For what ‘Collapse’ is, it’s pretty good. But if I received a penny for each ’emo’-esque release I’d reviewed in the last 12 months, I’d be pretty rich. There’s an Alexisonfire/Receiving End Of Sirens feel to this record and if you like either of those bands, or even enjoy that generic kind of sound those bands do well, then this record will certainly be one for you. There are a couple of good tracks, very few poor ones, but a definite feeling of the heard-it-all-befores.
And if this CD review is a bit on the short side, it’s simply because I don’t really know what to say about it. Having reviewed so many like-for-like records in the past few years, there are only so many things you can say. ‘You’re Not Alone’ features an absolute killer riff, but the genuine standout moments – those moments that take a band into the premier leagues – just aren’t here enough. Across Five Aprils sound good, but they don’t sound great; a band I’d recommend checking out for a bit of new listening, but not one which will change your life.