With a new singer, Underoath has reinvented their sound to a certain degree and come out with a great album. The album starts with one of the harder more intense pieces on the album “Young and Aspiring” and if it’s too much screaming for you….keep listening because they have more to offer than just screams. What really needs your attention throughout the album and what makes Underoath different than a lot of bands in the genre are their lyrics. They have a Christian background, wait….don’t run away yet...it’s not I love god, god this, god that. Their lyrics are just well put together and have a really deep meaning if you read into them.
There are a few standout tracks on the album starting first with “It’s Dangerous Business Just Walking Out Your Front Door”, yes that’s the song title. It has well thought out lyrics in addition to an incredible ending with singer Spencer Chamberlain screaming over a haunting chorus. The last track “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” standout because it’s really like nothing else on the album. It’s slow, partly acoustic and is mostly clean sung vocals with the exception of the ending. It’s really different and surprises you on the first listen that they would have a song like that.
There isn’t really any fault I can find with these guys or their album. They put the time in to create something really great and it shows. I’m definitely a big fan now and can’t wait for another release. Do yourself a favor if you a fan of the genre and add this to your collection ASAP.
"They're Only Chasing Safety" is on sale June 15, 2004 from Tooth & Nail / Solid State.
