Customer Reviews

City Sleeps in Flames

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The ONLY way to rate this band is to simply listen to the songs. There is really no way to describe what they do - People who have tried just seem to come out sounding silly - "Best emocore in the genre" or even sillier "There is no emocore genre" - "No use for 3 guitars?" - Whatever... (I counted 2 guitars, a base, drums and a keyboard - but what do I know and why would we care?)- I guess this is why the kids have made all of their songs available for free listening before you buy on-line -

If there were a genre for this type of music - I would have said that it's not my genre - I don't particulary like punk or screamo or emo - or 'emocore' - But, there is just something about this band that has me listening again and again - I have found them so facinating that I started searching the reviews to see if someone could explain it for me - I found two quotes that kind of come close - One "This band makes the listener yearn for the apocalypse - So long as they are providing the sound track" I don't know if I am yearning for the apocalypse - I just kind of like that quote -

The other is probably closer to how I feel - goes something like "This isn't my genre - I shouldn't like this music - So why am I still listening to it? - Because, they are more infectious than Ebola!" -

My advice - take a listen - If you like - buy - Check out their live shows - They are truely INTENSE on-stage - Now (Summer 2005) - they are playing throughout the US and Canada on Warped Tour with many venues in between - I hear that they will be playing in the UK next fall or so.

As with others, I was originally drawn to this band via their name. I purchased this CD, and I must admit I was impressed. I really really enjoyed this CD. However, I also admit I am a fan of emocore/powerpop/screamo, so if you dislike that genre and style, you will probably dislike this CD. They follow the standard emocore fare (similar to Thrice, From Autumn to Ashes, Silverstien, etc) with some surprises thrown in. They have sinth keyboard player which, IMHO, brings a really pleasant new element to the sound of the band. The songs range from fast and filled with screaming, to slow and more 'emo' with no screaming at all. Similar to acts mentioned above, the vocalist will switch from screaming to singing several times in certain songs. As far as the clean 'emo' voice, I really think it is one of the better ones out there. Its not winey and raspy like Saves the Day or the FATA singer. Many of the songs have some interesting swedish metal guitar riffs, which I find to be fun and really add to the whole bands sound.

For me the standout tracks are:
1. The Only Medicine
2. The City Sleeps in Flames
3. Bright Side of Suffering
4. My darkest hour

On the minus side, some of the slower songs tend drag and the disctinctions between them become blurred, as some sound very similar.

Overall, if you like emocore/screamo you will most likely enjoy this cd. If you can't stand that genre, then stay away.

I love this CD! Scary Kids is perfect for those who are fans of bands from The Used to A Static Lullaby to Story of the Year. It's got great guitar parts from beginning to end and is A MUST BUY! Perfect for all hardcore to emo to screamo lovers. But, its an unknown band... So what?! Buy this CD, you wont regret it!

These Guys are Excellent Musicians, Composers, Harmonizers, Lyricists, Poets, Emotionally-inspiring, and so much more. There is a great element of Social Commentary and Cultural Consciousness. They speak to the Truth of today's world and tomorrow's consequences. For those interested in true EMO emotionally charged guitars, keyboards, screams, and singing...this CD has all that too. Many songs describe the torture and anguish of failed relationships and relationships gone sour. Maybe you have just broken-up with someone or there is an old flame you cannot forget. This is a great CD for you to listen to again and again. It helps somehow, on some level, to get over the pain. As Scary Kids Scaring Kids say, "THe Pain is Only Temporary!!"

I would recommend this to people who like screaming EMO, hard-core, punk, metallic guitars, or anyone who just loves good lyrics and music. Excellent, excellent Band! They have impressed me immensely.

Thank You Guys! For making such great Music!

Just to clear up a few descrepancies, this band is not emo and no, "emo" does not JUST mean "emotional" in terms of music. If "emo" meant "emotional music" then everything from Jewel to Luther Vandross to Barry White would be "emo". The term was coined in the late 80s and means "emotive hardcore". but regardless, this band is not emo. And please don't compare this band to Chiodos just for the simple fact that both bands have a keyboard player. That is their only similarity and comparing them just isn't fair.

