And Their Name Was Treason [Import]

This was another unexpected surprise for me, and in a very good way. Unknowingly one day I downloaded the song "Your Way With Words Is Through Silence", upon the recommendation of a friend, and from that moment I was hooked on this band. A Day To Remember has got to be one of the most talented emocore bands I have heard in quite some time, and their debut release "And Their Name Is Treason" is the exact record you need to hear right now when the world is full of generic screamo clones. A Day To Remember presents an amazing combination of hardcore, emo, and pop-punk, which will not easily be forgotten by most who listen. Their diverse elements is what sets them apart from so many of their contemporaries, and if you're a fan the mixing of many musical styles, this cd was made for you.

Like I said the key to this album is its diverse mix of musical styles. Listening to the album opener "Heartless", you'd think this is one of the heaviest hardcore bands you've heard. All until the album slips into the dynamically upbeat screamo of "Your Way With Words Is Through Silence." This record does a lot of this trickery to keep you on your feet. One moment you will be listening to the warming acoustic composition of "You Had Me At Hello", which is instantly followed by "1958", the album's heaviest track. A Day To Remember is one of the few bands that can pull off this style of music. Musically the band is very gifted, and showcase riffs and vocals that set them apart from many of the other bands in the scene. The screaming is almost death-metal-like, and the melodies could be compared to any of the bigger pop-punk acts like Fall Out Boy or Panic At The Disco. However where some bands get repetitive over the course of the cd, ADTR keeps things interesting. The cd is equally balanced, showcasing melodic pieces like the aforementioned "Your Way With Words Is Through Silence" and "You Should Have Killed Me When You Had The Chance", to the most extreme hardcore pieces like "Heartless" and "1958". Start to finish there is not a song on here that won't present you a memorable feeling. The only thing that slightly brings down the album is the fact that it's so short. In reality it's only 8 songs (2 of the songs are the intro and the outro) and ends out about 29:00 minutes. When the cd is done you just want more. However I think you'll find yourself very satisfied with this cd in the end. Highlights include "Your Way With Words Is Through Silence", "Casablanca Sucked Anyways" and "1958".

So if you're a fan of bands who blend a lot of musical styles together, then I would recommend A Day To Remember with the highest regard. I've heard a lot of people complain that they switch up too much and just need to stick with one style, but in the end that's what really makes this band special and memorable. The fact that you get so many things on this record, is the best thing about it. From its crushing breakdowns to its beautiful melodies, A Day To Remember's "And Their Name Was Treason" is probably the best unknown emocore record you are likely to hear this year (besides Chiodos' "Alls Wells That Ends Well", check that out as well), and one that you shouldn't be without, especially if you're a fan of screamo or hardcore.

"The only thing that's going to bother me is that you'll all call yourselves my friends, why can't you look me in the eyes one last time."

"You should have killed me when you had the chance."

Ok, so the lyrics are pretty common for this genre, but ADTR is not common at all. They set themselves apart from the rest by their delivery. The music and vocals are catchy and melodic, perhaps the most catchy and melodic songs that this genre has produced. But it still as an "edge" to it.

My only complaint (not a big one) is that they could have better screaming vocals. They sound good in some songs, such as "If Looks Could Kill," but sound too much of a flat growl in others, completely void of any emotion. Like he isnt screaming the lyrics as an expression, instead thats just his job. If this aspect was tweaked a little, this band would have no competition.

Ok, alot of people judge this cd by how others have labeled it, I myself bought it without knowing anyhting about the band when the lead singer was set up selling them. I figured anything to help local music thrive, but found a gem in the pool of Ocala bands that have been upriseing in the last few years. The band mixes screaming and singing nicely, and with rythmic drums and gutairs along with a great acoustic song the cd is well rounded and anybody who enjoys underground music should love this cd.