Customer Reviews

Pass the Flask

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

First off, there seems to be way to many kiddies listening to this to get an honest opinoin of them. A lot of these reviews are obviously written by 100% completely biased little kids who seem to be following a trend, that will unfortunately kill music like this.
The Bled may not be the best of their genre, but man are they up there. I have seen many poeple refer to them as screamo,which I guess is resonable, but instead of comparing them to bands such as Underoath and Senses Fail, who sound nothing like them, I am going to try to help you get a better idea of their sound.
Think of metalcore mixed with screamo. It has its heavy parts, but it doesn't need to stay completely heavy throughout an entire track to sound good. Vocals are superb, though some people may be turned off by the constant screaming. If you think you might be, then don't bother. It also has its times of peace though, for example the begining of the song "Porcelian Hearts and Hammers for Teeth." Overall this was less of a review and more of a rant at people who make bad reviews.

I enjoy this album quite a bit. I can describe their sound best as a mix between Thrice, At The Drive-In, and maybe the tiniest bit of Thursday, with a healthy dose of metalcore as the main ingrediant. The songs are very erratic at times, which is a nice step back from predictable breakdowns that just don't make you listen twice. Overall, the songs each have their own features which gives the album a flow without sounding uncreative and mediocre. And from what I understand, they kill live. So, give amazon.com some business and pick it up like I did.

The guy who posted the last remark about The Bled wouldn't know a good band if it slapped him on his fat and probably red neck.

When I look back over the last decade or so, I can think of about a dozen or so albums that have defied the boundaries and strict confinements of the hardcore genre, and have branched out to create epic masterpieces. There's obvious picks like Cave In's blistering "Until Your Heart Stops", Botch's frantic "We Are The Romans" and Killswitch Engage's metal/hardcore bridge "Alive, or Just Breathing?" The Bled's 2003 debut "Pass The Flask" rightfully claims a place along side any of those amazing pieces of music. It's not just that, but "Pass The Flask" almost single-handled nails on the head the sound of what hardcore has become today (which is not an easy thing seeing as how the genre sees so many influences) so much that is essential listening for anyone interested in this type of heavy music. If you aren't a believer yet, be ready to be converted upon your first taste of what the flask has to offer.

When "Pass The Flask" hit shelves back in the early half of 2003, hardcore was very much on the rise. Although the Bled had been active in the scene for almost four years prior to this release the buzz was incredible surrounding this record. It didn't matter who you were or what type of music you listened to. Once you heard "Pass The Flask", you were converted and you understood what the fuss was about. I know I did. If it isn't apparent enough from the first seconds of "Red Wedding", it will be by the time the album closes with "Nothing We Say Leaves This Room." There's just an unparalleled amount of musical and lyrical ability behind this album, that denying it is impossible.

The band themselves can match up equally to any of the great hardcore bands of the new millennium. Pick any song on this album, and I guarantee that it will at least impress you musically at some point. From beginning to end "Pass The Flask" is an emotional roller coaster that at times will take you to dazzling heights, and at others will drag you into the depths of the lowest lows. The guitarists play together with an unparalled musical relationship and create some of the most precise and interesting riffs that I've seen a hardcore band play in years. There's also nothing particularly metallic about their sound, which means you aren't being beaten over the head with the typical boring swedish influenced riffage that is overabundant in today's music world. Compositions like the blistering opener "Red Wedding" or the crushing "You Know Who's Seatbelt" hit you hard and heavy from beginning to end, while "I Never Met Another Gemini" and "Porcelain Hearts And Hammers For Smashing" balance the bands brutal elements with their more subdued tendencies. And let's not forget when the two throw out one of those heart-pounding breakdowns like on "Ruth Buzzi Better Watch Her Back" and "The Sound Of Sulfur". The drums (which dependent on your perspective might be the most important instrument in a hardcore band) are also showcased here. They don't follow typical patterns or structures and the beats can often take the songs to new heights as evidenced by "Spitshine Sonata." They also don't feel the need to show off or be amazingly technical, and can be just as effective when they are simple as when they are complex. And finally James Munoz brings the band's sound together perfectly. Now a vocalist who basically screams his lungs out the entire time may not sound like anything special, but the way his voice fits together with the band's instrumentation is amazing. He also mixes in just enough melody (although I'd hardly call it that, it's more like spoken word as seen on "Porcelain Hearts And Hammers For Smashing") to bring in fans who might be turned off by the constant screaming approach. But the melody is very little, and for the most part James does what he does best, and that is assault the listener along with the rest of the band.

However as good as the band is both vocally and musically, none of it would matter if the songs themselves weren't good. But no worries here, as every single song on this album is equally as amazing and impressive as the next. There's also a broad range of elements incorporated into the band's sound, so songs do not feel repetitive or redundant in the least. From beginning to end there's not one weak point in the cd that I can find. Every song is an equally amazing composition in its own right, and the way the albums is structured creates a perfect flow and atmosphere that is as chaotic as it is soothing. And if that were not enough, the lyrics that this band pull out are still some of the best for this type of music. While incoherent poetry seems to have become the big thing in hardcore today, when this record came out these songs were among the best of any band who was playing at the time. Although they may have lost some worth now, there's no denying the time and effort put into them. Besides Geoff from Thursday I still don't think anyone is writing better lyrics.

