"They Would Walk into the Picture"

Recess Theory

This is one of those CDs that you have to listen to a few times in order to like it. When I first popped it in the player, I was so annoyed by the raspy/whiny vocals and twangy guitars. And I couldn't undestand it when everyone told me, "Oh, that CD is so amazing." It's still not amazing to me, but good. But I think only people who are REALLY into emo would dig this album because it isn't very clean sounding and melodic like Mineral, Sunny Day Real Estate, or Jimmy Eat World. The disc begins with a simple piano instrumental and then chopping/chaotic guitars with just flat-out off-beat rhythms begin "To Be An Anchor." Highlights of the album are "Philadelpia or Reading," "No Van Gogh," and "Weatherman." They were just trying a little too hard on "Couples Only." The lyrics are very poetic and the title track is just so simple, but great ("the star spangled dream. the star strangled dream. oh the declaration. oh rome. oh romulus. who won?").

Lars-0-Meter: 6 out of 10
Favorite Song: "They Would Walk into the Picture"
Record Label: Take Hold Records