With the announcement that Pierce the Veil will be releasing a new album in January, which had me all dancing and singing for about 10 minutes before I noticed that I was in the middle of a shopping centre surrounded by shoppers with very questionable looks on their faces, with one pulling out a mobile phone and walking away. Now being a fan of Pierce the Veil I could say to everyone that you should go and get it now, and that it is the best album you can buy, but i'm going into this with an unbiased frame of mind if I ever want the hope of not fangirling like a complete retard.
At first glance of the album cover, you might think that you've watched Carrie, and are now ready to hate all Christians, but don't get ahead of yourself. The artwork is that of a house (I could requote Carrie here, but I won't), that for reasons unknown has collapsed, with what appears to be a girl on top shouting "Fuck you society", as she fails to not die along with the paintings and furniture. According to Vic Fuentes, the lead singer, the art is about the moment when the ground beneath you fails, and in that split-second that you feel like your flying. Now i'm not sure how many situations the band has been in where this is the case, unless they have a permanant tour in Japan, and happen to be on top of houses during earthquakes.
When first playing the album you are greeted with the track "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight", which I understand is a bit of a mouthful for a track that lasts 1 minute and 22 seconds. This serves as an intro to the song "Hell Above", but i'll get to that later. "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight", still a bit hard to say in one, especially to someone with a speech impediment(If there is such a person who is willing to let me laugh at a video of them doing ths, please do send me one), starts of fairly slow, with Vic sceaming in the background about being set free or something, until after a while the tone picks up, and all of a sudden its action, action, action. Now while I say that I enjoy listening to it, I can't admit to it being the most enjoyable track ever. Also, if you have a copy of Pierce the Veil's previous album, Selfish Machines, then you might recognise where their coming from in terms of continuity, given that Southern Constellations achieved the same effect. "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight"(still can't do it), is a very enjoyable track but you will find yourself getting fed up with it.
Next up comes the previously mentioned "Hell Above" which, carrying on from the finale of "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight", bursts into your ears like your parents did when they found out you got low grades, or was that just me. Anyway, it starts off all energetic and fun and dandy, and then the verse comes in, and it slows right down. Now while I can say that lyrics and vocals were great, I can't say I liked the change in tonality. When the chorus starts we are greeted with, and Pierce the Veil fans will know these familiar words from a documentary released not long ago about their first tour, the words "This is a wasteland", which I can still not find a good enough reason to have included it, but then again i'm not a stalker, and I can't say I know everything about them, unlike some people who can name birthdays the eye colour right down to their addresses. Anyway, the song shows the transition from Selfish Machines, with skill becoming more and more appreciative, and lyrics becoming better. I can never remember the meaning of the song so i'm not going to bother you with it, all you need to know is that it about a wasteland and how someone fell in love.
After this comes "A Match into Water", which, in true Pierce the Veil fashion, the title is completely irrelevant to the lyrics. The song starts with some lovely guitar work, before we get yelled at "LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!", and sing kicks in. It becomes clear at once the distinction of this song to the last. Being one of my favourite tracks on the album, I can happilyr reccommend it to anyone. The song is a see-saw of screaming and singing, one minute they are singing, then suddenly and inexplicably you are being shouted at with one of the most powerful voices in the industry. And powerful really is the word, Vic's vocal range is so good you could easily get in a song. The song is about a friend of his, which is a recurring theme in the album, who has many life troubles, self harm, suicide, you know the rest, and he is singing about the relationship he had with her, and about overcoming lifes obstacles. Again, this song alone is worth a listen, from the highs and lows of it, its really a good song.
Then there's "King for a Day", which guest stars Kellin Quinn, who is fucking screaming for once, which comprises of mainly screaming and the occasional words. We are greeted with a few notes on a guitar before being asked whether we dare someone to jump of a bridge, although this is pretty inaudible, so you might have to look at lyrics to get the fucking lines. The music video to this is also pretty off as well, being about a two guys (Vic and Kellin), who are complete rebels towards their boss, but lets be honest, who isn't?. They (well, Vic at least), set up a coy robbery, pull said robbery and party like they have no work the following morning. Back the song, Its about being oushed to your limts, breaking point, yada yada, and then comtemplating suicide. All in all I can say that you will enjoy this song but will eventually run for the next button, and quite rightly too, because next up it's...
