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Digger

The Promise Of An Uncertain Future (1998)
Hopeless Records

Reviewer Rating:

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

Published on December 10th 2004

It saddened me when I discovered on their webpage that Digger was breaking up. I was also kinda surprised to see that Keystone was the only CD reviewed on this website. Even though it's not their best work, I figure I should write a bit about Promise of an Uncertain Future, since it makes a nice starting place and is still a solid album.

The main quibble I have with PoaUF is its inconsistency. Songs such as "Picture Perfect" and "Past Mistakes" show superb pop songwriting skills, posessing hooks and melodies that stay in the listener's head long after the first listen. "Space Cadet," "Blocked Up," and "Quitters Never Win" have a depth to them that's sorely lacking in most pop-punk and a simplicity and upbeat style usually absent in emo.

However, some of the songs just seem thrown in without much of the thought and care given to the aforementioned tracks. Certainly a goofy sense of humor was one of the staples of early Digger, but the lack of seriousness and attention to detail in some of the songwriting doesn't serve this album. Although it's their second full-length, it really feels like a debut effort, especially in tracks 3 to 6. The lack of consistency in songwriting makes it seem like Digger's still trying to find their style and weakens the album as a whole.

Sure, their style was never anything earthshattering or groundbreaking, but Digger played a combination of pop-punk and emo that managed to combine the best traits of both genres. Their songs, especially on PoaUF, always seemed more genuine, honest, and heartfelt. This album just falls a little short of greatness.

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Dycelot (July 14, 2010)

did i say better than keystone? i meant monte carlo. silly me. keystone was awesome.

Dycelot (July 12, 2010)

I'm surprised that so many people preferred Keystone! My pals and I saw that album as a bit of a let down after Powerbait and POAUF. I agree with the reviewer in this case, except i'll add a half a point to my review because i thought Yammer and Board Games were great songs.

thatswack (January 7, 2005)

I agree with the review. They seem like a compassionate, honest band. No over-production, or glossy image to be seen.

housewrecker (December 17, 2004)

Bro I wish I was 19

Anonymous (December 15, 2004)

said the 19 year old

housewrecker (December 15, 2004)

Yes we all know I want my hat back is a great song, but come on, they have written tons of great songs. And all you youngsters that are stoked about the hat song need to go and buy Got Beat Up and Real Life Story of Teenage Rebellion by Chris's old band Weston.

DestroyPopRadio (December 14, 2004)

My old band played with them in Santa Barbara one time. I thought they sucked, but the next time they came through the area, we were still playing to high school crowds of 100 or less and they were touring with Alkaline Trio. So, what do I know? Nice guys though.

Anonymous (December 14, 2004)

monte carlo was better than this but it still sounded like it was recorded for about 500 bucks over 2 days in the studio. the vocals were not so hot either. these guys alwasy sounded like that local band thats pretty good, but probalby doesnt desearve a record deal.

Anonymous (December 13, 2004)

I I I. why is it so fucking emo to always talk about yourself? just review the music, dick.

muskawo_ (December 13, 2004)

I agree with everyone who said they like "I want my hat back" Score is for them.

JeffWithOneEff (December 12, 2004)

Monte Carlo was their best. soooo good