Senses Fail - Still Searching
Label: Vagrant
Since the release of ‘From the Depth of Dreams’ in 2003 the ‘Emo’ scene has exploded with bands like ‘Fall Out Boy’, ‘Taking Back Sunday’ and ‘My Chemical Romance’ having sell-out tours and even a Number One single in the pop chart. This has to be good at thing for smaller bands that are a part of the same scene but may not get as much (if any) airplay on the radio or TV. As the fans look pass the big names maybe they will discover some hidden gems such as ‘Senses Fail’.
It’s been two years since ‘Senses Fail’ released ‘Let It Enfold You’ (also on Vagrant) in 2004, which went on to sell over 300,000 copies. May this year the band entered the studio to record their second full-length ‘Still Searching’, with the influence of new guitarist Heath Saraceno (previously of Midtown) along with Producer Brian McTernan, who has also worked with names such as ‘Thrice’ and ‘Cave In’.
I had a good feeling about this record as soon as I heard the opening track ‘Rapture’ which heavily reminded me of the mighty ‘Finch’ and then second track ‘Bonecrusher’ kicks in and makes you want to scream along with group shouts as the tune is imprinted in your brain. ‘Can’t be saved’ has all the markings of a great single and could easily gain the band a lot of new fans. The more brutal side of the band is shown off in ‘Shark Attack’, which sounds to me as if it has influences of ‘Atreyu’ coming through. Another favourite for me was ‘Lost and Found’ which is one of the slower off the record but your quickly picked back up again with ‘Everyday is a Struggle’. ‘Still searching’ is a great album and definitely a step in the right direction for ‘Senses Fail’ both musically and lyrically although it won’t blow you away.
‘Senses Fail’ arrive in the U.K next month and are doing some dates as part of the ‘Taste Of Chaos’ tour which is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of all those glum ‘Emo Kids’. To see some great bands including ‘Taking Back Sunday’ ‘Alexisonfire’ and ‘UnderOath’ check out one of these dates.
by Dale
Taste of Chaos UK Tour Dates:
Friday 10th Nov Birmingham NIA
Sat 11th Nov Glasgow SECC
Sun 12th Nov Manchester Apollo
Mon 13th Nov Brighton Centre
Fri 17th Nov Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Sat 18th Nov London Brixton Academy
Mon 20th Nov Nottingham Rock City
Tue 21st Nov Cardiff CIA
You can check the band out on their myspace page:
