The Amity Affliction - Chasing Ghosts (08/10/2012)
They are arguably Australia’s biggest contemporary rock band, second only to giants Parkway Drive. If the successes of Youngbloods in 2008 didn’t seal their fate, then their slew of live gigs over the last two years has.
The Amity Affliction played at Soundwave, released an album, played at Big Day Out, released this album, and is scheduled to play at Soundwave yet again in 2013. There seems to be no stopping these boys.
When writing an album that focuses primarily on mortality, you’re at risk of producing forty-five minutes of second-grade music that would appeal to the inner prepubescent emo. The quartet, however, has pulled off this topic fantastically. Not only do they musically hit the nail on the head, they offer an ear – rather than a voice – to their listeners who may be dealing with their own ghosts.
Open Letter is testament to this encouragement – this plea – to hold on: “I’m not searching the sky for a reason to live, because I’ve found beauty right here and found passion to give… we can still keep on fighting even though life isn’t forever.” I can imagine dozens, if not hundreds of kids, attributing this song as the thing that has saved their life. This is when music becomes more than just screams and growls and beats on the drum; it’s something that can speak to people better than anyone or anything else.
Musically, the album adheres to the standard post-hardcore concoction without sounding repetitive. A downfall that is sometimes impossible to ignore is the over-reliance on auto tune. While it’s certainly nothing compared to the likes of Nikki Minaj, its use sometimes detracts from the utter rawness that is heard in the album’s message.
It’s fortunate to say that the positives of Chasing Ghosts greatly outweigh the negatives. A highlight of this album is the breakdowns. Perfectly timed, structured, and executed, you can hear the sound build before breaking out into an anthem that would surely get fans singing in unison.
The Amity Affliction has been on a roll for the past two years and this album only helps them gain momentum. If post-hardcore were cake, TAA would deliver and then offer an extra serving of ice cream or cream (your choice). Everyone knows desserts make you feel better. So eat up, and enjoy.
Olivia Fusca
The Amity Affliction played at Soundwave, released an album, played at Big Day Out, released this album, and is scheduled to play at Soundwave yet again in 2013. There seems to be no stopping these boys.
When writing an album that focuses primarily on mortality, you’re at risk of producing forty-five minutes of second-grade music that would appeal to the inner prepubescent emo. The quartet, however, has pulled off this topic fantastically. Not only do they musically hit the nail on the head, they offer an ear – rather than a voice – to their listeners who may be dealing with their own ghosts.
Open Letter is testament to this encouragement – this plea – to hold on: “I’m not searching the sky for a reason to live, because I’ve found beauty right here and found passion to give… we can still keep on fighting even though life isn’t forever.” I can imagine dozens, if not hundreds of kids, attributing this song as the thing that has saved their life. This is when music becomes more than just screams and growls and beats on the drum; it’s something that can speak to people better than anyone or anything else.
Musically, the album adheres to the standard post-hardcore concoction without sounding repetitive. A downfall that is sometimes impossible to ignore is the over-reliance on auto tune. While it’s certainly nothing compared to the likes of Nikki Minaj, its use sometimes detracts from the utter rawness that is heard in the album’s message.
It’s fortunate to say that the positives of Chasing Ghosts greatly outweigh the negatives. A highlight of this album is the breakdowns. Perfectly timed, structured, and executed, you can hear the sound build before breaking out into an anthem that would surely get fans singing in unison.
The Amity Affliction has been on a roll for the past two years and this album only helps them gain momentum. If post-hardcore were cake, TAA would deliver and then offer an extra serving of ice cream or cream (your choice). Everyone knows desserts make you feel better. So eat up, and enjoy.
Olivia Fusca