Customer Reviews

Daylight Breaking

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

No Motiv's "Daylight Breaking" is the band's third official release, and they have certainly come a long way. Shedding the fast-paced punk of their early days and the pop-infused punk hybrid of their first two official releases, No Motiv has been reborn a darker, more introspective rock band with significantly more depth. Leading off with a pounding, in-your-face intro, Independence Day is the perfect choice for the first song on the CD, much as Celebrate was on Diagram For Healing. The key to this song is the constant shift from tension-filled drum beats and guitar riffs, to smoother resolutions in the verses and choruses, showing just how far this band has come from a songwriting standpoint. The next song, Into The Darkness is arguably the most radio-friendly, with its standard structure and catchy chorus. Two of the most surprising songs on the CD are Death In Numbers and Audition. While not quite as radio-friendly, Death In Numbers is sure to be a fan-favorite with its powerful chorus, guitar riffs and drum hooks. Audition on the other hand, is the complete opposite, eerie in its slow pace as it cryptically starts with Jeremy whispering the word "Asami". What makes this CD so great is that there is no one song that stands out above the rest. Whether it's the rocking intros of Independence Day and Laid To Rest, the catchy choruses of Into The Darkness and Grey Notes Fall, the upliftingness of Life Goes On, or the introspectiveness of Audition and Death In Numbers, this CD is solid from start to finish. If you've listened to No Motiv before, you'll find this CD to be a pivotal next step in the band's progression. If you haven't, you'll find this CD to be a refreshing change from the tired formula constantly played over the airwaves. Buy this CD now and still be able to say you knew them before they hit it big!

This album is really good. It isnt quite as melodic as their old stuff, but the sound is still really good. It is somewhat darker than their previous two albums. Grey notes fall is probably my favorite song off the album. I saw them at their cd release party too!!! that was sweet

Hi Everyone:

They began back in 1996 in a Southern Californian town. So many bands try to begin careers especially in California. One that has sadly been overlooked and has not been given any credit is one emo/punk/melodic band who's name is No Motiv. In 1999, they came out with the album 'And the Sadness Prevails...' This album showed their roots beginning to grow in the ground. Amazing, deep, heartfelt lyrics with equally-inspiring musicianship. The album connects on so many levels. Two years later, in 2001, they released 'Diagram for Healing' This album obviously shows the groups maturity growing and there range in music also expanding. This album is felt with lyrics of heartbreak but optimism. After almost three years, the band released 'Daylight Breaking' in January of 2004. Once again, this album is just a minimal view of how ever-changing and maturing this band is. This album is one of the darkest, deepest, heaviest album's I have ever heard. At the same time, after listening to such an album you feel so inspired. The reason I'm telling all of you about No Motiv is to spread the message of their band. I can flawlessly guarantee anyone who wants to begin a new interest in a group or a type of music or just a phenomenal group, go buy any one of No Motiv's albums and I'll guarantee you'll truly enjoy every second of it!

- MC

No Motiv has not disappointed with this excellent follow up! Very deep and moving, a must have for sure!

I had been waiting for this album for a good six months and now that it finally hit stores i love it. I had already been into the first three tracks after hearing them on the Lola EP which is amazing and the samples from Vagrant.com, but everything after that was equally as good. My high point of the record is death in numbers, its a completely new sound that is done so well and so mature. I think that the backing vocals in that song and a few others help shape the new sound that wasnt there in there past cds. In songs like Into the Darkness and Brand New Day their old style still shows tghrough making this a perfect blend of past and present, great album.

This cd is way better than I expected. It starts off strong gets you going, then it calms you down about just to knock you out in the end. Recently lots of bands have been attempting to sound more artistic and i was impressed that No Motiv was able to do that while at the same time not straying far from the expected sound.

This album is incredible. Definitely lives up to the anticipation built up since the last full length release. The range the guys display on this album is amazing. Fantastic lyrics, awesome, often hypnotic music, and wonderful production. Highlights for me were Audition, Where did you Go?, Into the Darkness, Robot Eyes and Life Goes On. Everyone will get something out of this CD, there were so many times in several songs where I felt they were playing specifically to me, about the things going on in my own life. There are so many dimensions to this CD, I've never heard anything like it. The guys deserve a round of applause.

Daylight Breaking Is by far one of the great new discs so far this year. Fall From Grace will get you so pumped you'll be ready to take on that HUGE mountain! It is one of those CD's that will make you feel like you have a lead foot when you are behind the wheel...It's an excellent buy for anyone who enjoys melodic power rock.

This is quite possibly one of the best albums I've heard lately. Wonderfully produced and awesome lyrics by Jeremy! It's great to see a band finally get the recognition they deserve.

This is a fantastic album from one of the most underrated bands on the punk-emocore scene. Although "Daylight Breaking" sees No Motiv make a transition from the more emo feel of "Diagram for Healing" to a heavier rock sound, the band still has the ability to write killer hooks and melodic jams. Out of all of the Vagrant bands, this is the one band with perhaps the most talent, yet somehow the least public acclaim. This album will put them over the top. Although the title is "Daylight Breaking", this album has much darker subject material than their previous Vagrant releases. The album is great from track one, but the strongest part of the cd is tracks 6-11.

Below is a track listing with my comments:
1. Independence Day - the "new" No Motiv sound: hardcore, in your face rock. Recognizably heavier sound.
2. Into the Darkness - fantastic hardcore song with a great melody. Featured song of the Winter X Games.
3. Grey Notes Fall - Another heavier rocker.
4. Where Did You Go? - One of the "lighter" songs on the album. Probably the weakest track.
5. Death in Numbers - Great song, another rocker.
6. Audition - Wow! Perhaps the most distinctive song on the cd. Doesn't sound like any other No Motiv song. Simple, yet harmonic, guitar lines with softly sung vocals. A very dark, thought-provoking song.
7. Fall From Grace - sounds like a cut from their previous cds. Fast-paced with pounding guitars and crisp vocals.
8. Brand New Day - Similar to "Fall From Grace", but without the emo-feel. Very up-tempo.
9. Laid To Rest - Incredible! No Motiv has written what is perhaps their quintessential rock song. This song is everything a rock song should be.
10. Robot Eyes - Another favorite. The lyrics are fantastic. The song is very personal and deals with being yourself and not caving in to conformity. Some of the best instrumentation on the album.
11. Life Goes On - Phenomenal. Continuing the strong end to the cd, this song ends the album on a somewhat upbeat note. One of the more poppy songs on the cd, but one of the best.