I compiled a list of my favorite and not-so favorite 2010 releases that the year has graced us with thus far. I plan to write a little review for all of them, but rather than post them all at once, I'll do them when I get the time. I don't plan on reviewing each and every song on any given album, but I'll delve into one or two.
With that said, let's begin with The Menzingers' sophomore full length, Chamberlain Waits. Released only yesterday, the album has been dominating my iTunes & iPod & Last.fm since then.
Overall, the album is a bit more melodic than their last [EP], Hold On, Dodge! The vocals are less aggressive, but they make it up with good harmonies and even better melodies. The two voices really mesh well together. Like every album, a Menzingers' would not be complete without a [solo] guitar sing-along song. "Male Call" is just that. It's got a strong chorus accompanied by even better backups. "So It Goes" is hands down one of my favorites on the album. It's got those familiar aggressive vocals accompanied with a sweet chord progression. The chorus just straight-out rules. Definitely going to be a crowd favorite in shows to come.
The only thing I would have done differently is switch the opening track with the second track. "I Was Born" is super catchy and in my opinion, would've been a better intro to Chamberlain Waits. I also would have dropped the song "No We Didn't." I just don't care for that one.
The Menzingers have certainly matured and progressed and I can assume they will only get better (and bigger) with time. Punk bands like this are hard to come by these days, and they seem to be doing everything right. Fuck yeah!
Standout Tracks:
I Was Born
Time Tables
Tasker-Morris Station
So It Goes
