The Audition

The Audition: Controversy Loves CompanyControversy Loves Company (2005)
Victory Records

Reviewer Rating: 2.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: InaGreendaseBrian
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on September 23rd 2005Don't ask how, but I really enjoyed the Academy Is...'s debut full-length. I truly believe it's far and away the best thing to come out of a new school of Chicago pop-punk artists drawing considerably more from Taking Back Sunday and Fall Out Boy than Jawbreaker, but mostly because TAI shook off muc.

Don't ask how, but I really enjoyed the Academy Is...'s debut full-length. I truly believe it's far and away the best thing to come out of a new school of Chicago pop-punk artists drawing considerably more from Taking Back Sunday and Fall Out Boy than Jawbreaker, but mostly because TAI shook off much of the former similarity in question and traded it in for more of a straight, sunny emo pop sound, paced just right, nearly jazzy at points, and mostly never sounding like they're trying too hard. It's too bad none of their peers seem to even creep close to that ambition. The latest middle road example comes in the form of the Audition, whose debut full-length Controversy Loves Company not only falls into said new school rather drop-like, but could very well end up falling into lazy comparisons with TAI. The Audition separate themselves a bit with slightly more strident tempos and a vocalist who heavily resembles Over It's Peter Munters at certain inflections, but unfortunately, it's not quite as memorable or creative despite their attempts at big choruses and soft/loud dynamics track in and out.

"The Ultimate Cover Up" has a cool drum fill at one moment, but would ultimately only be further proof of potential if the songwriting showed stronger points than "so is this what you wanted? Too bad, it's what you got / so should this be my farewell? / C'mon! You know me too well." Additional offering "Approach the Bench" shows promise, though. It's a bit more aggressive than the rest of the record surrounding it, and its choral hook of "I should be ashamed of this -- I'm not!" is likely to abruptly pull in any listener even passing by. "Lawyers" has a similarly cynical chorus as well, but ruined a bit by dual "whoa-whoas." In fact, the greatest moments are all up for grabs in the second half seemingly, a rare occurrence of a record that really does save the best for last.

While Controversy isn't necessarily outright irritating like some of its companions, there's several directly obnoxious points, all related to the word 'dance' or its theme in general. One is a distorted backup vocal line of "dance, dance, dance, dance, dance" that pops up in the chorus of the opener, and you're surely left wondering if anyone isn't picking up on what's essentially a ripped off harmony from Fall Out Boy's "Dance, Dance," just with a further descent on the singing scale. The other moment is downright cheesy; it's in "Don't Be So Hard" (a track surely appropriate for TAI comparisons), with a chorus that's meant to be an exchange between two partners: "'Hold me, hold me...' / 'If I were to...' / 'I can't, can't, I swear I won't let you.'" It sounds visibly like "I can't dance! / I swear I won't let you" is being sung, and several liner note-less listens will surely trick a listener into that permanent habit of hearing. "La Rivalita" suggests dancing to the "beat of the drama," and the floor looks rather empty.

Controversy Loves Company is actually a much better effort than what I was expecting from someone who, at the present time, is merely another number in a ridiculous multitude of sprouting artists deriving from the aforementioned. It's certainly pockmarked to no end with potential; if the Audition can strip themselves of their rare moments of plagiarism and distance themselves a bit from a sound that just sounds entirely too recent, we've got a certified guilty pleasure on our hands.

STREAM
Dance Halls Turn to Ghost Towns
You've Made Us Conscious

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

aust10 (November 6, 2008)

the lead singers cousin had an abbortion bc i told her i wouldn't take care of the baby that wasnt mine; i bullshit you all not!

tp2 (May 9, 2008)

dude this band is the RADEST band ever kick ass mayjor i heard them live and it was sick shit thats 1 of the reasons why i going to warped tour warped tour is f**ckin RAD 2

xartaficial_romance (November 21, 2007)

loved the album. enjoyable live. put on one hell of a show in Pittsburgh.

dumhed01 (October 5, 2006)

The singer has a good voice. But i don't like 'em.
Fuck you.

Anonymous (June 2, 2006)

This is by far one of the most amazing Cds i have picked up in a verry long its one of those cds where there isnt one song that you dont like on it but still diverse enough to where it isnt boring. Not only is the album good but the live show is even better I had the pleasure of seeing them last night for the first time and i must say it was one of the best shows ive ever seen!

-Geo

mokey (May 15, 2006)

If Brian knew what he was talking about, he would know that the ripped off lyrics were done by Fall Out Boy, not the Audition

LostRustyBabe (April 2, 2006)

You guys dont only Rock U Rock Hard

Anonymous (March 14, 2006)

I think you'll totally rock, ever since I've seen you'll on June I have had the hots for you'll, keep rocking.

Anonymous (March 8, 2006)

i love the audition.... =)

Anonymous (March 1, 2006)

I love this band , fucking great band, i hung out with them after the show, there going to be big in a couple of months

Anonymous (January 16, 2006)

speaking of scenesters... these fucking kids are scenesters... if you only know them as the victory band they are, then you probably wont understand. i know these kids, theyre as scenester as you can get. fuck this horrible cd. fuck it.

