|
Thursday, February 05, 2004
"'Music In High Places' by Unwritten Law"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 30, 2004 A.D.
In the universe of Pop Punk and Emocore, there are few bands as great as Unwritten Law. And even less of those could flawlessly transform the electric versions of their best tracks into powerful, poignant acoustic renditions. (Sure Dashboard Confessional did it, but not as superbly as Unwritten Law.)
Their 2003 opus, "Music In High Places" [Atlantic Records], is a rousing effort that is beautiful and energetic. It's the perfect balance-the Punk D.I.Y. ethos meets Pop melodies. And they didn't sell-out like No Doubt (but they were barely Punk anyway....)
Clean, edgy vocals stir amongst simple, elegantly played guitars. The rhythms are loose and catchy; the overall feel is stripped-down to a beautiful minimum. Unwritten Law has a heart stirring, emotional intensity that is addictive.
The best of these acoustic treasures includes the Blues tinged "Before I Go," the ode to eternal love "Rest Of My Life," "Seein' Red," the ballad "Cailin," and "Up All Night." This is an excellent collection of pristine Unwritten Law classics.
Overall, this is an essential Unwritten Law release any fan of Punk or great Acoustic Rock. Unwritten Law has set the new standard with "Music In High Places." Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Jimmie Eats World, Fenix TX, Sum 41,
Blink 182, Reach The Sky, Donnas,
Finch, Ataris, American Hi-Fi, Exies,
Sugarcult, Lit, Marvelous 3, Revis,
Wakefield, Yellowcard, Offspring,
Dashboard Confessional, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Copyright 2004.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 1:13 PM
/// ///
|
|
|