Customer Reviews

Art of Breaking

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Don't get me wrong, TFK put out a great junior release. However, in order to appreciate it, you can't really compare it to TFK's two previous releases. The transition to Tooth and Nail, in my opinion, has led them a different direction... not necessarily a bad one.

A bit more "emo" than their earlier, edgy rap-rock, "The Art of Breaking" would appeal more to the screamo genre, than the rap-rock group. They have a few songs, like "Move", that make this transition a bit easier, since they resemble some of their earlier work.

The album is well-made: The quality is excelent and the sound is enormous. The music has changed some, however. The guitars are driven and the vocals are TFK, but, in my opinion, the beat that made Thousand Foot Krutch the band that it is just isn't there. The lyrics have become somewhat ambiguous and watered down... that's not necessarily bad, it's just not the TFK we knew.

To some, the change is a welcomed one and to others it's a bit too drastic. Personally, it was unexpected. On the first listen, I hated it, but I grew into it.

In conclusion, if you're expecting to hear the Thousand Foot Krutch that you knew in "Set it off" and "Phenomenon," don't. It's different, but not in an entirely bad way... you just have to take it for what it is: a decent album from an amazing band.

I bought Art of Breaking a few weeks ago, simply because it was TFK. Though I have never heard any of the tracks from Set it Off, I do have Phenomenon, and I expected to hear something similar. What I did hear was a shock - TFK's style has changed further, though not in a bad way. Once I got over my initial surprise, I fell completely in love with this album.

This is one of those albums where you either hate it or love it, as proven by the other reviews. If you are open to their progression, I think you'll love it. Trevor's voice is evocative and powerful, and I think these new tracks have strong lyrics. TFK writes songs about other people's trials, as well as their own, and I was surprised at how many of their songs deal with relevant problems in a growing Christian's walk. Songs such as Stranger, Hurt, and Hit the Floor have deep, provocative lyrics. Every song refers to God in some way, even if the reference is not immediately obvious.

Absolute (9/10) While the style displayed in this song may repel some, I thought it did well to convey the message set forth in the lyrics. It seemed a little short to me.

Slow Bleed (9/10) This seems to be one of those songs designed to wake you up. I had just gotten used to Absolute when I was shocked again by the change in this song. I didn't like it immediately, but it grew on me. The lyrics are well thought-out, and I love the ending.

Art of Breaking (8/10) One of the more enigmatic songs. I'm still not entirely sure how to interpret it. However, I like the sound, and I'm beginning to come up with my own idea of what he's talking about.

Stranger (9/10) This song has so much that is relevant to any growing Christian's struggles. The ending, like Slow Bleed, is evocative, and the lyrics are powerful. This song speaks strongly to me about the pull of God versus the draw of the world.

Hurt (10/10) This song, too, caught me off guard. The words in the verses are odd but the chorus makes up for any deficiency in that department. Trevor creates a mood in this song that is not easily forgotten. The ending drives his point home.

Hand Grenade (10/10) This one, like Slow Bleed, had to grow on me a bit, but I will never skip this song again. A bit of a headbanger, but again the lyrics are relevant and Trevor pulls off the awkward vocals easily.

Move (10/10) This song was my first favorite. It doesn't say as much as Hurt or Stranger, but it is catchy and reminds me of Rawkfist.

Hit the Floor (10/10) Another of my favorites, I think this song says a lot more than the previous one. Perhaps it is because this song speaks so much to my present relationship with God, but I found that this track affected me powerfully. Plus, the chorus is awesome.

Go (6/10) The weakest track on this album, in my opinion. I think the verses are unwieldy and the lyrics don't really say much ... still, with more listening, it might grow on me more.

Make Me a Believer (9/10) Another song that spoke directly to me, I relate to the subject a lot. TFK succeeds in conveying the feeling of being distanced from God, and the effects of failure. Not one of my favorites, nevertheless, I feel that this song has some pretty strong lyrics.

Breathe You In (10/10) This song is one of the best tracks on the album. The lyrics are direct, not enigmatic like the title track, and I think this song is far better than Phenomenon's This Is A Call. An excellent ending to an excellent album.

