I had been looking forward to September 16th for a long time. It was to the day When the two of the most anticipated releases of the year were to finally hit the shelves. One was Saves the Day's 'In Reverie' (see review), the other, of course was Thursday's third effort 'War All The Time.' Coming off of a spectacular album, the New Jersey rockers were primed for success. Their first release on a major label was sure not to disappoint. Despite all my faith in this band to come up with another epic record, nothing could have prepared me for this industry redefining roller coaster ride.
Their previous album, 'Full Collapse' is only topped by a mere handful of albums that i have in my collection. But WATT makes 'Full Collapse' seem basic, raw, and choppy. Thursday successfully combines all the elements of 'Full Collapse,' the sometimes out of place screams are now well incorporated yells. Thursday avoids the repeating themes, like rain, clouds, darkness to convey hopelessness. They are replaced with new and original themes and imagery. They avoided a drastic change in style, something rare in the progression from inde to major labels.
The most significant progression by far is the change from wild, rambling, out of control songs, to well thought out flowing tunes. Frontman/Songwriter Geoff Rickly's voice is hardcore, loud, and powerful, while retaining the ability to be clearly understood. His song's connect to the issues of the modern world ten times better than any band making music today. He avoids the 'Aw shit, I just got dumped, so now I'm gonna write a really bitter song about you' yet he says his music is still about relationships. But his topics don't stop there. The opener, 'For the Workforce, Drowning' is about the daily struggle of businessmen to strive above bland monotony that the live in from 9 to 5. ' Steps Ascending' deals with the inability to stop pending violence, and the first single 'Signals Over the Air' questions the way women are portrayed in the media. All Brought to you by the same people as Sum 41. God Save The Queen.
I could and on analyzing each epic song on this record. Each song, like the title track 'War All The Time' contains more intense imagery and emotional value then any of the face value records put out this year. I do not have any qualms proclaiming this the album of the year in the emocore genre, but probably in all of rock this year. Sooner or later, the world will take notice as well. Top Tracks - Asleep in the Chapel, War All The Time, Tomorrow I'll Be You
