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| Number One FanCompromises2004 Universal / Pat's Record Co. 
  Review by: Brian See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on August 3rd 2004 What Number One Fan lack in originality and failure to avoid repetition like drugs, they make up for in a “fair-enough” execution of a gradually aging style with their offering of semi-whiny yet extremely soothing pop-rock and consistently fluid - albeit adolescent - emotions. You could even throw the dreaded “E” word at them if you feel it necessary. Virtually coming out of nowhere (Appleton, Wisconsin, specifically-speaking) and signing to Universal imprint Pat’s Record Company, Number One Fan could very well blow up all thanks to their blatant take on Clarity-era Jimmy Eat World (read: nearly every soft song on that album), with the boyish vocals and subtle organ borrowed from the All-American Rejects’ camp. Their wall-of-guitar sound striving for atmospheric placement is actually more or less based on a thin wall of plaster without insulation. It’s soft and seemingly skeletal, but the differentiating guitar strokes and a nice utilization of piano and organ is at least pleasant. The major thing that helps NOF is the fact that they stray from overtly poppy tendencies, whereas their co-habiting peers seem to rely entirely too much on radio-friendly hooks to get their point across. Just about every lyric here deals with relationships falling out at ground zero. It’s broken down and way too simple, and as an effect come off severely sophomoric. Every song sounds like 3 A.M. phone call pleads to some soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend. It’s a safe bet that every teenage girl who falls into everyone’s rough stereotype of them will flock to the band for it. Take “Sorry” for one of many fine examples: “don’t say what you mean / I’m not ready for that / all the things sounded so appropriate / all the time,” or “Nothing Will Change:” “don’t go away yet / it seems like everyone I love is gone / I’m praying for some kind of change / nothing’s changed / and nothing will change.” The latter of these two songs is actually the standout track, as its building method through the song is noteworthy with a rising urgency that’s obviously placed in each passing line, although its abrupt ending nearly kills all feeling. While this album isn’t totally solid, or original, or [additional complaint I may have], it’s still the surprise of the year for me after expecting absolute crap for their debut. It leaves me admitting that although their current state might only be “half-decent,” they may actually have the potential to fill the room for improvement they’ve left on Compromises. MP3sCome On Nothing Will Change Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
I saw and met these guys at warped tour and they were amazing live and great guys to talk to. I think this ius a pretty enjoyable cd but it also could have been a lot better.... this guys have a lot of potential great guys, great talent... look forward to seeing them more. This band blows. I saw them at Warped Tour, the singer was all doped up and couldn't even speak right. Then they has some ugly bitch walking around with a box on her head trying to sell cds. Give me a fucking break you emo pussies. i fucking hate living in appleton. especially with pieces of shit like these guys. "Maybe you have small fucksticks and this makes them appear bigger" Madeline Island is a yuppie piece of shit island, I tell you what! Stop with the Wisconsin bashing already! How do you think we feel to have another mediocre emo band come out of this state? blaubs21 appleton Wi is coming to get ya Overrated. We opened for these guys and I was not impressed by them That blurry dude on the cover appears to have girl jeans on. What you scenesters see cool about this blows my mind. this gets a review and not the amazing new say anything CD, booo. i saw these guys live in November as the first act opening for Somerset and The Response. now they're major label signees technically...damn how things change. anyways, their songs are pretty alright, but nothing overtly special. HAHAHA scores for appleton, WI damn that first sentence was fucked up. I need to lay down. what the hell does that first sentence mean? i mean, seriously, somebody explain that one. |
