Stay What You Are,
Saves The DayEmo seems to be very much at the forefront of everybody's thoughts at the minute, what with some outstanding releases from Weezer and Jimmy Eat World to name but two. Whilst these bands were away, Saves The Day were one of the bands nibbling away at their heels in search of their king of emo crown.
Well, they've found that crown. Arise, Sir Saves The Day...
"Stay What You Are," is an absolutely beautiful record. Its as good as Weezer's latest, and better than Jimmy Eat World's. I doubt the band can actually better this CD.
Opening with 'At Your Funeral,' it may seem pretty grim, but with a gorgeous vocal and thoughtful guitars it is a moving beginning. Saves The Day have songs which ooze melody from every pore, and although the vocals may be an acquired taste (I love 'em), this is certainly a more accessible CD than Jimmy Eat World's "Bleed American," which quite rightly got one member of the Punktastic crew to foam at the mouth.
'See You' and 'Cars and Calories' are great, especially the "ooo-ing" in the latter. 'Certain Tragedy' is a bit more up-tempo, but is an instant anthem. Add 'Jukebox Breakdown' and its crashing drums and effects laden riffage at the beginning, and you have the key to yet another singalong.
'Freakish' is very mellow, almost remorseful, and 'As Your Ghost takes Flight' is reflective and as good as anything the Get Up Kids done. Which says a hell of a lot. 'Nightingale' is slow and intricate, and the most melodic thing on the CD. Even on first listen, it doesn't take a genius to work out that this really is a special album.
'All I'm Losing Is Me' is grittier, with the distortion pedals on overdrive, but even then no hint of melody is lost. And when the band sing "I'm gonna have to give up soon," you really begin to wish that they wouldn't. 'This Is Not An Exit' has a country-esque beginning, but as with the rest of the CD, is pure quality. I think maybe you can see that I quite like this album...
This is a special CD. Saves The Day have maintained the emo genres growing reputation for churning out sheer quality. Just as one band comes along with a masterpiece, another comes along sooner after and raises the stakes further. So Get Up Kids et al, the gauntlet has been thrown down.
You up for it?
Paul Savage
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