I was trying to think of some sort of clever lead-in to slowly guide the readers in on this review, but I can’t…I won’t! It’s not because I don’t have the imagination to do so. Rather, it’s because I don’t want to waste too much time or too many words before getting to my bottom line opinion. The latest album from Sic Waiting titled Derailer which is scheduled to drop on 10/23/15 is stunningly impressive! In a genre that seems to be having a resurgence as of late, this album will be hanging about at the top of the heap.
From a musicality standpoint, Derailer has all of the elements that most appreciators of melodic punk look for and then some. You will get your full dose of up-tempo pulsating drums and you will get all of the chops, pauses, fills and stalls that go along with it. More importantly, there is a nice variety of tempos and grooves so as to not lose the listener three songs in with monotony…something I have experienced on many otherwise well-produced albums.
The guitars and bass are loaded with all of the melodic shredding one could ask for and it’s worth mentioning that, while it isn’t a competition, these guys put it out there with more skill and tack than the overwhelming majority of bands of the like. The arrangements, down to the placement of every note on virtually every song, are noticeably well thought out with very close attention to the details. In short, it’s abundantly apparent that these guys worked extremely hard on these songs both in the writing phase and in the recording and post-production phases.
Personally, I’m glad they worked so seemingly hard because the songs deserve it! What I mean by that is the following: The essence of a song which is the lyrics, vocals, and the vocal melodies, are the most commendable component of this release. Singer Jared Stinson has a knack for writing catchy melodies and cadences, and he’s at the top of his game on this release. Don’t be fooled into thinking that “catchy melodies and cadences” translates to repetitive pop garbage, because that is not the case at all. In fact, part of the beauty of the vocals is that Jared manages to capture pop sensibilities without the annoying fluf. The edge and angst remains razor sharp throughout and the tone of his voice is like that of a concerned friend who doesn’t necessarily speak up on every little issue, but when a problem exists that can’t be ignored, he lays it out with authority and you listen with full attention because the delivery is sincere, it feels urgent, and you believe every word!
5 out of 5 SDP Skulls!
Artist: Sic Waiting
Album: Derailer
Release Date: October 23, 2015
Like them on Facebook and go buy Derailer!
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Reviewed by Todd Dulawan
