They're Only Chasing Safety [ENHANCED]

Underoath

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 15, 2004)
• Original Release Date: June 15, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Solid State Records
• ASIN: B00026WVC2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (209 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,679 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Underoath's potential was truly tapped upon entering the studio with James Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever) to create their third studio release, "They're Only Chasing Safety," dropping June 15, 2004. The new vocals meld into what Underoath has been evolving to become for years: a cleaner, more direct heavy rock style avoiding any hardcore clichis they might have previously garnered. And with their innovative keyboard / electronic heavy base for the dynamic 10 song release, it's hard to imagine anyone penning Underoath with clichis at all. Still, fans of the previously metal-driven band may be in for a shock as catchy choruses and hooks dominate this release.

"If hardcore kids want to like us, that's awesome," McTague elaborates, "but we're not trying to impress them. And as far as kids saying we've sold out...kids like that just like to talk. They might be weirded out at first [by the new album], but hopefully it will catch on, but if not, who cares, you know?"

There's no doubt with infectious choruses on stand-out tracks like "Reinventing Your Exit," and "80's Song" along with the pure magnitude and passion of each track, that the songs will, in fact, catch on regardless of where the band's concerns lie. Still Underoath remains apathetic toward critics and will keep concentrating on what they know best: writing songs they like and playing shows relentlessly because that's what they love doing.

"Everyone is all about making things more marketable, receivable, accessible, and in turn have watered down everything from their faith to their struggles in life, and I think people need to start being real," McTague concludes. "Our goal is to write an album that changes music and impacts people in a huge way. I think we might start something with this record, but I think there is a lot more to uncover in the future...this is by far the closest we have ever come to that though."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Be Swayed By Anti-Emo Sentiment, June 2, 2005

By	J. Wood (Chicago) - See all my reviews

I can tell that this whole recent wave of emo/screamo/pop punk/indie/anything that never used to appear on TRL reached its peak of popularity because good, quality cd's are now being bashed for being emo or any other said genre above. This cd being among them. If you're reading this because you have seriously considered purchasing something from Underoath, but have not heard anything from this album, don't be swayed by the sudden surge in poor reviews for this album. I've got a 10 dollar bill saying these poor reviews are for the new wave of anti-emo sentiment rather than for this album. On the otherhand, if you're not an audience for screaming and heavy riffs, perhaps this isn't for you, but don't let this new "be cool-hate emo!" concept sway your opinion or your desire to purchase this album. I rate this album 5 stars, not because I like emo/screamo but because I feel this album earns its 5 stars.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ever Heard Of Maturing?, October 12, 2004

By	Peter Stern "drummer/emo kid" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Underoath was good on the first CD but they're about 20 times better now. "Oh no, they're not screaming all the time, they're actually doing some singing! Ew, they're too sissy for me now." Get over it. Bands mature, and maybe they decided this was the direction they wanted to go, maybe be a little more diverse in how their songs are set up. Nothing you bitch or moan about is going to change that. And frankly you need to be a little more open minded if you hate everything that isn't all screaming. That being said, this is my favorite CD of all time. Their new screamer is amazing, and the drummer's singing voice is incredible. The drums and guitars are tight and the production is the best I've heard. Even the artwork is sick as hell. And now for everyone's favorite thing, the track by track review. Woo.

01 Young And Aspiring - A short fade in and the band jumps right into it. Very upbeat. The synths add a nice touch, especially in the breakdown. The vocals are great when they overlap, and the last line will really hook you. "This is my finish, this is my call to arms."

02 A Boy Brushed In Red Living In Black And White - The beginning is just palm muting, and sounds a little Taking Back Sunday-ish, as does the verse. When you hear it you'll see what I mean. This song is one of the more poppy tracks, since a lot of the vocals are clean. The breakdown part is amazing with the programming. "Don't shake, I hate to see you tremble." One of the catchiest parts in the whole record.

03 The Impact Of Reason - For some this is the skippable track since it comes right before everyone's favorite. I'll admit it's not the BEST song on here, but it's definitely worth listening to. Mostly screaming with a pretty hardcore breakdown all within the first minute. Gets pretty catch at the end.

04 Reinventing Your Exit - Yay, it's everyone's favorite, the single. This song catches your attention right from the feedback intro and never lets you go. Really good singalong, and a great driving song. One of the catchiest choruses I've ever heard, it will not leave your head for days. "This is the way I would have done this, up against the wall, you've got me up against your wall."

05 The Blue Note - Just an instrumental interlude. It's skippable, but it's not bad. Kinda jazzy drums with brushes, and a keyboard. Ends with some weird voice effects.

06 It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door - This song wastes no time in bringing on the hardcore. Lots of programming and effects, including a quiet almost techno-like breakdown. Definitely the most experimental song on the record, it comes complete with distorted drum solo, directly followed by choir. The chorus is really catchy, especially when the whole band just kicks in. "Drowning in my sleep, I'm drowning in my sleep."

07 Down, Set, Go - Energy anyone? Starts off with a distorted intro, but everything kicks in eventually. The chorus is very energetic, another good driving song. It never slows down for a second. The acoustic breakdown is amazing, especially when it kicks back into whole band. "Whatever I say goes."

08 I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today - Probably the first new song they wrote, since it sounds a lot like old Underoath. This song is all screaming and pretty hardcore. Make sure you listen all the way through, the breakdown at the end is incredible. The very end is playing around with programming and a little mellow interlude.

09 I'm Content With Losing - My favorite song on here. Energy all the way through, and every single part is catchy. "I'm halfway there, and it's all on me. This is what I get for wanting more." The end is ridiculous, 4 vocal tracks all going crazy.

10 Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape - I think the screamer sang this song. His voice sounds like Copeland. The first half of the song is mellow with a synth drum beat. The whole band kicks in at the end. They're a christian band but the only time they ever mention Jesus directly is in this song. It's better when christian bands don't mention Jesus, because it shows that they're not using their god as a method of making money. "Hey unfaithful, I will teach you to be stronger." Great ending with harmonics.

If you read the lyrics they're amazing. They used to sing indirectly about god by referring to it like they would a girl. There's still a little of that but for the most part the lyrics got more diverse. Make sure you get this album, you'll thank yourself.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great stuff, August 1, 2006

A Kid's Review

wow. this is an album that i didn't take out of my CD player for the first 3 months that i owned it. it's keeps me head bobbing throughout the whole album. but, to the actual review:

everybody seems to be complaining about this not being "real metal". and they're right: it's not. those are the people who have heard of the old underoath, or were dallas taylor day fans. If you are an old underoath fan, i don't recommend this album for you, because the music changes so drastically.it takes a much softer approach than their old work. honestly, i think spencer is a much better screamer than dallas, & he added so much to the band. however, the guitars really aren't that great. they sound similar throughout the whole album. chris dudley their keyboarder can do some really sweet stuff. if you are trying to get into hardcore/screamo, this is a good album to try out. the best parts of this album are the dynamic singing/screaming choruses that will leave you singing them over and over in your head. i recommend every track on this album except The Blue Note. It seems like a filler that really doesn't fit in with the album. my favorite tracks are Young And Aspiring, as it's a great opener showing what the album is all about, A Boy Brushed Red..., Reinventing Your Exit, which i think is the best singing/screaming combination of vocals on the entire album. my favorite track is It's Dangerous Business..., because of the awesome music & chorus, and last but not least, I'm Content With Losing.