Giving Chase

Giving Chase: Nothing Ever ChangesNothing Ever Changes (2003)
Jump Start Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

Contributed by: FortyMinutesWestFortyMinutesWest
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on August 5th 2003Many times when I first listen to an album I've been sent for review, it takes a backseat to what I'm doing at the time. It's rare that anything completely commands my attention on the first listen. This EP did just that. In fact, within two listens I was screaming and singing along and playing a.

Many times when I first listen to an album I've been sent for review, it takes a backseat to what I'm doing at the time. It's rare that anything completely commands my attention on the first listen. This EP did just that. In fact, within two listens I was screaming and singing along and playing air guitar like a complete idiot (this is made even more pathetic by the fact that there was an actual guitar sitting a mere two feet from me at the time). Eastern Pennsylvania has produced some very good or even great bands, but State College isn't known for much of anything aside from shitty weather and football fanaticism.

Giving Chase is set to change that. Borrowing from Kid Dynamite, Jawbreaker, and Lifetime but also having a style of their own, they play some dynamic, melodic hardcore. Michael Woliansky's vocals stand out here, as his ability to provide throat ripping screams or sung vocals adds to this bands ability to convey exactly how they are feeling through their music. His singing style is very distinct and recognizable, which is another very good asset that will help set this band apart from the pack. . Most of the EP of played at a fairly fast pace, with some guitar shredding riffs, but the last few songs slow things down a bit. At times I'm reminded of the more melodic songs on Boy Sets Fire's "After the Eulogy" such as on the song "Love Alive", definitely not an unfavorable comparison, especially considering how much I enjoy "After the Eulogy".

I don't remember the last time I was so moved by a band upon just discovering them. Everything here is exactly what I'd want in a band, including the lyrics: "You're running out of time, salvation across the yellow line, grind the pedal down, let this technology be your reformatory, a pine box prosthesis, this dashboard Jesus tattooed to your chest, and heartbeats and horse hooves, this flowing metal vein, but when there's no one around, to see your walls coming crumbling down, would you make a sound?" ("Autogeddon") there's some pretty intense imagery here, and the band makes sure you can feel every word.

I really try to avoid fawning over a release like I'm doing here, but in this case I will make an exception. This EP is damned good and this band deserves every bit of positive attention they can get.

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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.

Juns-Mom (June 3, 2007)

Really solid shit. The lovely shout out to the hell hole known as State College was also enjoyable.

Kursk (October 8, 2006)

i love all of these guys, they are by far the coolest musicians I have ever gotten the chance to hang out with. This is really good, but I've listened to all of the new songs they have recorded, that according to Jeremy will be out sometime in 07, and they totally blow this thing away, I can't wait for it to finally get released.

Anonymous (September 23, 2003)

Hummmmmm, poop.

Anonymous (September 21, 2003)

the big crap scare owns giving chase ;) just kidding, i enjoy it

Anonymous (September 20, 2003)

i just wanted to point out that their change in sound has nothing to do with following what is popular. AND that they're really awesome guys and if you are trash-talking them its because you suck at life. over the years they have grown as a band alot. there have been many line-up changes and they have improved exponentially. i've seen these guys over 15 times and its always a good time.

--steve

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

well, thats true...matt likes it like that...duh

Anonymous (August 15, 2003)

i've seen these guys play since they were Kenny's Revenge (now i'm more old-school than anyone... muhahaha) and i've never seen them be a dick to anyone. Sure they were a pop-punkish band... 4 years ago... dumbass. their music has sounded like this cd for over the past year and a half. it's been evolving towards this sound for a long time. those who only listen to their albums can't really tell that, because you haven't seen them live, and frankly, 2 albums in about 3 years doesn't help you see a band mature. but they haven't just followed what is popular to try go get somewhere.

if anyone in the band has anything to do with dick, it's floravit... and he likes big dick in his a-hole.

Curt

Anonymous (August 10, 2003)

these guys aren't dicks. i go to school in state college and ryan and mike do sound at almost every show in town and giving chase plays around alot. they're good guys and i'm glad that their new record is getting positive reviews.

Anonymous (August 10, 2003)

these guys sound like recover.

sickboi (August 10, 2003)

I just got this and the Westower ep today...awesome. These guys remind me A LOT of Lifetime.

Anonymous (August 8, 2003)

I have known these guys for years, when have they been dicks? If they were dicks to you, it was probably because you were a dumbass

FortyMinutesWest (August 8, 2003)

I have a theory: every person has a story about atleast one band and why they're dicks.

Anonymous (August 8, 2003)

this band sucks, and the guys are dicks