The name, albeit a little ‘controversial’  is somewhat captivating…. perhaps derived from the sign of a dodgy backstreet funeral parlor, or even more bizarrely the name of a new theme park ride? Yet there really is no form of abnormal back story, and the name was in fact inherited from a song by ‘Planes Mistaken for Stars’.

Furthermore don’t in any way, shape, or form mistake the name as ‘emo’; the band is by no means a set genre, and in fact the closest thing they could be related to is experimental ‘post-hardcore’. You’d be forgiven for mistaking the album as a total screamo fest from the song  ’10.45 Amsterdam Conversations‘ yet reaching the ever so emotional heights of  ‘Into Oblivion [Reunion]‘ the album, for an extremely brief moment comes across as a somewhat Taking Back Sunday with a twist? – Taking Back Monday anyone?

The final half of the album is much more relaxed and ‘pop-rock’ influenced in comparison to the first; which contains the heavier barrage of instruments matched with the dynamic vocals from Kris [Lead Singer]. Early songs like ‘Juneau‘ and ‘Streetcar‘ have always been devoted fan favourites, yet with the softer vocals in both ‘Kicking and Screaming‘ and  ‘Built to Last‘, new fans can gradually be introduced to the band and decide to delve further into the ‘post-hardcore’ element if they wish.

Undoubtedly a good release from the band, but it does make me wonder… should both the ‘post hardcore’ and ‘pop-rock’ elements be placed on the same album? I shall leave that for you to decide!

For Fans of: Fightstar, Finch, The Blackout.

Rating: 4/5

Article by: Jamie