Customer Reviews

Yours Truly

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

 

 

The undisputed Kings Of New York Hardcore/Punk are back with the release of "Yours Truly". After what I thought was a slight disappointment (Call To Arms), Sick Of It All comes back with a perfect CD. Perfect in the sense that they're able to explore a few new directions while still staying true to their sound. I love this CD because it's a blend of all their albums, Heavy at times (Broke Dick, Nails, Blown Away, Cry For Help), upbeat and catchy at others (America, No Apologies, Disco Sucks F**K Everything). The problem I had with the last album was that some of the songs were lacking in the catchy department and just didn't leave much of an impression on me after the first listen. This album definitely dosen't have that effect this time around. It's as perfect as a Sick Of It All album can get with very few spots to dislike. It wouldn't have hurt to have Craig sing something on this record but Armand (drums) lends lead vocals to "Souvenir" along with Lou which was a nice surprise since we haven't heard any lead vocals from Armand since REST IN PIECES ( that is if you count his Grammy Winning performance from "Built To Last" on the song "Culoconcado (I Take SH*Ts)" :-þ ). Lyrically, the album pretty much stays true to form with positive messages (but not preachy like some OTHER bands) while stressing that they plan on being around for a long time to come (ie: Disco Sucks F**K Everything). I also admire the bands choice to go with a really NON-Hardcore type album cover/Artwork/packaging (The Booklet itself is very different), but then again in my opinion they've done that before with "Built To Last". I would definitely reccommend this CD to the real Die Hard Fans of SICK OF IT ALL but anyone who is curious about what the bands material sounds like should check it out as well. Standout tracks - Blown Away, District, Disco Sucks F**K Everything, America, Hands Tied Eyes Closed, Broke Dick, Cry For Help and No Apologies.

I have to admit, this is not really the type of CD I generally buy. I have nothing against it obviously. But my tastes just run more towards bands like Pennywise, NOFX, Anti-Flag etc. However, lately I have been getting into hardcore with bands like Agnostic Front, Madball etc. So I went to an anonymous independent record st0re and none of that was available. I knew I had to come home with some hardcore CD so I got this one and hit the road.

The first song that appears on the CD sets the mood of the CD great. The lyrics really portray the rest of the CD nicely. The guitar is rough and hard. Which is exactly the way to define this CD. This is brutal earsplitting hardcore...Bands that come to mind are Raised Fist, Straight Faced, Death By Stereo and the like. Since bands like that had never really been right up my alley, I am surprised that I landed up liking this so much. Something about this CD separates itself from the other brutal hardcore bands and I don't know what. But whatever it is, I like it.

It's interesting how some of the songs near the end of the CD really tone down on the hard edge and tough brutal guitar rhythm. In fact I would have to say the song "America" isn't even hardcore. It's straight up Dropkick Murphys style punk! Another song near the end that isn't really hardcore is "Souvenir". It's sort of a punk song with a just a spice of hardcore. However it must be clear that this softening up statement is just a general statement and doesn't apply to all of the songs. In fact the toughest song on the CD (Broke d**k) is near the end.

As for the lyrics. Well, you'd think with a name like Sick of It All it would be much more political. when in reality the only political song on here is "America". You'd also think that they'd at least have a couple of those "Down with the system, ANARCHY" songs that I love. But, they don't have any of those. However, all the songs still have a message which makes it punk lyrics anyway.

When Pennywise has non-political messages the lyrics make perfect sense. In fact it inspires me and I live my life "the Pennywise way". I totally agree with them. However, I seldom agree with these guys. For instance, the message to "The Bland Within" is basically saying that it's human nature to not learn from your mistakes so don't try. I agree that that's human nature but that doesn't mean you can't FIGHT that. That is the EXCACT reason why today's world is in such a mess. Another thing is that the song "Turn My Back" is like the complete opposite of inspirational Pennywise compassion songs like "It's Up to You". This is not to say I don't like the lyrics. Because even though, I disagree with them a lot of the time it is still interesting to hear what they have to say. So overall, if you like brutal metal influenced hardcore do NOT pass this up. You won't be disappointed.

I've heard this record a thousand times since I bought it and it is still not getting boring. The diversity of the songs is awesome and nevertheless its still oldschool hardcore with a positive attitude. When you are new to hardcore, buy this record and it will blow you away! This CD picked me up when I was down! Thank you forever for this record! "This is not an image, this is our lifes!"

Sick of it all's new release "Yours Truly" will be sure to shock new listeners. Its still hard and aggressive, but this time around SOIA have really expanded the boundaries of their songwriting. The guitars are more textured here, not just power chords, but different chords and tones are used throughout. The album rather than having 2 speeds: fast and slow, have fast slow and about three speeds in-betweeen. Upon further listenings the album seems to lack in speed. (Just 2 more all-out thrashers would have been nice.) Also, the earlier tracks seem to be the strongest, with the midsection slumping a bit. It picks up with the last few tracks. SOIA continues to expand within their own sound without compromising their basic sound. They've stayed true, and thankfully have never evolved into something else. Standout tracked include, "America", "No Apologies", "Cry For Help" and "Nails".

This is by far in my opinion one of the most underrated punk/hardcore albums ever made. Ive been listening to soia for over 12 years and I thought that nothing could beat built to last, but the transitions and quality of production make it better than built to last. I highly suggest picking this one up.

first of all, i love these guys. every cd they put has failed to disappoint me. that's what i love about them. definitely pick this one up along with all of the other sick of it all releases. standout tracks: souvenir, america, and disco sucks f-ck everything.

First off, if this sounds like the newer, better hardcore bands. Well it's because they were around before all that, and influenced them all. Sick Of It All started up long, long ago from the ashes of Straight Ahead and one of many Agnostic Front break-ups. Agnostic Front has been around even longer(but not like this). SOIA are the tightest, smartest and just plain greatest of the hardcore machines out there. The older they get the deeper they dig, never has this band taken thier sound down a notch, constant improvement over the years. I do admit this one is less accessable than others, but comparisons are feeble. This is what the band is now, and I'm still a fan. Nails, Blown Away, America, No Apologies... and much more, it's all good. Also: Check out Creep Division if you can find it, but only if you like these guys and Good Riddance.

SOIA has returned with a truly impressive effort that will please any hardcore fan. The album mixes the standard SOIA sound with an enjoyable variety of new styles. The vocals still have the pleasant "I eat gravel" sound, but even those mix well on this album. There is a straight forward rock-n-roll feel that isn't found on many hardcore albums. The album isn't bogged down by 16 tracks of big bass and bigger drums. "America" stands out as the biggest (and best)change in the band's sound, while "Turn My Back" has a '70s hard rock guitar intro that blends well with the band's distinct sound. Overall, the band stays true to its roots, but successfully ventures into new territory.

i think yours truly is the best from SOIA, with all rhe other albums close behind. Sick of it All are really holding the flag for hardcore music these days with the hardcore scene almost dead. SOIA would be my second favourite hardcore band behind straight faced, go and check them out.