Anonymous (January 12, 2006)

i love this album i love this band i've been listening to them forever now even when they were underground this album is awesome!

crazytoledo (January 3, 2006)

If scenesters were true.

Ther Audition, Junior Varsity, Bayside, Aiden, etc. would be the best bands.

Funny how 99% of the people forget about them a few weeks later.

crazytoledo (January 3, 2006)

At least this isn't emo. It's pop punk that's neither pop or punk.

I guess it doesnt really matter. It can be catchy, but it isn't anything to special.

The fact that a lot of scenesters (which Auduition seem to not like, ironically their in that same scene) call them the best ever now, but forget later, is funny.

Anonymous (January 2, 2006)

I am from Chicago and I know the boys from theAUDITION fairly well. I just want to comment on that whole "dance" thing. In no way is it a rip off of Fall Out Boy, its actually the other way around. In the Song La Rivalita, the line "Wake up and dance, dance to the beat of the drama." actually pokes a little fun at the situation. Go read AP Magazine #210 (Jan. 2006) and read the article on theAUDITION. Here's a quote from Ryan O'Connor, drummer of theAUDITION. "Before we recorded our record, there was another band-they're kind of a lot bigger than us-and I guess they liked one of the ideas we had going on."........."They kind of borrowed the idea, and in 'La Rivalita' we poke fun at that."

Anonymous (December 30, 2005)

THE BEST ROCK BAND EVER!!, Great Album!!!

candicerox (December 27, 2005)

i may be wrong but still i think the audition is a wonderful band the get along theyre funny and much less the make really good music u should look over the way the dress or how trhey have changed becuse u never know if u do u might find that u like them maybe even just alil bit

Anonymous (December 23, 2005)

no, they just suck. and youre obviously an idiot.

candicerox (December 16, 2005)

okay to all u little pissers who have sumthing bad or mean to say bout this band dont be so harsh its not the clothing that makes a band its the friendships and responsiblities so just if u have sumthing to say bout them tell the true reason why u dont like them but i promise oneday the will change and be one of the best bands eva well xoxo candice adair

Anonymous (December 16, 2005)

i love them so much they are like one of those really amazing bands that will take a ruff start to get big but will eventally hit it real big just look at how avengeg sevenfold did they just need to figure ouut what they can do to gain even more fans even if it may just mean dress more hardcore than prepy or just dance around like bert from the used but it may just take peple to catchon by the guys growing up and discovering who they really are and showing people who they are so get out there boys dance around try new clothes out or grow up but have tons of fun doing so but send ur vidios to mtv trl and i garrentee fans will love and even people who dont know who u are will catch on to ya
xoxo cadice adair

Anonymous (December 16, 2005)

most chill and down to earth band out there

Anonymous (November 28, 2005)

this band is pathetic. even when they had their original members they were pathetic. altho i liked bob. i guess their done with their "screamo" phase. the bassist joe was told he could no longer scream in this band, and now victory is taking more steps to make them what they want. they dress different now, even tho its still fashionable. i mean, popped collars?? come one... pink polo's? nice hair dipshits. man this band is fucking lame... i bet they still have girlpants.

Anonymous (October 25, 2005)

This review is really mean and insulting considering i have been a big fan of The Audition since 2004. I guess they are a new band trying to start out their career and you're just a critic trying to shoot them down. I don't believe they would ever rip off songs from some of their good friends and their music is constantly in my head. You can't deny it either; they're one of the best indie/emo bands I've heard in a while. They're better than a lot of bands out there and their lyrics are far from cheesy; they write about their life experiences, if you didn't know. I'm just sayin...

Anonymous (October 12, 2005)

This album is clearly a weak attempt at capturing a weak musical scene. It holds no staying power. The Audition is to emo/pop punk as Ratt was too the 80's hair metal. They will come and go with the passing on the genre. There is not enough substance or intellectual musical curiosity to keep this band around for more albums that people will listen to. Hopefully when Victory falls (and it will) it can take all of these bands with it. I agree with the review, because despite its shallow appeal, it still has a catchy appeal. But it still is shallow. If The Beatles represent getting married to the love of your life, then The Audition represents a cheap lap dance from a drunk hooker. They are transparent, two dimensional, but they are great posterchildren for the music scene. The Audition will be found in 16 year old suburban girls lockers before they are found anywhere near musical credibility. There is no depth or emotion. There is a marketing scheme and girls pants.

Anonymous (October 2, 2005)

This new album rocks I don't see how anyone can not like it....Danny Stevens and Ryan O'Connor are rad and I don't see how anyone can not like this album it's the band that inspired my band

Anonymous (September 29, 2005)

sounds like a lot of jealous garage bands.

Anonymous (September 29, 2005)

everyone has the right to their own opions, but as another reviewer mentions, get your facts straight before you suggest the audition took anything from fall out boy. why dont you ask them what the meaning behind dance dance dance is. Maybe if you listen to the whole song "here is a track you can count on losing" you might be able to figure out what that song means. Who took from who???

stricken (September 28, 2005)

victory sucks.. that is all.

