Customer Reviews

Four Wall Blackmail

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Bleed one more time for me. Cause my heart is filled with loneliness. And this world is filled with loneliness." This is a Solid State band? A hasty first impression of Dead Poetic would shadow another Dashboard Confessional clone. The sweaters, flowing hair, and soulful whines of frontman Brandon Rike seem to imply nothing more than, at best, a carbon copy of Thursday. However, a quick listen to their debut album, "Four Wall Blackmail", will negate all such accusations. Brandon's vocals tend to lean on the emo side of Sean Corbray (Embodyment) or Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw) rather than Chris Carrabba. Even more satisfying are his frequent departures into Dan Weyandt (Zao) territory by means of glass shattering screams to accompany his soulful cries of passion. Backing up Rike is a group of musicians who do not excel beyond comparison, but have a unity which crafts a sound that is exceptionally cordial. Any music fan would prefer a band that is able to write music as a whole, than several separate entities driving their ego's above the zeal of their music. Dead Poetic can slice through hardcore rants ("Corporate Enthusiast"), and cry for pity with unmatched remorse ("Bliss Tearing Eyes") with incredible fervor. Lyrically, Brandon surpasses every other emo frontman to date. His desperate cries pooled with murderous screams create the most emotional environment one man can create, and rightfully so. This amount of ardor can only befall a human through supernatural grace. Rike cries not for another human, but for a Being so beyond he, that nothing can be said but, "I can't forgive myself for all the things I've done. But you, you do." This kind of oxy-moronic, sorrowful class of thankfulness can only be initiated by a spotless Divinity of which few truly know. Remote are discoveries of groups of individuals with real emotions residing upon the only real foundation. Unlike their secular counterparts, these poets have confirmed that their spirits are far from dead.

i started out just knowing the title track for this album. and i fell in love with it. i was in a slump and had discovered the dashboard and soco that wasnt all over the radio. i also stumbled apon Dead Poetic. i went to cornerstone in orlando this year and they were there. saw them live. and the rocked. truely. the lead singer has a passion that could not be outdone. and can still sing and scream. the entire energy for the band is also amazing.

if you are into this christian screamo buisness (like Dead Poetic) may i suggest Norma Jean (lots harder), Blindside (yes.. they are christian... and their pits are crazy),and Emery (more like DP only more screams...) that will turn you onto christian rock that isnt Third Day. Dont be afraid of the christian screamo and other rock that is emerging... it can still be "hardcore" believe me... i have the bruises to prove it!

biz.

Dead Poetic made its way onto the indie rock/emo scene with their 2002 debut Four Wall Blackmail which, at its best, is a solid blending of pop emo riffs with melodic hard rock sections, not quite hard enough to call it hardcore. Dead Poetic manage to hold onto a pop sensibility throughout the entire album while creating edgier sections that will have the hardcore kids swinging their fists("The Corporate Enthusiast") and beautiful atmospheric sections ("A Green Desire") that will have the emo kids holding each other.

Some of the songs sound like they could have been written by The Juliana Theory or at least exhibit a lot of influence from them. "Bliss Tearing Eyes", while an excellent song, sounds like it could be a cut from _Understand This is a Dream_. As an avid listener of music though, I understand that this is a debut album and the band is growing.

While the album has no major weaknesses, every song isn't up to the standards of the title track or "Tell Myself Goodbye", which blends the catchiness of radio rock with the classic screams of almost every band on the soildstate label.

If you're looking for a band that is creating completely original music, Dead Poetic aren't there yet. If you're looking for a band that does the simple things right, creates a sound using a tested method, and has their feet placed firmly on the ground when it comes to song construction, look no further.

Make sure you check out _New Medicines_, Dead Poetics follow-up which is a great album!

Wow we Wow Wow, This album is great. This band generates so much energy just from their cd. 4 Wall Black Mail is one of my Favorite albums of all time. If you're a fan of, Blindside, Project 86, Lucerin Blue, Thursday, Finch, A Static Lullaby, Glassjaw, and even At the Drive-in i would guarantee you'd like this band. I'd even go as far as saying if you were displeased with this album i'd refund your money..but.. HAHAHA. but since i know you'd like it i won't bother. peace and God bless

Wow! that is the one word you just have to say after you hear this amazing cd. Brandon Rike's voice is perfect at the least id say! Each line pulls at your heart and each scream is perfectly timed so that the true emotions bleed through. I am a huge fan of the whole "post hardcore emotional blah blah blah whatever you wanna call it" so id of course recommend this is you like A Static Lullaby, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Poison the Well, From Autumn to Ashes, or Senses Fail. Seriously for everyone that pushes this away cause it is a Christian cd, I am very sorry cause you are really missing out on some intensely amazing music! Dont think that religion drowns out the talent or the lyrics cause it doesnt do that at all! I say rock on to these guys for stickin to what they believe when it comes to music, emotion, and religion! Pick this cd up and you wont be disappointed. Crank it up loud and rock out to the screams and the lyrics cause both are gonna cut ya deep! Just how music should! Id say the best songs are "A Green Desire", "Four Wall Blackmail", "Arlington Arms" and "Tell Myself Goodbye"

To me this is simply the greatest..My favorite cd ever made..I can listen to it all the way through every day for the rest of my life..Thank you Dead Poetic for your amazing work of art

When I first heard these guys, it was on "This is Solid State 4." My first impression was, simplistic and catchy. But I got the CD and the more I heard, the more I liked. Now, this is not an intricate album. Not a whole lot of flashy work. It's simple, solid, and punchy. It's simplistic, yet catchy. Brandon's vocals are what bring this CD to life. You might think of them as a young Embodyment. I for one really enjoyed the lyrics. They just hit home with me, since I'm an emokid. They speak of surrender to God (Bliss Tearing Eyes, A Green Desire), deep regret (Four Wall Blackmail, August Winterman), and last but never least, regret at losing a lover (Ollie Otson, Telling Myself Goodbye). This CD was produced by none other than the great Barry Pointner, so the sound is incredible. Good solid sound, with the vocal tracks very well done (I hear Thursday comparisons quite a bit, but Dead Poetic has much better-performed vocals in my opinion). I give it three stars because some songs could be stronger and less formulaic, and because hey, not everyone will like this CD. But if you like emo or scream stuff like Thursday, Finch, Embodyment, Lucerin Blue, then check it out.

I usually dont like christian harcore all that much....most of the bands sound the same a couple of days ago my friend said that they were playing with a band on solid state records called Dead Poetic...I went to the show and it was awesome! Afterwards i got the cd and I really liked it. I don't really know who to compare them to but someone said they sound like slipknot but i dont think they do...maybe more like a christian poison the well, but can sometimes get softer then them. I recommend this cd to anyone reading this!

Wow my favorite cd by far, these guys not only can play great music but the lyrics sounds like poetry. if you are looking for a cd that you can by withough hearing one note of befor. By this cd

I finally got the CD. I heard a few of their songs and fell in love and had to get it! The sound of singing with the mix of screaming is great. Like most hardcore bands they have a slow song and it is just so relaxing, and lets me know that God forgives me. This is a must have for any harcore fan christian or not. I love it. The christian lyrics with the sound i live for!
Wow!