By Christina Serednicki, Staff Writer
After rocking the University just over a month ago, Say Anything has released their greatly anticipated self-titled album. Pop punk fans previously unfamiliar with the band are likely to find something catchy on the record, just as diehard fans of the band will feel content and comfortable as it is generally in the same vein as some of their older work.
It doesn't take many listens to pick up on the fact that front man Max Bemis' angst is significantly watered down, even since the release of 2007's "In Defense of the Genre" and even more noticeably since "…Is A Real Boy" back in 2004. Listening to the lyrics can make one giant conclusion: Bemis is exponentially more content with his life and himself then he was five years ago. Tracks like "Crush'd," and "Cemetery" show the softer side of the band, allowing him to expose his innermost feelings through lyrics like "If you could wake me up with only your touch/I can die with you/Life would be enough" from "Cemetery."
The band seems to be more comfortable with instrumental and musical risks, as at least a couple of instruments that are non-traditional to the genre appear on a few spots throughout the record. "Mara and Me" adds a twist by imitating circus music in the very beginning, making it one of the most memorable tracks on the record. Ending the record is "Property," which starts off sounding like a ballad played at a 1950's high school prom, but this seems to serve as an advantage as it makes it's not only intriguing, but catchy as well.
The wit that has been portrayed by Bemis doesn't fail to shine through on the record, however. From "Do Better," he employs the play on words, "Life is not a spark in space/An episode of "Will and Grace"/Controversial, yet mundane/Debra's messing with your brain." The first single off of the record, fittingly titled "Hate Everyone," doesn't stray very far from its title as far as content goes. It is undeniably catchy in that it is the perfect anthem for teenage angst, however, overall it seems to be a bit overdone and a dramatic reach.
A psychological and personal maturity is certainly evident on "Say Anything," however it doesn't translate very well into lyrical maturity in this case. The record is certainly worth purchasing, but will most likely not be revered by Say Anything fans in the same way that "…Is A Real Boy" has been. It is not disappointing by any stretch, but not overly impressing either. The band seems to have quieted (whether intentionally or naturally) a key ingredient to what made their past work so relatable and different. It is nearly impossible to believably capture and convey anger and discontent if it no longer exists, and "Say Anything" demonstrates that perfectly.
(Album courtesy of rcamusicgrouppress.com)