"Bulls in the Bronx", definately one of my favourites off the album. This is a very fast paced and enjoyable song, along nice acoustic somewhere around the middle. So here's what happening, Basically, theres a person, who doesn't think she lives up to societies standards, thinks she shouldn't be alive, Oh wait, where I have heard that before, Thats right, just about every teen suicide in the past 10 years or so. Sorry if that sounds heartless, but it's true, people kill themselves because what they see on the intenet, of how other people are killing themselves because they had similar issues, and think that what they should do, because they don't think they look good enough etc. is just plain wrong, but they shouldn't kill themselves for it, even if they are bullied for it, unless you provoke them, their going to get bored. Strayed a bit off topic there didn't I?. Back to the song, the lines "Maybe were just having too much fun", imply that they're trying to cover up an issue they have by ignoring it. After a bit of acoustic, we are given Pierce the Veil 's dedication to Olivia Penpraze, who killed herself, wait, i've been over this already. The song wraps up in it usual, fast-paced and exciting self. As I mentioned before, this is definately worth a listen on it's own.
"Props and Mayhem" brings something new to the table, with the use of a Kalimba for the main chords. This is also another song that I can't find a connction with the lyrics to the title. This songs strays away from the post-hardcore scene, with a different setting and mood, this song is about trying to get rid of your struggles, but being permanantly reminded of them. I can't say it's my favourite, but it is a good song either way.
"Tangled in the Great Escape", another song with a guest vocalist, this time it's Jason Butler, and the topic drugs, of course it is, I mean it's the next logical step following suicide etc. Vic wote this song about a friend of his who was addicted to drugs, obviously, and Vic was certain he would die, and powerless to do anything about it. The song starts of pretty quick, but then nothing can prepare you for the powerful screams from both men that follow. Some way through the song, it slows down to a whisper, which I felt kind of pissed about, seeing as the whole is fast, but you now want to whisper to each other like primary school children playing Chinese Whispers.
"I'm Low on Gas and you need a Jacket", another song that is way too long in name, and comlpletely irrelevant to the lyrics, is a song about life. And that I can say gratifyingly, because so many issues are covered it like a fucking help-line in music. A subject covered is relationship issues, which is what a lot of people dealing with break ups could deal with. This is another song that is actually a song with beautiful lyrics and not someone jus angrily screaming things into amic hoping someone cares.
"The First Punch" is easy to listen to and brings you back to the post-hardcore scene we know and love. Vic starts us off by telling us thay the world is about to change which, it definately did, from my perspective at least anyway. It is titled rather well, because you are hit with powerful chords and licks, and you probably won't get back up from it. It is about re-uniting with someone after deciding that you should just both be friends, which is proved slightly ironic in the lyrics where he is singing about doing something first. If you listen to a song for the lyrics, then you may be thrown off a bit, but if your trying to enjoy the music then this is for you.
"One Hundred Sleepless Nights", which if you could achieve, please tell me how, is a song about Vic's girlfriend who falls pregnant and then leaves him, which is definately an experience I could do with never having, like ever. So anyway she leaves, he's a bit angry, and quite rightly so, sings about it, then stops. There are only so many you can right about the same things before your reusing old material, and this is a perfect example of that. This song is pretty steady throughout, and is a very good listen, aling with the rest of the album.
"Stained Glass Eyes and Colorful Tears" is a fresh approach to a topic, as it finally covers something else, being aiming and acheving big. Arguably the best track on the album, it is steady, and it is definately a rock song to be proud of. The guitar work in this makes it listenable by itself, but couples with Vic's brilliant voice, it doesn't get much better. The words "Fine, maybe i'll prerend right now, but I swear to god i'm gonna change the world" still ring in my head, unsure of whether this was a genuine thing he wanted to do, or whether its something a friend told him, which wouldn't surprise me, because that what everything else is. All in all, my favourite track, and even if your not a fan, this sing will still apeal to you.
And finally, "Hold on'til May", which *sigh*, is written about a friend of Vic's, who's parents weren't the best, and she would run awa to see if they cared. This also features an uncreditted appearence from Lindsey Stamey, but for one verse, so the makers must have thought she was unimportant. Now, this is a beuatiful song which I can't fault, it's slower than others, but it covers a more personal topic, which is nice.
