| The opening guitar strums to the albums single "Sweet And Low" is a fitting introduction to the band, and the buildup sets the appropriate tone for the rest of the album. Dan Layus vocals are gritty, but he is at his best during the story like verses that he constructs. It is impossible to leave out the fact that as each and every song progresses you feel the pain, sweat, and tears that Augustana have put into each track it's a great experience to say the least. If you give "Can't Love, Can't Hurt" a true listen you will know what i'm talking about i'm absolutely stunned by the fact that I sense so much time and energy vested in each track on this album. In fact, the first time I listened to this album, I couldn't resist imagining these guys taking the indie-rock movement by storm. At the same time, i find it also impossible to forget the songs on "Can't Love, Can't Hurt", and I find a lot of common threads from Augustana's experiences and lyrics with my own conquests and asperations.
This is a solid release, and even though the sound is minimalist and sparse, the instrumentation is not sloppy like many homologous rock/indie outfits. The guitar work is simple, yet it carries great melodies and I really enjoy the songs that include the acoustic guitars. My favorite track is the closing song "Where Love Went Wrong", that had me laying along my bed almost ready to dream off the first time I heard the album. The album ranges from the heartfelt songs and soothing harmonies to energy-ridden foot tappers. The passion is felt throughout the entire album.
A great sounding release, from a band whose future I can only see being bright and dominating, but whose brand new full-length release is very noteworthy. I hope to hear more from these guys, they should be a welcome addition to your collection, to settle nicely between your pop-punk and rock albums, it'll probably be in your top 5 album lists of the year come end of 08'.
~ Wayne
May 01 2008 |
