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Story Of The Year
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In The Wake Of Determination
Maverick Records
Release: 10/11/2005
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Rated:
Review by:
Zach Sumsion
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In 2003, Story of the Year emerged from the muck of
pop-influenced punk/hardcore as it pierced the heart of
mainstream airwaves. Their debut album, Page
Avenue, had a raw edge with enough sing-a-longs for
Middle America to enjoy. Although the released singles were
radio-friendly, the St. Louis five-piece still maintained a certain
level of underground respect.
2005 finds Story of the Year back in the studio. After enjoying
an abundance of airplay with their debut album, will the band
be willing and able to answer when opportunity knocks? Story
of the Year? Are you there? Anyone?
Unfortunately for the majority of those who pay for this album,
the answer will be an emphatic 'no.' In The Wake Of
Determination consists of 13 ordinary songs you won't
hate, but you won't feel compelled to hear again either. It's as
if every line was carefully considered to pose the least threat to
stockholders. The first record had gaps, but everything about it
was more interesting than Story of the Year's latest release.
Assigning a poor review to this band is difficult because there is
so much potential, but each track sounds like it's already been
written before. Never do you question the talent of these
musicians, but the product certainly raises suspicion of their
judgment.
Does this mean radio regulars have heard the last of Story of
the Year? Not likely. Radio loves polite metal and this album is
full of it. The first single, "We Don't Care Anymore," easily
weighs in as the record's strongest track and has already
befriended the deejays.
So if you like the image of heavy music but you're afraid of
commitment, this may be the purchase for you. However, if
you are expecting an album similar to the band's 2003 release,
you will likely find In The Wake Of Determination
to be a dull experience. |
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