If you're already not big on the hardcore genre, than even an album as good as this is probably not going to change your mind about anything. However if you have even the slightest interest in heavy music, then I would recommend picking up "Pass The Flask" immediately, especially if you're into hardcore. As far as the modern style of what hardcore has become, this album pretty much nails the sound on the head. If you've never listened to the Bled, this is the perfect place to start. As you can tell I think very highly of this album, and I'm sure after one listen you'll be thinking the same thing. And with that I kindly "Pass The Flask."

When I first heard about this band a few years ago, I figured they would just be another one of the thousand screamo bands that put out uninspired, semi-catchy material good enough for any 18 year old scenester. I was terribly mistaken. Pass the Flask is straight up hardcore that leaves you breathless. This album is the metalcore equivalent of pink floyd's dark side of the moon. Insanely good from start to finish. The lyrics are haunting and very well-written. James Munoz's screams are perfectly executed. The break downs make you want to put your fist through a stained glass window. This band is awesome live too, great stage presence.
If you want some cheesy teenage screamo, I would recommend Underoath. Yea I said it, Underoath sucks. So do all the other "Christian Metal" bands who preach about Jesus on stage and think theyre good musicians because every God-fearing 15 year old loves their songs.

If you want solid, well written music, get Pass the Flask. Period.

this cd is actually more of a compilation cd, it contains the ten tracks on the original pass the flask (same recordings) plus their first two ep's (ambulance romance and his first crush.) plus a couple of other random tracks. including some weird-crazy rap freestyle thing.

i'm glad to see these songs coming to light, especially to those who thought "found in the flood" was the bled's first cd. in my opinion found in the flood is nothing compared to these tracks.

if you like heavy music, there's no reason for you not to own this.

First, let me start by saying, I'm not giving this band a 5 just because I like them. This album is a Red-Letter, revolutionary masterpiece and deserves every possible star it could get. It combines such a variety of styles. The Bled is a fore-runner in the whole hardcore movement that's happening right now.

Red Wedding- 10/10: I love the beggining of this song with the rumbling bass and then the song jerks into a full throttle Hardcore Dance song. The lyrics are brilliant: "You are the teeth and lungs, biting back and breathing in!"

You Know Who's Seatbelt- 9/10: This was the song that initially got me into The Bled. It has such a brilliant riff and the lyrics are inspired.

I Never Met Another Gemini- 10/10: This song is bloody brilliant. The intro is sooo good and the chord changes in this song are almost dance-able. James Munoz is an excellent lyricist. This song reminds me of an abandoned hospital.

Ruth Buzzi Better Watch Her Back- 8/10: A very mosh-worthy song. Once again, the lyrics are beautiful. The Bled's forte is writing lyrics with tons of imagery. This song has a powerful rythymn.

Sound Of Sulfur- 8/10: How excellent. This song starts out very heavily but towards the becomes an anthemic rock song with an excellent melody. I never get tired of this song.

Porcelain Hearts And Hammers For Teeth- 10/10: This song is almost beyond description. It is my all-time favorite Bled song. It starts out with a haunting melody and burning lyrics that progress slowly into a hardcore, blistering romp around the mosh. I think this is where they got the idea for Antarctica on "Found In The Flood".

Get Up You Son Of A B****, Cause Mickey Loves Ya- 5/10: What can I say? This song is album filler. It does have a splendid title though.

Spitshine Sonata- 7/10: This is a pretty good song, not The Bled's best, but a decent song by most people's measures. Its strongpoint is the vocals. The Bled has the best vocals in town and should be awarded. Do you think there will ever be a Grammy for "Screaming Music"?

We Are The Industry- 10/10: This song was blessed before its arrival on Earth. I just know it. This song is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is probably the best song with mostly screaming ever written. If you do not understand this listen to the beautiful yet brutal riffs, breakdowns, and lyrics.

Nothing We Say Leaves This Room- 10/10: What a way to end an album. This song is incredible. I don't understand how such music is written. The percussion in this song is insanely good. The guitar is excellent and the vocals are perfect.

Man these guys kill. I heard the drummer mike in a band called Little League about 5 years ago and I knew at that point he had some real talent. They're definately not as good as Fuge but they're the next best thing. buy the cd and all the merch you can.

garrett j., the guy who famously said "growling" is an idiot. The Bled is one of the best hardcore screamo bands out now. Even though "Found in the Flood" is different, it's still good. I recently saw The Bled in concert with UnderOath and Thrice and it was probably the greatest concert I have ever been to. If you have problems with The Bled's new album, see them in concert and it will change your minds. P.S. i heard through the grapevine that garrett j. is packin a needle in his pants if you know what i mean.

that guy... said that they "growl". that alone says something. this retard doesnt know sh*t about hardcore or screamo or ANYTHING like it. here he is saying it has poorly played instruments, and bad "growling". wow, its like hes never heard anything from the genre ever before. i dont really feel like writing a review, only refuting stupid reviews for future reference