The Killing Tree

The Killing Tree: We Sing SinWe Sing Sin (2003)
Eyeball Records

Reviewer Rating: 3

User Rating:

Contributed by: AubinAubin
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on June 6th 2003June 2nd, 2003 - 4:00pm EST Got a copy of the new Killing Tree. June 3rd, 2003 - 9:45am EST Going to class; will listen to it on the way. June 3rd, 2003 - 9:55am EST Only got through one and a half songs. Man, these are long songs. June 3rd, 2003 - 1:00pm EST Finished first two.

June 2nd, 2003 - 4:00pm EST

Got a copy of the new Killing Tree.

June 3rd, 2003 - 9:45am EST

Going to class; will listen to it on the way.

June 3rd, 2003 - 9:55am EST

Only got through one and a half songs. Man, these are long songs.

June 3rd, 2003 - 1:00pm EST

Finished first two songs. Both are long, lots of dynamics. Melodic undertones, but furious breakdowns. Seems a little more melodic then "The Romance of Helen Trent" which is funny because Tim's other band, Rise Against got heavier.

Preparing brain for next three.

June 3rd, 2003 - 2:00pm EST

Ran into acquaintance who I don't care for. He wouldn't stop talking. Wished I had fork to put in my eye.

June 3rd, 2003 - 2:00pm EST (Addendum)

No, in his eye.

June 3rd, 2003 - 2:30pm EST

Listened to track 3, a cover of Soundgarden's "Jesus Christ Pose" the only song with Chris Cornell's voice in it that I can stand. Including Audioslave. Especially goddamned Audioslave. I guess we know where all the talent from Rage Against the Machine came from.

June 3rd, 2003 - 2:30pm EST (Addendum)

Actually, Tom Morello is an amazing guitar player, and he's damn smart too, but I think Chris Cornell hit him over the head with something to join that train wreck.

June 3rd, 2003 - 3:00pm EST

Finished fourth song. It is good. Like the first three. Tim has too much talent for one guy. It is unfair to Mark Hoppus. Well, he's a millionaire, so that probably makes up for it.

June 3rd, 2003 - 4:00pm EST

Probably should eat now. Food keeps me from falling down.

June 3rd, 2003 - 4:30pm EST

Listened to last song on stereo. Pretty heavy stuff. Most of the songs seem simultaneously experimental but also more focused then some of the weirder stuff on "Helen Trent" Conceptually, the songs resemble "Switchblade Architect" or "Them's Fighting Words" but not musically.

June 3rd, 2003 - 5:00pm EST

Probably should explain that. I mean that the new songs share the kind of dynamic somersaults that those tracks do; and they share the urgency, but they don't sound like those songs.

June 3rd, 2003 - 10:00pm EST

Going to listen to it again tomorrow. Probably the day after too.

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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.

Shandrewrise (December 8, 2006)

How can someone say that the Rise against is good, but their vocalist sucks, and then say that The Killing Tree is the best band...SERIOUSLY(same guy idiot)! Rise Against is (in my opinion) the greatest band in the world. But, I love this band! They are amazing, and not just because of tim.

funkisdead (October 28, 2003)

jonathan.

Anonymous (June 10, 2003)

they sound like a pissed off metal Rise Against.

Anonymous (June 9, 2003)

Nicely put...

Anonymous (June 9, 2003)

to answer so many of the "what do they sound like" comments, they answer is simply: BETTER THAN 99% OF THE SHIT YOU LISTEN TO!

Anonymous (June 9, 2003)

This one seems heavier than "TROHT", but not as dark, if that makes any sense.

-sickboi

soulbleed (June 8, 2003)

amazing. their vocalist is god, hence why rise against is god. but yes, not as good as the romance of helen trent .. which yes should be posted soon. *coughs at scott*

FortyMinutesWest (June 7, 2003)

I think Jonathan does a good job of describing the CDs he's sent, and his reviews are always well written. Sure they aren't the most vivid reviews ever, but they're far from bad.

501 (June 7, 2003)

Brilliant way of reviewing a cd... just needs more info. But very funny.

lieutenant (June 7, 2003)

Comcept reviews are tricky. But I will say that I will usually take a concept review over the average review that excites little energy. Let me take this time to mention that I really, really, really do not like Jonathan's reviews. There is no personality, there is no passion for a life geared by music. It just sounds and looks like words - there's a bit missing. If he is being sent material to review, I am sure I am not alone when expressing that there are other reviewers from this site that are much more deserving.