Anonymous (September 27, 2005)

While Controversy isn't necessarily outright irritating like some of its companions, there's several directly obnoxious points, all related to the word 'dance' or its theme in general. One is a distorted backup vocal line of "dance, dance, dance, dance, dance" that pops up in the chorus of the opener, and you're surely left wondering if anyone isn't picking up on what's essentially a ripped off harmony from Fall Out Boy's "Dance, Dance," just with a further descent on the singing scale

Dude, that song came out way before FOB's dance dance. "dance halls turn to ghost towns" came out 2 years ago when theaudition was still an underground band, and it was called "dance dance revolution" before they renamed

that was a shitty review, its a great record.

oh yeah good job with your research, dont be so quick to make comments if you have NO idea what you're talking about.

GlassPipeMurder (September 26, 2005)

This album WAS better than I expected, but I can't get past the popped collars.

AlmostPunkEnough (September 26, 2005)

Superdude used to brighten my day...him and insincere dave and joe momma. And Wussemorock.

me too. whatever happened to insincere dave? some of the shit he said was hialrious, but mostly cause he signed it 'insincere dave'. it worked brilliantly for whatever reason.

jones the bones, you're our only hope these days, i hope its not too much pressure.... if it is maybe i can help you, you know, relax and stuff **wink wink**

stevejonestherealbones (September 26, 2005)

hey these guys should Audition some good musicians to play in their band AHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAH

- jones the bones

- stevejones8770@yahoo.com

Anonymous (September 25, 2005)

This score is for the following Chicago bands who tear the ones mentioned in this review a new asshole

Rise Against
Much The Same
Break The Silence
Ryan's Hope

If you like PUNK ROCK and not this derivative emopop shit, check out those bands.

crazytoledo (September 25, 2005)

Brah, you just nuked your credibility at the beginning of this review. Bad idea.

AT leasts he open minded and doesnt say everything that doesnt sound like *insert certain genre* sucks.

GreenVandal (September 24, 2005)

Superdude used to brighten my day...him and insincere dave and joe momma. And Wussemorock.

Anonymous (September 24, 2005)

this band is complete shit.........my cousin was watching some Victory dvd he got in a cd and i saw a part of their video...they have the balls to make fun of the current "scene" by showing kids going to a "scene factory"....the funny thing is, they come out looking exactly like the band and every other band on Victory.

darkstarm (September 23, 2005)

Despite the fact that I always end up writing "total fucking garbage" on every TAI... poster I see around town I guess that means you have some kind of testicular fortitude I'm not familiar with. Anyway uh... how do I wrap this one up nicely. How about... this band is not as good as BearVsShark.

AlmostPunkEnough (September 23, 2005)

YES YES YES YES YES YES!!

superdude is back!!1

oh how i've missed you since that week wehn you posted something retarded in every review. that had to be like 2 years ago.

superdude (September 23, 2005)

Dear the Audition,

Listen, we don't know each other that wel, but I need your help with something.

I've got this audition coming up, and I figure you guys could give me a hand with it. I mean, if anyone could, you could, right?

So here's the deal. The part calls for me to, oh man, I'm uncomfortable even talking about it. Okay, here we go. It's a kissing scene. You know, real kissing.

So what do I do? It's a pretty good part. I haven't been ina production since my grade school Halloween pagent, and there was no kissing in that.

But the girl I have to kiss has braces. Those things are going to rip my lips apart. I've got nice lips, and if they get ruined, well, my career is over.

Enough about me though, I hate asking advice from strangers. So tell me a little bit about yourself.

I hope I'm not rushing you,
Superdude.

tylerdurden8136 (September 23, 2005)

why cant people not like what someone else likes? why fuck off?

pretty sure the point he was trying to make is that just because you don't like something and someone else does, doesn't mean the other person has "no credibility."

Anonymous (September 23, 2005)

"Fuck credibility, one likes what one likes and if one doesn't like it, one can fuck off!"

shouldnt this sentence have ended "one dislikes what one dislikes"?

why cant people not like what someone else likes? why fuck off?

DouglasTheFishie (September 23, 2005)

Fuck credibility, one likes what one likes and if one doesn't like it, one can fuck off!

crazytoledo (September 23, 2005)

More Victory crap...

Marlon (September 23, 2005)

Brian's credibility has been attacked since he became an editor. Admitting he likes some TAI... doesn't really change the fact that while he has a pretty refined music taste he gets down to the occassional pop song.

AlmostPunkEnough (September 23, 2005)

damn Brian, you just gained as much respect as possible from me for admiting you like The Academy Is... that takes balls. the best part is all the morons won't think you have any 'credibility' anymore.

Anonymous (September 23, 2005)

Don't ask how, but I really enjoyed Dashboard Confessional.

Anonymous (September 23, 2005)

Brah, you just nuked your credibility at the beginning of this review. Bad idea.