Even I'll admit that when I first heard this band I liked them. I enjoyed their simple style and catchy keyboards. But the more I listened to them, the more I came in touch with the actual value and quality of these songs. What bothers me most is the lyrics. Lyrically, this band is defintely below-average. They are so full of immature teen angst that they make me believe he wrote these songs when he was a scrawny, pubescent 13 yr old. There is absolutely no depth so if you are a lyrics person than this band is NOT for you. The second thing is the guitars. This band produces the same cheesy riffs as any other band out there. Infact, the riff at the very beginning of "The Only Medicine" sounds exactly like something Avenged Sevenfold put out a couple years back! Again, it's their lack of creativity and originality that makes this band only a few steps away from being the next Good Charlotte or Limp Bizkit (creatively-wise. I'm not actually comparing the bands) Basically, if you are into really good THOUGHTFUL music the only reason why you'd keep listening is because its "catchy". But before you grab your wallet and run out to get this CD rememeber that "catchy" isn't always a good thing. After the first couple times of listening to this CD you are bored to death because the songs have become so predictable.

Bottom line = If you are wanting some really good creative music with a lot of originality and lyrics that aren't almost humorous, then use your money to buy something good like "Translating the Name" by Saosin, or "All's Well That Ends Well" by Chiodos or "Juturna" by Circa Survive. Granted those bands don't have much in common with Scary Kids, but trust me, that is a good thing.

But, if you are just looking for some cathy music that requires no active brain use to comprehend, or looking for something to play in the background of a party then pick up this CD used for like 6.99 or 7.99. Or just download it for free at [...] That would be your best bet instead of wasting your money.

I stumbled upon this band during their tour with Mest, and I must say I was immediately impressed. Its not often that you see a band these days with a different sound, and I can assure you that SKSK is unlike other things you've heard recently. After having listened to both their albums I can assure you that SKSK have grown and matured into the band they are today, and you can only expect things to get better.

I first heard the music of SKSK in 2003, when I stumbled across their website and downloaded their mp3's. Those songs, off the "After Dark EP" really caught me by surprise because they were simply grand, especially for a young band. I've been following them ever since and even talked to Pete quite a few times about them ever playing Amsterdam. Half a year ago I could finally order their EP here in Holland and I immediately got "The City Sleeps in Flames" as well. I had only heard "The World As We Know It" by then, which got me very enthusiastic to listen to the rest of the album. Alas, the rest of the album was kind of a let down for me. There are still some great songs on it, with at times quite stunning old school metal-esque guitar work, unlikely to be found in most music in this genre. But compaired to the EP this album is a step back, in my humble opinion. Maybe they should ask Bob Hoag for the next album again?

Still I think SKSK is a great band and I'm still hoping for that Amsterdam show, I will be there.

I heard about these guys through PureVolume and I was impressed with the song "A Breath of Sunshine". I went out and bought the CD cheap for ten bucks at Coconuts. Not a bad deal. But I wouldn't spend more than that on it. This is the kind of music that falls under the "screamo" umbrella, so if you don't like that screamo punk style, this album isn't for you.

Overall this was an enjoyable album in my opinion. I think the best tracks were "A Breath of Sunshine", "The World As We Know It", and "The Bright Side of Suffering". They are melodic and catchy without being obnoxious, as I find screamo songs sometimes are.

However, then there's "Faith in the Knife", my least favorite track. The title will give you an idea of the lyrics, which however honest, come off as too cliche for my taste.

I'd say just listen to the clips and individually download the ones you like, unless you can pick up this album for under 10 dollars.

These guys aren't winning any points for writing classic, breathtaking songs. But they ARE pretty hip, and they are a very tight band instrumentally. I bet if they had to, they could play Dream Theater.

Scary Kids are a good band who have a knack for good song structure and a ctachy tune. However, this does not make the group ground breaking and they defintely can be classified as screamo/emo.

First off, Scary Kids have no use for 3 guitarists. I can hardly notice more than two most of the time and if there is a third it speaks very badly for the other two. Another problem with this album is the pacing and the overkill of slower ballads. Now I like "What was Said and Done" and "Just a Taste" but those should be the only ballads on the album. "What was Said and Done" might be the best song on the album with a ctachy lyrical set and good string use in the background. Another highlight of the album is "Drowning" which uses some good synth pop hooks to add muscle to the song which contains very strong vocal interplay in the verses.

I have had this album on leak for over 2 months and I can say that 4-5 songs made my playlist, but only 1-2 of those songs find themselves continuously on. This is a good group if you like this genre. They dont add anything new to the formula, but they are saved by the fact that they have some decent tunes on the album. Also check them out live, I heard their show is crazy and they are currently touring in 2005 with the hottest new band this year The Receiving End of Sirens.

GRADE: C