| One of the most appealing traits of a band like Jamies Elsewhere is the fact that they do not fit what has become the currently accepted status quo in pop-punk, post-hardcore. They do not indulge in nasally, bratty vocals. They do not overapply the ubiquitous power chord. They understand the merits of the riff. And best of all, they embrace imperfection in a way that is, well, perfect. The fact of the matter is simple - Jamies Elsewhere will never sell 1/10 of what Fall Out Boy or New Found Glory has sold, and that seems okay to them. With "Guidebook For Sinners Turned Saints", they have put out a record that lightly sands out the rough edges, but does not polish them so they glisten. In this day and age of superproducers and Pro Tools bullshit, I think that is pretty damn commendable.
With regards to the songs themselves, there has always been something bewitching about the songs Jamies Elsewhere creates. In simultaneously realizing there is substance outside of the hook, but also understanding the merits of a soaring chorus, Jamies Elsewhere makes tunes that swell and fade smoothly when they want, but are also more than ready to spray on the adrenaline. Jamies Elsewhere's debut full-length has everything to offer a fan of anything Victory has ever put out.
Despite the tiny gripes and subdued level of excitement with "Guidebook For Sinners Turned Saints", though, it is great to see Jamies Elsehwere on top of the scene with such a short term. The band is a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with post-hardcore in the first place, and it is invigorating to hear a band working to tip the rock scales a little back towards the "post-hardcore" direction. This record will never go platinum, and everyone seems to be okay with that. And with as solid as this release is, it is almost a shame such will never be the case.
~ Dillon
May 30 2008 |