So in conclusion, whether your new to the scene, or long existing, I say you get a copy of Collide with the Sky, and go enjoy it. There is something for everyone, and thats what makes it a great album.
At first glance of the album cover, you might think that you've watched Carrie, and are now ready to hate all Christians, but don't get ahead of yourself. The artwork is that of a house (I could requote Carrie here, but I won't), that for reasons unknown has collapsed, with what appears to be a girl on top shouting "Fuck you society", as she fails to not die along with the paintings and furniture. According to Vic Fuentes, the lead singer, the art is about the moment when the ground beneath you fails, and in that split-second that you feel like your flying. Now i'm not sure how many situations the band has been in where this is the case, unless they have a permanant tour in Japan, and happen to be on top of houses during earthquakes.
When first playing the album you are greeted with the track "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight", which I understand is a bit of a mouthful for a track that lasts 1 minute and 22 seconds. This serves as an intro to the song "Hell Above", but i'll get to that later. "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight", still a bit hard to say in one, especially to someone with a speech impediment(If there is such a person who is willing to let me laugh at a video of them doing ths, please do send me one), starts of fairly slow, with Vic sceaming in the background about being set free or something, until after a while the tone picks up, and all of a sudden its action, action, action. Now while I say that I enjoy listening to it, I can't admit to it being the most enjoyable track ever. Also, if you have a copy of Pierce the Veil's previous album, Selfish Machines, then you might recognise where their coming from in terms of continuity, given that Southern Constellations achieved the same effect. "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight"(still can't do it), is a very enjoyable track but you will find yourself getting fed up with it.
Next up comes the previously mentioned "Hell Above" which, carrying on from the finale of "May these noises startle you in your sleep tonight", bursts into your ears like your parents did when they found out you got low grades, or was that just me. Anyway, it starts off all energetic and fun and dandy, and then the verse comes in, and it slows right down. Now while I can say that lyrics and vocals were great, I can't say I liked the change in tonality. When the chorus starts we are greeted with, and Pierce the Veil fans will know these familiar words from a documentary released not long ago about their first tour, the words "This is a wasteland", which I can still not find a good enough reason to have included it, but then again i'm not a stalker, and I can't say I know everything about them, unlike some people who can name birthdays the eye colour right down to their addresses. Anyway, the song shows the transition from Selfish Machines, with skill becoming more and more appreciative, and lyrics becoming better. I can never remember the meaning of the song so i'm not going to bother you with it, all you need to know is that it about a wasteland and how someone fell in love.
After this comes "A Match into Water", which, in true Pierce the Veil fashion, the title is completely irrelevant to the lyrics. The song starts with some lovely guitar work, before we get yelled at "LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!", and sing kicks in. It becomes clear at once the distinction of this song to the last. Being one of my favourite tracks on the album, I can happilyr reccommend it to anyone. The song is a see-saw of screaming and singing, one minute they are singing, then suddenly and inexplicably you are being shouted at with one of the most powerful voices in the industry. And powerful really is the word, Vic's vocal range is so good you could easily get in a song. The song is about a friend of his, which is a recurring theme in the album, who has many life troubles, self harm, suicide, you know the rest, and he is singing about the relationship he had with her, and about overcoming lifes obstacles. Again, this song alone is worth a listen, from the highs and lows of it, its really a good song.
Then there's "King for a Day", which guest stars Kellin Quinn, who is fucking screaming for once, which comprises of mainly screaming and the occasional words. We are greeted with a few notes on a guitar before being asked whether we dare someone to jump of a bridge, although this is pretty inaudible, so you might have to look at lyrics to get the fucking lines. The music video to this is also pretty off as well, being about a two guys (Vic and Kellin), who are complete rebels towards their boss, but lets be honest, who isn't?. They (well, Vic at least), set up a coy robbery, pull said robbery and party like they have no work the following morning. Back the song, Its about being oushed to your limts, breaking point, yada yada, and then comtemplating suicide. All in all I can say that you will enjoy this song but will eventually run for the next button, and quite rightly too, because next up it's...