Anonymous (June 7, 2003)

Finished fourth song. It is good. Like the first three. Tim has too much talent for one guy. It is unfair to Mark Hoppus. Well, he's a millionaire, so that probably makes up for it.

haha. Reiterating what others have said, that was a funny review, but lacking a whole lot of information. I'll probably pick this up anyway, since I love the Killing Tree.

Anonymous (June 7, 2003)

I'm kinda disappointed with the production, because when I read they were gonna record the EP with the same guy they did "Romance" with I got all excited about it, since I thought "Romance" had such a great production and sound, but this one sounds like the complete opposite and much more token HC if you will.

Flo

Strewtho (June 7, 2003)

Interesting review, nothing like a fork in the eye reference and audioslave abuse, their new single is 100% crap.

aubin (June 6, 2003)

Alright. I get it. Concept reviews are tricky. This one didn't come across as clearly as I wanted it.

Here are the salient points:

1. Tim from Rise Against also sings and plays guitar in Killing Tree

2. Killing Tree plays metalcore influenced hardcore, with a lot of tempo changes and experimentation with samples and weird instruments

3. This EP is a pretty logical follow up to "The Romance of Helen Trent" which was somewhat heavier than this.

4. This is a great EP, and if you like the heavier side of Rise Against, you'll probably enjoy this.

5. You should buy "Helen Trent" first, because it's a little more accessible, but get this immediately afterwards. Maybe at the same time.

6. I shouldn't write more than 3 reviews, an editorial and an economics paper in a given time period because I broke my brain. I'm hoping it will be fixed soon.

lieutenant (June 6, 2003)

Very entertaining review.

Unfortunately, I must join the crowd in adding that I am not quite sure where this band stands musically. I guess this may admit my guilt to being out of the loop, but where does Tim McIlrath stand in this group? I will say that I adore Rise Against, though I feel silly that I can't relate his position in the Killing Tree.

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

Killer band, this ep is sweet. One of the best hardcore bands around!

MrOhio (June 6, 2003)

Bad review. What in the crap do they even sound like? And long song/punk music does not translate well. I dare say many of the bands on this site aren't always punk bands. More sweaters than studs, if you catch the point.

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

bad ass cd right here! Also, the Helen Trent cd is damn good.

ElVaquero (June 6, 2003)

Well, i thought he said it was more melodic than Helen Trent. Since everyone should know that album, it's ok to reference like that. If you don't get it, go pick both albums up.

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

this review.. lacked.. um.. goodness.

this EP makes me say hot damn.

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

that was entertaining but my decision to buy this or not is not aided at all by this.

8dollarclarinetsolo (June 6, 2003)

i liked the style of review but i agree all i know are that the songs are long

evildeadalive (June 6, 2003)

I totally agree with your Soundgarden comments. But I also aree with the dude below me, Tom Morello sucks. So I can't quite agree with your Audioslave comments. They are barnone the worst band in the world. Yes, the world.

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

JESUS FUCKING CHRIST. Tom Morello is NOT NOT NOT NOT an innovative or even out-of-the-ordinary guitar player. In fact, you might say he sucks.

Because he does.

TahoeJeff (June 6, 2003)

2:38 CST - Wonders what this band sounds like, since I've never heard any of this band.

2:39 CST (amendum) - Where does Mark Hoppus fit into this??

thefirstfive (June 6, 2003)

why was mark from blink brought up?

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

An error

If there was one gripe I have from this EP is the production was NOT AS dynamic and loud as "TROHT."

Ramo
(god why do i bother writing??)

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

If there was one gripe I have from this EP is the production was dynamic and loud as "TROHT." It's true that it seems a bit more melodic but the Killing Tree succeeds in the only way they could: make me hear a 5 minute song while pumping the fist. I just wished you used my quote that I always use.

Ramo

tenderbransonx (June 6, 2003)

Funny review but would rather have known about the music.
Steven
Got Movie Reviews? Book Reviews?
www.murdertheturtle.com

Anonymous (June 6, 2003)

June 6th, 2003 - 1:30pm EST

I pray that no more reviews of this style get posted.

preacher (June 6, 2003)

I now still have no idea what this album sounds like.