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Days Like These

Charity Burns Green (2004)
Lobster Records

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: KirbyPuckett
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on March 23rd 2004

If the Juliana Theory teamed up with a good lyricist then wised up and realized they weren’t rock stars this is the record they would end up releasing.

It’s hard to tell that this is a debut release from this group of friends out of Vineland, New Jersey. Vocalist Angel Santiago’s voice is mature and commanding, blending the wide range of Brett Detar‘s from the Juliana Theory to the soothing harmonic sounds of former Further Seems Forever front man Jason Gleason. The lyrics that he liberates on “Charity Burns Green” are sincere and passionate as he follows a theme that leans on greed.

“Fix their eyes so they can see / The heartland is turning green. Fix their eyes so they can see / Showing the lives they’ll never lead.”

The compelling front side of the band is not left alone; his backing counterparts bring a big rock sound not often found in Indie Rock. From the intro to “The Dawning” to the conclusion of “Love Spell” the four musicians that make up the rhythm section relinquish an amazing performance throughout this album’s duration. The band has the ability to create a sound that would leave modern rock bands Hoobastank and Incubus quivering in their pants (Preparation: Anxiety, One In One Thousand), then quickly transforming into a styling that gives Brand New a run for their money (Beneath the Surface, Threefold), then touching things up with an acoustic song (In Time) that begs for Matt Pryor to question his strings. Behind all the guitars, bass, and drums is a keyboardist that fits perfectly into the mix and really finalizes this impressive group.

Just about everything from this record is good, from the music itself to the beautiful artwork. The album comes together nicely with a smooth flow, my complaint would be there’s no standout track, but there isn’t a terrible one either. This is one of the most surprising and energetic releases of 2004 thus far. Be sure to make a spot on your CD rack for Days Like These.

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Anonymous (March 15, 2006)

Hence Reverie is the best fuckin band coming out of south jersey!

Anonymous (November 21, 2005)

Hence Reverie!!!!

Anonymous (November 19, 2005)

Days Like These is an awesome band! A lol Both their albums are kickin!

Anonymous (August 15, 2004)

i live around vineland (B TOWN) ive been seeing these guys for a long time wit Losing Ground n shit and they have grown alot i didnt like their music for a long time then i bout the album after losing ground last show and i was impressed keep on "Indie Rocking" easpecialy ronny.

vern says hi

Anonymous (May 16, 2004)

I love you guys...your album is the best, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!! ...Love Jenn

Anonymous (April 13, 2004)

Good album days like these. what the hell is hence reverie?

Anonymous (April 13, 2004)

Fuckin' A. doesnt get much better than this.

Anonymous (April 5, 2004)

not to bad, but they're no hence reverie

Anonymous (March 26, 2004)

this score is for the failed abortion that is you

Icapped2pac (March 25, 2004)

"this shits so bad. they aren't even from long island.

--the movielife"

This score is for the new Official Lamest Gimmick.

Anonymous (March 25, 2004)

this shits so bad. they aren't even from long island.

--the movielife

Anonymous (March 25, 2004)

Some staff reviewer should start writing Hemingway-style reviews. That way, no one would be accused of sounding pretentious or biased.

lieutenant (March 24, 2004)

Haha, inagreendase, you're alright!

Nothing like a compliment from a complete stranger over the Internet, huh?

Modern (March 24, 2004)

Nothing new, but its done well.

inagreendase (March 23, 2004)

C'mon lieutenant, you KNOW how solid a contest that is...

kirbypuckett (March 23, 2004)

Thanks lieutenant, but I wish I was half as articulate as Brian (greeniepants) was.

- Kirby