JUST SURRENDER - review added 27th September 2010
Album Review: Phoenix (2010)
For fans of: Modern Pop Punk Rock... and flaming birds
New York based Just Surrender - Jason Maffucci on vocals, Dan Simons on vocals and rhythm guitar, Steve Miller on drums, Jolly Ubriaco on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Kyle Shellhammer on bass - has been going for several years now. Phoenix is their 3rd full studio album, and follows the 2008 Stronger Now EP (with which it shares a couple of songs).
Phoenix is produced by Lou Giordano (Taking Back Sunday, Goo Goo Dolls) and Ace Enders.
Just Surrender is a young sounding band that really captures the whole chart-orientated pop-rock vibe. They have that near-perfect combination of youthful vocals, punk-tinged rhythms, modern-rock hooks and understated wouldn't-hurt-a-fly faux-aggression. If you like this sort of thing, and I'm talking about bands ranging through McFly, Anberlin, All American Rejects and so on, this is really good. The songs aren't top-end in terms of catchiness, but the performances (especially the twin lead vocals) and production are so sweet you could make candyfloss from them.
The only major problem for me is that this style of musical doesn't always tickle my taste buds. Songs have to be exceptional to really hit home and grab the dark interiors of my brain. Fortunately most of the stuff here does that...although that won't be the same for everyone. There's a definite Marmite edge to the band's style.
If you are someone who digs this type of rock (and I'm sure you already know if you are) check this album out.
Check out... All of it, if you like this sort of thing.
Track List:
01. Intro
02. Through The Night
03. Take Me Home
04. Crazy
05. On My Own
06. Burning Up
07. Stronger Now
08. Lose Control
09. Better To Leave
10. Carried Away
11. Jukebox Memoirs
12. Burning Up (Acoustic)
Label: Just Surrender
Artist's website(s): MySpace | Facebook
