Punknews.org

|
Sign In | create an account

Number One Fan

Compromises (2004)
Universal Music Group

Reviewer Rating:

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

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.

MP3s
Come On
Nothing Will Change

Login to rate this album

Please login or register to post comments.

What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Anonymous (August 20, 2004)

I saw and met these guys at warped tour and they were amazing live and great guys to talk to.

Anonymous (August 13, 2004)

I think this ius a pretty enjoyable cd but it also could have been a lot better.... this guys have a lot of potential

Anonymous (August 8, 2004)

great guys, great talent... look forward to seeing them more.

fuck all of you, and your "i bash wisconsin because i'm trendy"... fuck all of you.

Anonymous (August 8, 2004)

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.

Anonymous (August 6, 2004)

i fucking hate living in appleton. especially with pieces of shit like these guys.

Jd (August 5, 2004)

"Maybe you have small fucksticks and this makes them appear bigger"

this shit keeps me entertained all day at work....absolutely nothing to do about music. awesome. hahaha

Anonymous (August 5, 2004)

define yuppie...

Anonymous (August 5, 2004)

Madeline Island is a yuppie piece of shit island, I tell you what!

-BSD