6/15: New Artist review: "Stereo Skyline!" by Brett. New Hot6.
6/13: New artist reviews: "Katy Perry" by Mandee, "Lydia" by Brett.
6/08: New artist reviews for: The Ting Tings, Lykke Li, and Evermore.
4/18: New main page feature: Ben G., New artist reviews: "The Hives" by Kayla & "De La Soul" by Dennis, New Hot6.
4/16: 4 new Rewindd Music Support buttons.
3/30: New Hot6, New "Rock Out" iMix, Two new artist reviews by Anum & Louie for: Britney Spears.
3/27: New album review: Simple Plan's self-titled album by Nadia T.
3/23: New artist review: "The Daylights" by Katelyn. Artist Reviews now sorted by Artist & Genre for easier browsing.
3/22: New artist review: "Yelle" by Mark T.
3/16: New layout, 5 new featured stories, new "Music Bits" section.
2/10: Two new artist reviews: "Vogue In The Moment" & "Porcelain and the Tramps." New "Bloc Party" album review.
1/27: New album review: The Academy Is... - "Santi" by Elisabeth.
1/26: New Hot6.
12/28: New concert review: "Maroon 5 - It Wont Be Soon Before Long Tour" by Alexis.
12/27: New artist review: "The Mars Patrol" by Aj.
12/18: New artist review: "The Dream" by Malcom L.
12/13: New album review: Puddle of Mud's album, "Famous" by Angela.
12/9: New album review: Unwritten Law's album, "Here's To The Mourning" by Louie Z.
12/3: New artist review: "The Higher" by Rachel A., New album review: Tegan & Sara's "The Con" by Teresa D.
The Aademy Is... - Santi
By: Elisabeth
For Fans of: Cute is What We Aim For, Fall Out Boy (their earlier albums that is), Butch Walker
After rising from years of underground carreer, starting from their first album "The Academy" to their Fueled by Ramen labeled "Almost Here", TAI has definitely risen from the dumps. However, after hitting the road in many tours, this Chicago-based five-man band is ready to once again release the new album titled"Santi"; the curious title taken from a peer from vocalist William Beckett's highschool days, Santiago, who used to be very negative about Beckett; leading the group to coining the word "Santi" (from Santiago) to address everything that was positive and a polar opposite from him.
Opposed to "Almost Here", some of the sounds presented in "Santi" is more post-grunge and sharp, yet still unique and refreshing to the ears. These songs include "LAX to O'Hare", "Bulls in Brooklyn" (both in my oppinion sounds a lot like Arctic Monkeys, in a positive way), their single "We've Got a Big Mess on Our Hands", and some other. Other songs such as "Seed" resemble the softer sounds of "Almost Here". Furthermore, the band experimented with different styles with the unbelievably sweet ballad, "Everything We Had" and the darker "You Might Have Noticed". The guitar tunes and drum bangs are definitely louder, accompanied by Beckett's voice, which has evolved to melodies that are heart-breaking and strong at the same time. (resembling his vocals in "Absolution", a song from their "From the Red Carpet" EP). Overall, despite the different style of their new album, it's definitely a step for these boys towards perfection.
Recommendations:
“Bulls in Brooklyn” – If you’re a fan of the sharp sounds of guitars and drums, this is your cup of tea. “Bulls in Brooklyn” is the presentation of a classic rock ‘n’ roll song from its low drum prelude to its surreal sounds in the bridge; definitely audio-awesome ear candy.
“Seed” – If you’re a fan of “Almost Here” like me, this song is a total must-hear. The tune presented in the chorus is very catchy and Beckett’s voice singing “It was the hardest thing to swallow; pretending you don’t miss me” definitely cuts through your very soul.
“Everything We Had” – It’s definitely refreshing to hear the band produce such sweet sounds, although this is definitely not for people who prefer more inimitable melodies. However, “Everything We Had” is a must-hear if you’re feeling soft and in need of some guilty pleasure.