Trevor's guitar is not overpowering (as has happened with unfortunate others) and the instruments instead harmonize with his voice. The introduction of the piano on Hurt was also a nice addition. I think there is more emphasis on lyrics and less emphasis on instruments than in Phenomenon, which suits TFK's "new" style well. All in all, while I half-expected Art of Breaking to become the black sheep of my CD collection when I first played it, it has become the most-played album I own. Kudos to Thousand Foot Krutch for pulling it off!

I have to say that, while I've been a fan since "Set It Off" first released, this album is definately something that I could've done without. The lyrics are a bit hard to understand and the music seems... weaker. There's not a single track on this album that I'd recommend... they all begin to gain intensity, but fail to deliver somewhat. This is in comparison to their earlier stuff: "Set it Off" and "Phenomenon".

Now, if you take this CD for what it is, (for example, if this is the first time you're listenin to TFK, or didn't like the earlier stuff) it's actually very varied in terms of music. There's a little bit of everything. You can even hear traces of what they were before Tooth & Nail (Not that I have anything against them: I love Anberlin and Project 86 and many many bands on that label), it's just that TFK took a tun in a different direction and did it suddenly. To some, it's a welcomed change... to me, it's a sudden one; and, since I loved the old stuff, this new one is less appealing. Definately worth a buy if you like alterna-rapcore-in-an-attempt-to-be-screamo bands.

TFK delivers. The 2 best tracks are Art of Breaking and Move. Move is a tune that will stick in your brain for hours and hours. The message is essential; listen deeply to the lyrics, this is a band with a ton of heart. And then "move"...

It's true that this CD is different than what pretty much anyone expected. I'm always going to be a fan of their 'That's What People Do' and 'Set It Off' stuff more than the new stuff. That doesn't make this new CD bad, just not quite what I expected. I could go for a little turntable and a little of Trev's rapping every now and then, but I have to give them credit for trying something new and doing an amazing job at it.

The CD does show much lyrical growth (songs don't use the "TFK rocks the party" line over and over again). "Hurt" is an incredible example of their lyrical growth. Absolute, Slow Bleed, and Art of Breaking are all amazing songs.

At first I was dissapointed,But I have to say it grew on me!
I think this one is just as good as Phenomenon!(I now listen to it atleast once a day):P

Absolute *****5 stars for sure just a great song!

Slow Bleed *****5 stars again(you'll find I will be rating alot of these songs at 5)This chorus just gets stuck in my head and sticks there for hours.

The Art Of Breaking ****4 stars Good song

Stranger *****5 stars Loved since the first time I heard it.

Hurt *****5 This is one of those songs that have to grow on ya but believe me it grew on me like a beanstock!

Hand Grenade ***3 stars Good song but in my opinion the weakest one on the album.

Move *****5 stars !!!!!!!!!!!!LOVE IT

Hit The Floor ****4 stars Tight chorus.

Go ****4 stars This song grew on me aswell atfirst listen I thought it was the weakest song on the album but I found myself singing it in the shower then going straight to my room to listen to it...:P

Make Me A Believer *****5 stars The melody is just right.

Breathe You In *****5 stars Such a beautiful song.


Keep On Rawkin TFK!!!

Ok, I am kind of tired of all the criticism for this record. Really, this record brings more diversity than their previous records.

Absolute: 9/10 This single has an interesting intro, that may turn people off, but the chorus brings out the song so much. Really good beat.

Slow Bleed 8/10 A pretty decent rock song.

Art of Breaking 10/10 A typical TFK song, but it carries so much emotion into it. I love it!!!

Stranger 7/10 Pretty good song

Hurt 8/10 I love the ending.

Hand Grenade 10/10 This so is so different, but it so rocks. It sounds like "Breakout" from Foo Fighters.

Move 10/10 Yes, another Rawfist

The other songs around 8 to 9 out of 10. Each song is really good.

Overall, you can't combare this record with their previous album, without the understanding that they do change their beat and rythem throughout their history.