"Bulls in the Bronx", definately one of my favourites off the album. This is a very fast paced and enjoyable song, along nice acoustic somewhere around the middle. So here's what happening, Basically, theres a person, who doesn't think she lives up to societies standards, thinks she shouldn't be alive, Oh wait, where I have heard that before, Thats right, just about every teen suicide in the past 10 years or so. Sorry if that sounds heartless, but it's true, people kill themselves because what they see on the intenet, of how other people are killing themselves because they had similar issues, and think that what they should do, because they don't think they look good enough etc. is just plain wrong, but they shouldn't kill themselves for it, even if they are bullied for it, unless you provoke them, their going to get bored. Strayed a bit off topic there didn't I?. Back to the song, the lines "Maybe were just having too much fun", imply that they're trying to cover up an issue they have by ignoring it. After a bit of acoustic, we are given Pierce the Veil 's dedication to Olivia Penpraze, who killed herself, wait, i've been over this already. The song wraps up in it usual, fast-paced and exciting self. As I mentioned before, this is definately worth a listen on it's own.
"Props and Mayhem" brings something new to the table, with the use of a Kalimba for the main chords. This is also another song that I can't find a connction with the lyrics to the title. This songs strays away from the post-hardcore scene, with a different setting and mood, this song is about trying to get rid of your struggles, but being permanantly reminded of them. I can't say it's my favourite, but it is a good song either way.
"Tangled in the Great Escape", another song with a guest vocalist, this time it's Jason Butler, and the topic drugs, of course it is, I mean it's the next logical step following suicide etc. Vic wote this song about a friend of his who was addicted to drugs, obviously, and Vic was certain he would die, and powerless to do anything about it. The song starts of pretty quick, but then nothing can prepare you for the powerful screams from both men that follow. Some way through the song, it slows down to a whisper, which I felt kind of pissed about, seeing as the whole is fast, but you now want to whisper to each other like primary school children playing Chinese Whispers.
"I'm Low on Gas and you need a Jacket", another song that is way too long in name, and comlpletely irrelevant to the lyrics, is a song about life. And that I can say gratifyingly, because so many issues are covered it like a fucking help-line in music. A subject covered is relationship issues, which is what a lot of people dealing with break ups could deal with. This is another song that is actually a song with beautiful lyrics and not someone jus angrily screaming things into amic hoping someone cares.
"The First Punch" is easy to listen to and brings you back to the post-hardcore scene we know and love. Vic starts us off by telling us thay the world is about to change which, it definately did, from my perspective at least anyway. It is titled rather well, because you are hit with powerful chords and licks, and you probably won't get back up from it. It is about re-uniting with someone after deciding that you should just both be friends, which is proved slightly ironic in the lyrics where he is singing about doing something first. If you listen to a song for the lyrics, then you may be thrown off a bit, but if your trying to enjoy the music then this is for you.
"One Hundred Sleepless Nights", which if you could achieve, please tell me how, is a song about Vic's girlfriend who falls pregnant and then leaves him, which is definately an experience I could do with never having, like ever. So anyway she leaves, he's a bit angry, and quite rightly so, sings about it, then stops. There are only so many you can right about the same things before your reusing old material, and this is a perfect example of that. This song is pretty steady throughout, and is a very good listen, aling with the rest of the album.
"Stained Glass Eyes and Colorful Tears" is a fresh approach to a topic, as it finally covers something else, being aiming and acheving big. Arguably the best track on the album, it is steady, and it is definately a rock song to be proud of. The guitar work in this makes it listenable by itself, but couples with Vic's brilliant voice, it doesn't get much better. The words "Fine, maybe i'll prerend right now, but I swear to god i'm gonna change the world" still ring in my head, unsure of whether this was a genuine thing he wanted to do, or whether its something a friend told him, which wouldn't surprise me, because that what everything else is. All in all, my favourite track, and even if your not a fan, this sing will still apeal to you.
And finally, "Hold on'til May", which *sigh*, is written about a friend of Vic's, who's parents weren't the best, and she would run awa to see if they cared. This also features an uncreditted appearence from Lindsey Stamey, but for one verse, so the makers must have thought she was unimportant. Now, this is a beuatiful song which I can't fault, it's slower than others, but it covers a more personal topic, which is nice.
So in conclusion, whether your new to the scene, or long existing, I say you get a copy of Collide with the Sky, and go enjoy it. There is something for everyone, and thats what makes it a great album.
