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Google the band Attack! Attack! typed in exactly like that
and, no kidding, the first entry you get is a screamo band out of
Ohio. But you look a little closer and you notice that that is not
Attack! Attack! that's Attack Attack! see the difference? Yeah,
I didn't either.
It's amazing the effect an exclamation point can have, or rather
the lack there of. Once I matched up the Myspace music to the CD I
had been listening to, I found out that Attack! Attack! is a pop rock
band hailing from South Wales. If you base your knowledge and preconceived
notions of UK bands off of the likes of Muse and People
In Planes, then you're like me and already have high expectations
for this band. After giving their self-titled debut album a listen,
I'm happy to say my expectations were pretty much met.
Now this wasn't an "apples-to-apples" comparison of bands,
as you could never really do that with Muse or PIP, though you could
compare the quality. With the first song, "Honesty" you
have that mass appeal, foot tapping, punk that would easily snag in
a few of Fall Out Boys' fans. Down to "Too Bad Son"
takes that foot tapping and puts a slightly harder spin on it. The
energy drinks were definitely in full supply for this song. With the
guitar cycling through perfect hooks and lyrics that exemplify the
right way to do emo; this song never lets up. With "Say It To
Me" you begin to wonder how these guys have enough stamina to
perform all of these songs in one set. I like this song 'cause it's
a bit different than the others. The light-airy pop is gone and it's
replaced with Britrock. That means that the song mixes it up, with
the tone off a little and those guitars that just rip through you,
much like those other great Britrockers Lostprophets. "Lights
Out" is an expertly arranged/written song. The transitions between
chorus/hooks/and the meat of the song are perfection. "Home Again"
is the one song that really sticks out and that's because it almost
sounds as though it's a totally different band. This would be the
element of punk integrated; it's raw and stiff. Are you angry enough
for Rise Against or Thrice (pre-Alchemy Index)?
If your answer was yes, then this is the song for you to dive into.
For the last song on the album "Time Is Up" (ps - love the
title for a last song), is an excellent way to finish. I'm quite infatuated
with the guitar solo at the beginning. It's not real complicated,
yet is excellent. The beginning of this song and the beginning of
"A Town Called Hypocrisy" (Lostprophets) bear much resemblance
and that's a good thing. In fact the whole song has that same resemblance.
Though my favorite part comes in about 2:00, when the drums quiet
and the guitar holds its notes just a little bit longer. With the
insanely fast tempo, you're not expecting it at all and that's the
best part.
This is some great music. And it's been awhile since a quality pop
punk band has made an appearance. So leave it to the Brits (and a
bit of Red Bull) to help us out. Will there be a battle over a punctuation
mark in the future? Let's hope not. But if there is, let's hope that
these guys win.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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