Well...this first time I listened to this cd, I was honestly quite let down. This wasn't the TFK I was used to and loved. We all know Phenomenon rocks - but we pop this in and it's just - Different. The more I listen to this cd, the more I love it. I wouldn't say it's growing on me, I'd say that I'm getting over hoping for what used to be. What good is a band if they just play the same sounding songs over and over, on every album? Sure, they'd keep some of the fans that (obviously, according to other reviews) refuse to move beyond "Rawk Fist" - but they wouldn't be stretching themselves and reaching more of an audience - and that's what they are out to do. Reach people - not make sure all the old fans are happy. TFK rocks no matter what...regardless of the music, their purpose for doing it makes all the difference. This new album is different, yes - but take a minute to really listen to it and not just compare, and you'll find a new favorite. #11 is an wonderful love song to God, by the way - and it's my favorite. After the initial shock, you'll be glad you bought this cd - so don't think twice.

This album has officially made its way into my top 10 list of cds. It's full of everything that a ROCK fan needs. When I first heard TFK's song Rawkfist, I fell in love. I went out and bought the album Phenomenon and fell in even more love. This album is a little better than Phenomenon, as TFK have matured and learned a little more about writing. There is not one boring song on this cd, You will love it.

1) Absolute - 10 - There first single from The Art Of Breaking. A good choice I might add. Has that great sound with a great meaning. If it doesn't make it big, I'm going to be pretty upset.
2) Slow Bleed - 8 - This song has a lot of potential to be a single because of the catchy chorus, but I think the verses don't sound too right and bring the song down.
3) The Art Of Breaking - 10 - The title track. This song will be stuck in your head after hearing it the first time. I'm guessing this will be their next single.
4) Stranger - 8 - Another pretty good song, but this time the chorus brings the song down. Sounds out of tone. Catchy though.
5) Hurt - 9 - Reminds me of Chevelle a bit. Very catchy. The chorus is definately the best part.
6) Hand Grenades - 8 - Pop this song in your cd player at your next party and get the party going.
7) Move - 10 - This song is definately the best song on the cd. Similar to Rawkfist and probably going to be a big hit liek Rawkfist, if not bigger. This song will make you "move".
8) Hit The Floor - 9 - Another good party song.
9) Go - 8 - One of the weaker songs on the cd, but still catchy.
10) Make Me A Believer - 9.5 - This song is very very catchy.
11) Breathe You In - 10 - This is the slow song on this album. Has a deep meaning just like "This Is A Call". Can definately see this one heating up on the christian charts.

Ok. QUALITY. TFK has dished out a very high quality record with a great variety of songs, the guitar and drums and vocals are all crisp and clean, and the music has a very high energy to it. MESSAGE. A little interesting actually. Upon reading the lyrics one would be certain that TFK is pleading for release from themselves on nearly every song.
Absolute is about needing truth because we as a race have nothing left to lose... true, but interestingly put.

Slow Bleed is about returning to Christ after mentally returning to human thinking, definately a good song for someone needing to straighten things out, although it would have been a little more meaningful with a bit more positive thinking. Oh well.

The Art of Breaking tends to sound a bit like a lament. Almost like the band has lost a good friend to poor perspective... although this song can also be interpreted as God crying out to his creation.

Stranger is yet another cry for something more out of life than human ways and thinking (this also could have benefited from another hint of positive spiritual meaning... but once again is a good rock song.)

Hurt. Excellent! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful song. Best song on the album.

Hand Gernade... um, don't get it. Sounds like they wrote it because the name sounded cool, and it really really does, this is a pretty slick sounding rock song.

Move. Now here is a song that has awesome meaning and a really good sound. Basically this song is the modern rock version of REDEEM THE TIME! "Let's make that noise and move!" (P.S. Yet another you have too read into a bit, but it's worth the extra mile.)

Hit The Floor. A bit weird, still sounds cool though.

Go. Good message, good sound.

Make Me A Believer. Once again, good sound good message.

Breathe You In. Explicity and whole heartedly Christian. Just listen to it.

OVERALL
TFK has released a great rock album with several songs that pull it above the mainstream. (Although I would love it if their next record had more spiritual meaning and a bit less poetic lamenting. At least it's only downside is it's over poeticism and not it's depressing subject matter. So in the words of Move "let's make that noise!"