Title Fight

Title Fight: Floral GreenFloral Green (2012)
Side One Dummy Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: NatashaSNatashaS
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Published on September 25th 2012If Shed was Title Fight's coming of age record, the band's follow-up, Floral Green, encapsulates the next life stage; the period of time when we feel like we should have it all figured out, while in reality, most of us are still plagued by confusion and insecurity. Title Fight continue to revel i.

If Shed was Title Fight's coming of age record, the band's follow-up, Floral Green, encapsulates the next life stage; the period of time when we feel like we should have it all figured out, while in reality, most of us are still plagued by confusion and insecurity.

Title Fight continue to revel in the '90s on Floral Green, reviving the sounds of Knapsack and Jawbreaker, with elements of Nirvana and Sonic Youth present in parts. The band fuses these outside inspirations with their own style to once again produce an album that strays from their previous efforts. Title Fight experiment with more than just influences on the record, resulting in some of their most interesting and personal songwriting to date.

Bass player and dual vocalist Ned Russin sings of uncertainty on the record's opener, "Numb, But I Still Feel It." Russin pierces through the high-energy track's swirling guitars, screaming, "But did you know I hold my breath through every tunnel? / And wish I could get over this feeling of slipping under / But I never get that far." "Leaf" sonically and lyrically carries the same sensation, as Russin howls, "I feel lost, feel boring" over compatibly wailing guitar riffs.

Jamie Rhoden approaches the vocals of "Like a Ritual" with an understated power, complementing the song's relative simplicity. Nearing its end, the initial restraint of the track diminishes into a frenzy of instruments, led by Shane Moran's and Rhoden's chaotic guitars. "Secret Society" follows, and is one of Floral Green's numerous high points. Aggressive and uncomplicated, the song is something of a departure for Title Fight, largely adhering to a more traditional punk rock format.

The transition from "Secret Society"'s dynamic hostility into the floating melody of "Head in the Ceiling Fan" is jarring, marking a slight shift in Floral Green's overall sound. Reminiscent of Hum, the song builds gradually, as Rhoden vocally drifts through abstract lyrics like, "Head in the ceiling fan goes rolling and missing like bullets slamming into deer skin." The track glides effortlessly into "Make You Cry," showcasing Russin and Rhoden's joint vocal abilities. In the same vein, "Calloused" sees Russin's hoarse vocal performance echoed and contrasted by Rhoden's clean tone.

Likely the pinnacle of Floral Green, "Lefty" is interchangeably coarse and delicate, heavily driven by Ben Russin's drumming and a low-key vocal performance. Album closer "In-Between" recalls a hint of Nirvana, but feels somewhat incomplete with its drawn-out vocals ahead of an abrupt finish.

Floral Green's standout moments aren't as instantly recognizable as those of its predecessor, Shed, but they're there, and become more apparent with each listen. Title Fight's constant growth and reinvention has seen them become one of those unique bands that are hard to define, and musically and lyrically, they're right where they should be.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

qrobur (January 6, 2013)

This is an excellent record. It's proof, if proof were needed, that punk rock need not be as dull and obvious as The Menzingers.

gugl0003 (December 15, 2012)

Not as endearing to me as shed, but still a great fucking record. I'm excited to be some old bearded weirdo reminiscing about this shit the same way so many of you do about Hot Water Music.

maverick (September 27, 2012)

"Love the record. Thumbs down to Side One Dummy for no digital download w/ LP purchase."

Check your sleeve again—mine had a download code inside it.

-Scott

BluthCo (September 26, 2012)

When bands say they are growing on their next album, this is the kind of album I hope for.

charliedecker (September 26, 2012)

Love the record. Thumbs down to Side One Dummy for no digital download w/ LP purchase.

ak3punk (September 25, 2012)

Also that being said, after listening to this album over and over; one has to give huge props to the band and all the production that went into this album. It sounds absolutely spectacular and "full". The recordings sound great and are leaps and bounds better than their previous work.

ak3punk (September 25, 2012)

I'm torn between this and the new Propagandhi for my album of the year pick. This album is flawless. The last two albums have been building up to this and dear god, it's brilliant. If "head in the ceiling fan" doesn't become embedded in your skull, and "make you cry" doesn't give you goosebumps this band may not be for you. What an album.

conebone69 (September 25, 2012)

They've gone from dull and forgettable to tolerable and improving.

Easily their best record and something I will purchase

inagreendase (September 25, 2012)

Getting better every record.

renaldo69 (September 25, 2012)

loved this to death. great sequel to SHED. Album of the year contender but I think THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Before we fade away...just edges this.
Btw this review is spot on

danperrone (September 25, 2012)

i really appreciate the new sound (i was never really into these guys before), but too many of the songs blend together. they're close though...real close.

polarbearsummer (September 25, 2012)

Definitely a step in the right direction after Shed. A much more mature album. Should be up there for AOTY, but it isn't anything spectacular.

xre (September 25, 2012)

One of the best albums this year for sure. Sympathy is amazing.

thepopeofchili-town (September 25, 2012)

By far their best work. The experimental songs are my favorites. Hope they keep going in that direction.

uspunx (September 25, 2012)

This is a band that has gone downhill with every release. Loved Kingston, Shed was good, this album is boring. I appreciate that a lot of people probably love this band but they're just not my cup of tea.

vocalyouth (September 25, 2012)

Really love this record.

siren11 (September 25, 2012)

Always get this band confused with Ten Yard Fight.... And then get very disappointed,

Publichousingv2 (September 25, 2012)

Reeaally great record. I love Shed (and nothing before it) but Floral Green almost makes it look flat in comparison. Everything feels "complete" this time around. The guitars sound amazing, and they've both improved immensely as vocalists. "Lefty" is probably the best song they've released thus far too. That chorus is insanely catchy. Very happy with this one.

Blackjaw_ (September 25, 2012)

Goooooood.

funneloflove (September 25, 2012)

The band that got your 11 year old brother into hardcore.

overdefined (September 25, 2012)

I was looking forward to this but found it to be boring and lacking much substance. A couple really good songs and a bunch of filler.