Customer Reviews

Promises for the Imperfect

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

 

 

In the two years since the release of Number One Gun's debut full length, Celebrate Mistakes, the band has gone through a lot: three drummers (thankfully ending up back where they started with Jordan Mallory), two guitarists and countless miles logged on tour with some of the biggest names in the melodic rock scene, in the process inking a deal with one of said scene's most seminal labels, Tooth and Nail. The resulting album, Promises for the Imperfect, showcases a road-tightened, newly focused Number One Gun.
What the first record sometimes lacked in continuity, Promises makes up for in spades. Even as the band vacillates between the driving ("Pretend") and the anthemic (the first single "We Are"), Number One Gun succeeds where many bands fail; maintaining a distinct, unique and unmistakable sound. All-star producer Aaron Sprinkle (Acceptance, Anberlin) lends a bit of his personal touch to the record, but you could record Number One Gun on a boom box and there would still be frontman Jeff Schneeweis' amazing voice, the band's unabashedly melodic songcraft and the technical tightness born from thousands of hours spent on stage and in practice. However, Number One Gun certainly takes full advantage of the studio on Promises for the Imperfect, layering on tasteful keyboard lines, lush vocal harmonies and an otherwise full palette of drum, guitar and bass sounds, all the while letting the songs speak for themselves. Promises for the Imperfect is about as perfect an album as this genre of music has yet to produce. For fans of Relient K, Acceptance, Mae or just good, old fashioned, unpretentious melodic rock music, check out Number One Gun. You'll dig it, I promise.

- Daniel Taylor
Synthesis.net

Promises for the Imperfect improves on their bid to become the next Relient K. Killer Hooks, Crunchy Guitars, Great Melodies, blended harmony vocals, and deep meaningful lyrics set this album apart from their equally great debut. Number One Gun has produced yet another outstanding set of songs in the realm of the so called "Punk-Pop" Genre. "We Are" is an amazing tune that will have you humming the chorus for days, and wears their allegience to the source of their strength right on their sleeves. For those who seem "lost," this album is full many uplifting powerful songs of hope. If you're searching for answers, these songs will give you the strength and courage to change your circumstances.

Tooth and Nail Records has added another major star band in the making to their already considerable stable of similar sounding bands. Check out all the bands on their label to add some meaningful music to your life and cd collection.

Fans of Relient K should immediately run out and pick this one up fast. You won't be disappointed! Alternative Fans of Long Since Forgotten, The Starting Line, and even "old school" fans of the now reformed Posies should give this a listen. The crisp production values on this disc make this a treasure to own.

Catch the band on their upcoming tour to feel the real power of their music in a live setting as well. I was blown away by their set on 7/21/05 in Anaheim, California. An awesome and amazing live act as well!

Number One Gun's latest is a polished, smart, catchy masterpiece in the rock/punk/emo genre. While "Promises for the Imperfect" has many familiar elements from the emo and punk genres, the band has carved their own, refreshing niche that avoids conforming to a specific sound. Jeff's vocals sound amazing, especially on the verses of "Fireside Wing" where he really lets loose. Aaron Sprinkle's production job is flawless. Whereas "Celebrate Mistakes" took me a few listens to sink in, these songs make a powerful impression on first listen, and only get better with repeated listens.

I tend to listen to a CD for about two weeks before giving it a fairly lenghty rest, but "Promises for the Imperfect" stayed in my CD player all Summer and beyond. I'm truly surprised that this band has not received more mainstream success with this release. They deserve it, and it's only a matter of people taking notice.

I knew it was going to be good. As good as the debut "Celebrate Mistakes" was, I knew that this cd was going to be great music...I could not have imagined it would be like this though. It is very different, much more energetic and upbeat than their previous album. I say buy both, they are both great in their own ways. But if you are only going to buy one, buy this amazing new album that deserves to be at the top of the charts.

Review by Dan Alcinii:

The much talked about debut full length, Promises For The Imperfect, from Number One Gun has finally been released legally to the public and much like the people over at Tooth And Nail were excited about this release, so were a number of fans across America.

NOG kick things off the right way with "Pretend", an up-tempo, overly catchy song, with slick guitars and bass lines that will make your cheeks hurt every time you hear it. "There Is Hope" showcases the vocal talents of Jeff Schneeweis and also features guest vocals courtesy of Devin Shelton of Emery. Although the song may not be as fast paced as songs like "Pretend" and "All You Have" or as upbeat as "Who You Are", it may be one of the better songs on the album. While the lyrics are predictable like most pop/emo albums before it, NOG seem to add some flair and style to the writing process. Not only do they stick to the themes of heartbreak and lust, but they also expand as far as writing about life altering decisions. At first listen, you notice that Promises For The Imperfect seems to sound somewhat like Anberlin's latest release of Never Take Friendship Perosnal, and what ties this thought together is the production by Aaron Sprinkle. Although Anberlin's album was filled with an energetic, almost live feel to it, Aaron Sprinkle did just the opposite with Number One Gun's debut. He over polished the album and, in turn, hurt the band. Sure, you won't find any of the songs pushing the barriers of any specific genre, but Promises For The Imperfect will have you humming its tunes in your sleep.

There's nothing ground breaking and unique about the sound that Number One Gun puts out there, but there's something about the way they execute that just draws you in more and more after each listen. Promises For The Imperfect may be the newest summer anthem.

I was first introduced to Number One Gun when I attended a local concert of theirs (along with some comparable bands.) I was initially impressed by their clear vocals, riveting performance, and overall professionalism for a band who, at the time, didn't have much of a name. (This was previous to the release of the album which is now up for review.)

However, after their show, I simply bought a t-shirt and politely (and not gushingly) asked their lead to sign it. He did, but not without a blatant air of superiority. I cannot remember our exact conversation, but this said...their lead was a complete snob without reason. That is, I basically was appreciative about his music in a non-flirtatious way, and he returned the praise with indifference. I consider myself somewhat good-looking and not a geek or groupie in any shape or form. I'm sure his close friends don't concur, (and his wife was nice) but I happened to have a friend who went to a different show of theirs in a different town, and mentioned he and his sister felt the same way, (and he said this before I even opened my mouth.)

**Kudos to Mourning September, who, at the same venue, was so warm, friendly, personal, and even offered me free merch. I hope to meet them again some day.**

Personal experience aside, No. One Gun's music, accordingly, is immaculate, well-produced without being over-the-top, and will satisfy any emo child or emo adult who so wishes to stave off some more of that emo hunger. I say "some more" because No. 1 Gun doesn't break any new ground with their talent, but they're ahead of the game that they do play. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.