Saosin
Saosin

THE REVIEW

Substantial line-up, label, and style changes for the Californians Saosin who release their self-titled debut album for the major label Capitol (EMI) after a handful of previous EPs on minor labels.

There was indeed talk of several novelties, not by chance a reshuffle in the formation saw Cove Reber join as the vocalist replacing Anthony Green, who joined Circa Survive, an alternative rock project.

The consequence of these new entries also brings changes in the group's sound approach abandoning completely the previous emocore sound and screaming, making way for a more melodic sound straddling punk and alternative rock with light emo nuances, yet not lacking in grit and adrenaline. To be clear and transparent, it means forget about the noise and lamentations of songs like "Seven years" (from the 2003 EP "Translating The Name"), one of their most well-known tracks.

12 tracks built around the centrality of Reber's splendid voice, which possesses remarkable vocal technique capable of high extensions that embellish everything. Another strong point of the guys is certainly Burchell and Shekoski's two six-strings, producing riffs that are never banal and instead have a unique timbre and expressiveness that will linger in your ears for a long time. Even Wikipedia notes the melodic guitar flavor of Saosin as their main distinctive point.

It's useless to say that if you're looking for an album with medium-high rhythms leaning towards hardcore à la Thrice's "The Artist In The Ambulance", you're in the wrong place, as the driving "Sleepers" is one of the best and almost a standalone episode.

The excellent debut single "Voices" effectively represents the album's contents, featuring choruses, excellent guitar interweaving (see the mid-second verse transition), and a simple yet emotional chorus sung above an acoustic guitar, concluding with a final high note from Cove.

Another gem of the album is the ballad "You're Not Alone" capable of melting even the hardest of hearts with its melancholic atmosphere imprinting a sense of loneliness and bewilderment, closing gently on piano notes. Also noteworthy is "It's Far Better To Learn" opened by a guitar intro and the new version of "Bury Your Head" with its dramatically tinged chorus and good instrumental progression midway through.

On "Collapse", on the other hand, previously unheard heavy guitars make an appearance on the bridge and "It's So Simple" fully convinces with its rhythmic and mood swings, once again highlighting the entire dreamy atmosphere that runs throughout the platter. Steady rhythms and an immediate refrain on "I Never Wanted To".

The production proves to be well-crafted with sporadic acoustic guitar insertions and piano notes, with precise and yet powerful sounds.

Adding to this, in these times setting aside the "shouted" singing without missing it and instead focusing on other aspects can only be positive, considering the saturation of 'pop' bands with milk teeth always ready to scream at all costs.

It might face criticism from long-time fans while expanding the horizons for the band and its audience, but the success of the five from Newport Beach is fully deserved, given the excellent work done.

A pleasant discovery.