering vocals, and a longing desire for more. Two years later we find ourselves presented with Haze, an album that reinvents the musicianship found on Safe For Now for the better, illuminated by cautious production and only the most fitting tones.
Introduced by the title track, it can be immediately heard that The American Scene has delved further into their musical pocket right off the bat. Guitars are much more sharp and present in the mix, there’s a roar felt within the bass and drums, and the actual sound of the band has changed into something new and exciting. Everything sounds and feels fatter, creating a wonderful landscape for the instrumentation to flow in and out of. This sonic collection is present throughout the entire work, with the production of the record being something that truly elevated the sounds created.
While the sound is top notch for the band, one of the biggest issues I face with the piece is its lack of versatility. The first half of the record is stacked with all wonderful songs, but experiencing them one after the other tends to create a single track of the same musical methods. It’s a shame, for as I said each track is great, but maybe some different track sequencing would have boded the familiarity in writing well. All three singles released thus far are held right after each other, and for the system of the dance-y chorus following the sparse verse; it does not work in its favor. Hopefully listeners can hear past it and appreciate how fantastic the first half truly sounds, though be prepared to experience the same sounds for a while.
The effort begins to diversify beginning with “What I Could Gather,” a track that takes the energy from Safe For Now and shocks it with the newly found sonic palate presented on Haze. “Over To You” mimics the same method, and presents a personal favorite from the work. Guitars and drums work perfectly with each other, all centered by vocals that are seamlessly presented with ease, created a haunting, yet serene melody for the song to carry.
Two more great tracks bring us to closer “Brume.” A slow brooding offering that only elevates the sonic emotions felt on the album. The vocals are delivered with a sense of difficulty, not in execution; they sound fantastic, but there is this feeling of hardened strain cast over the smooth melodies that create a vibe only felt with The American Scene. As a listener, it feels as if the song and emotions contained within it are felt for the first time with every listen.
I find it hard to exclaim conclusions on Haze. The tracks that fill the album are a step forward for the band, creating new sonic palates that only ignite a heightened sense of a musicianship within their writing, though this new sonic resonance is dampened by an introduction that pools all of the great moments each track has to offer into one long, monotonous exclamation. Hopefully as the band moves forward, they take the adventurous sounds created on Haze and find ways to present them in more varied ways.
Until then, enjoy the fantastic production presented on the album, as well as each individual instrument layered on one another. The band has never sounded better, and creates full and lush tracks that are sure to resonate with listeners. While the tracks surely blend together, I am certain each set of ears that experience this work will have a track that catalyzes with them perfectly.
SCORE: 8/10
Review written by Drew Caruso — Follow him on Twitter
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