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Waiting Theory

Separation Initiation and Return (2003)
self-released

Reviewer Rating:

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

Published on June 18th 2004

I was almost intrigued with the opening of this CD. In 3/4 time, the guitar was playing a riff that alternated with hitting harmonics while the drums had fading in and out effects on the cymbals. But then it broke into a shitty 4/4 basic palm muting verse reminiscent of "Through Being Cool" Saves the Day. Then into a breakdown that was completely a rip-off of Hoobastank's "Running Away" (or whatever that song is called). Then it repeats. And then it turns into a soft verse that features drum fills that are off time and whimpy semi-falsetto vocals. Guess how it closes out? Oh, you better believe it. Screaming "When you say goodbye!" I'm feeling the hurt ladies and gentlemen. Oh yeah, the pain is so close to home. And that's the first song.

The problem with this band is that they're your general predictable hardcore-tinged "emo" band (I refuse to use the word "screamo," it makes me ill). It's a carbon copy of Thursday (or one of those other bands). And the song writing isn't too terrible. They experiment with instrumentation and time signatures, and show promise of actually being good at times. When it comes down to the final product, it's boring and un-original. Each song has a pattern. Intro-four chords-intro as chorus-four chords-breakdown-repeat. And that's seriously enough to describe every song on the album. Three years ago, this band would've been innovative, but now it's just another group on the next bandwagon after garage rock.

Lyrically, this band is annoying. Yeah, we know your girlfriend dumped you. Sure, it sucks. Get over it. There are other things to write about. And quit writing shit that's intentionally vague in order to sound "deep" and philosophical. "An internal problem that has no answer." Good one Socrates. "This has put me in a foul mood. I resort to writing. But no! But no! no more nonsense about how I can put you in a whole I dug in the wall and use a limb to hang my clothes." Okay. They misspelled "hole." Or maybe they did it on purpose. Which, if it is the case, is even worse.

Now, if you're a fan of this type of music, I bet you'd love this album. They do stuff that's musically adept. It's produced well for not having label-backing. It's songs about how broken your heart is. And the use the word "jaded." It's perfect for the angsty teen population. For people who are annoyed with this genre of music, you'll hate this record. I gave it a three due to it having pieces that are decently technical in their songs. And because I'm trying to offer a more un-biased opinion.

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Anonymous (November 24, 2005)

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Anonymous (June 23, 2004)

Right...I was listening to it for the pure musical enjoyment I would receive afterwards. I was listening to it to prove a point so please stop talking out of your ass. This doesn't concern you so piss off.

Anonymous (June 22, 2004)

"I just listened to running away"

You already lost the argument when you said that asshole.

-GreenVandal

Jesse (June 21, 2004)

I hate using the word emo, and screamo is a derivative of it. So I don't use it.

Anchors (June 21, 2004)

Whether you choose to admit it or not, screamo is in fact a genre. Bands such as Joshua Fit For Battle, Saetia, Love Lost But Not Forgotten, and Orchid all play screamo, not metalcore, hardcore, post hardcore, emo, emocore, or any other subgenre.

Screamo exists, get over it.

Anonymous (June 20, 2004)

I just listened to "Running Away" and the opening track of the CD being reviewed and they are only vaguely similar. The drum part is different and about the only thing I could see as being somewhat similar is the way the melody of the guitar goes up chromatically. The time signature then changes into 4/4 from 3/4. If you're going to make such an asinine comparison at least make it truthful and not misleading. Apparently, you made up your judgment of the band after reading their A) Band Name B) Song Names or C) Lyrics since you're so hung up on stupid shit like that. Please get off your pedestal and start writing reviews that are valid. Don't just ramble on about emocore this or emocore that. It makes you sound unqualified to write a decent review.

Anonymous (June 20, 2004)

Wow, if you listen to Hoobastank you disliking this cd, is like giving it good press.

Jesse (June 20, 2004)

Ooh, taking a stab assuming that I listen to three chord punk. Oops. That was your first mistake. Second, the chrous from "Running Away" has the same drum part, and a pretty damn close chord progression as that song. Most of the bands I listen to could play circles around these guys.

Anonymous (June 20, 2004)

There were no effects on the cymbals in the first song, I've seen this band play, and that's the drummer catching the cymbals with his hands.
Maybe lyrically the songs aren't top notch, but they aren't swiping at the bottom of the bucket either. I think the major appeal of this band does come from their amazing stage presence, but their energy still shines through on the cd.
While I too hear influences from Thursday and Saves the Day, there is no way they copy parts from ANY Hoobastank song. Obviously you don't like this genre of music, ("or one of those other bands") so why do a review on it, while 'trying' to be unbiased. It's apparent you aren't. And while I know you aren't a real journalist, aren't you pretending to be? If so, then try to be a tad bit less predisposed. Sorry if they aren’t three chord punk riffs that would be easier to comprehend.

Anonymous (June 19, 2004)

Jesse, no worries. I liked the review too. I don't think I'd like this shit either. 5 stars for the review.

sickboi (June 19, 2004)

See, here's the deal with Jesse's reviews, a lot of things about a band can give you a negative impression; like lyrical content, cliche' song/album titles, style before substance, etc. Personally, I'm the same way.

I hate to break it to you kids, but a review is an OPINION. Say it with me, "OPINION". Which means (to those of you who are still lost in the thicket) that you express how YOU fee about something.

Jesse (June 18, 2004)

sickboi-

Love man, nothing but love.

Anonymous (June 18, 2004)

Perfect reivew. Perfect. Thank You, I now know NOT to pick this shit up. Thank You.

Anonymous (June 18, 2004)

Kidding? That review sucked. Stop letting people with such a strong disdain for emocore, now a popular, marketable music, review goddamn emocore releases. You wanna talk about predictable?

sickboi (June 18, 2004)

I gotta admit, your reviews are growing on me.