| Thank God for Sire Records. Not only are they always on the cutting edge of much of the indie rock scene, but they seem to sign some of the best bands out there today and this band is no exception. New Jersey's own Armor For Sleep are about to release “Smile For Them” a catchy collection of rock tracks so sweet that if you listen to it too much, a trip to the doctor and a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes is on the horizon.
This set of twelve refreshingly clean and crisp tunes combine to make one of the most surprising albums of the year. From a group of extremely talented guys, “Smile For Them” takes elements of "What To Do When Youre Dead" and "Dream To Make Believe" to make a whole new concept of great music. Going from Armor For Sleep cliche melodies to darker and moody brooding, Armor For Sleep seems to be in the perfect position to not only take over the scene but also breathe life back into it.
Each song, while being incredibly entertaining and catchy, is unique in it’s own way. While there are a few radio ready pop tracks like “Williamsburg,” the ridiculously catchy “Chemicals” and the break-up anthem “My Saving Grace.” But this band is not a one trick pony.
Songs like “Run Right Back In” have a very distinct old punk vibe to them and it is something that helps this album go down in a much smoother gulp. “Williamsburg” chronicles the bands need to get out of this town but they don’t come off as whiny or arrogant. They seem sincere and ready for whatever is coming their way. “Passed out sleeping at your party, dream of leaving in the morning, you were all dying, Williamsburg.” pleads lead vocalist Ben Jorgensen.
The two strengths of this band lie in two very different arenas. The lyrics are very typical when it comes to the subjects, but they are written extremely well with a great ear for what sounds good not only melody-wise but in the enunciation and cadence of each line. “I don't want to be who I was back then, I almost lost you again. I don't want to see through the eyes of a liar, hold the door for me,” explains Jorgensen beautifully in “Hold The Door.”
Armor For Sleep have put together a set of songs that can be embraced by any type of musical fan. All I really need to say about "Smile For Them" is if you have been a long time fanboy like myself of Armor For Sleep then this album is for you, if you were born yesterday and have never heard of Armor For Sleep this album is for you and you all go screw Halloween and get this October 30th.
"Biggest surprise of 2007"
~ Wayne
October 01 2007 |
