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Between Home and Serenity

Power Weapons in the Complex (2005)
Rust Records

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

Published on January 8th 2006

I really wonder about the mindset of a band like a Senses Fail. Do they revel in the fact that they’ve spawned thousands upon thousands of horrid imitators? Do they get a sense of satisfaction knowing that the underground music scene is overflowing with trite garbage, and rehashes of rehashes? Or are they not even really aware of the scope of what they and similar bands have done? Either way, there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight for “nü-screamo,” as it’s been dubbed.

Between Home and Serenity are fresh off the assembly line; they’ve probably still got packing peanuts on their matching Volcom shirts. If you haven’t heard their songs before, you’ve probably made yourself a magical land where this type of music doesn’t exist, because there’s nothing unique within miles of this album.

I feel like I’m repeating myself every single time I write a review now, and maybe it’s because I’m reviewing so many bands that fit this exact same profile. Melodic guitars, layered harmonies, and then some harsh screaming thrown in simply because every once in a while. These bands rip off their own formulas from one song to the next, without any shame whatsoever. For what it is, as with most bands like this, it’s really decent. Decent as in, had I heard this album in 2001, I probably would have dug it. The singer’s got a decent range on him, and can let loose and scream, but it all follows such a similar, predictable pattern that I have to strain myself to really pull any sort of enjoyment out of this. Writing decent tunes is one thing, any band can do that, but giving them some staying power is where this band falls short.

I really think they’d be better in a traditional pop-rock setting, just completely omitting the screams. Had they followed the cues of an Anberlin, a Cartel, they’d do just fine, but since they feel the need to incorporate those cliché screams, it feels too pre-fabricated.

You’ve heard it, you liked it or you didn’t, and based on that answer, you’ll feel the same about this.

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Anonymous (January 19, 2006)

The Staff faggot that reviewed this is fucked up he doesnt know shit about music

Anonymous (January 17, 2006)

You guys are assholes.. seriously. They sound alright to me.

hubitcherkokov (January 10, 2006)

Or picking up body armor or a crate of proximity mines and then throwing a mine under the armor/box. Totally hidden. That was my favorite.

maverick (January 9, 2006)

You're referring to proximity mines in the stacks. My specialty. The best was plating the the proxies on top of body armor. People never knew what hit 'em.

-Scott

hubitcherkokov (January 9, 2006)

I loved playing levels where the walls were gray and shooting a bunch of rounds into the walls and then throwing a proximity mine. They were nearly impossible to see.

Anonymous (January 9, 2006)

this is coming from the city of gordon solie mother fuckers. wow.

Anonymous (January 9, 2006)

I would give anything for this band to have been from another city...

Anchors (January 8, 2006)

Man if you got good with proximity mines, it was deadly. I forget which level it was, but there was that one high perch on the left side at the end of the level. You have to cross a catwalk to get to the ramp that leads up to it, so putting mines there, and waiting up in the perch, you could see anyone trying to come after you, and shoot the hell out of them if they even made it past the mines.

hubitcherkokov (January 8, 2006)

I'd play anything but the caves. Personally, I was partial to proximity mines.

Anonymous (January 8, 2006)

ummm sense fail didn't inspire a thousand rip offs. they are one of the thousand rip offs.

Anchors (January 8, 2006)

Hahaha man, I didn't even notice that connection. Complex was the best level in that game, with catacombs not far behind.

hubitcherkokov (January 8, 2006)

Actually, the album title gets a 10. Goldeneye rules.

hubitcherkokov (January 8, 2006)

I saw them maybe a year ago and their music is really bad and cookie cutter, but they do play it well, especially for being so young.

Anonymous (January 8, 2006)

i took a college course with the lead singer and every time they had a show he would beg me to go....he was really gay

maverick (January 8, 2006)

I hate this band with an undying passion reserved typically for Tim Kinsella, Conor Oberst and Bracket. Die, BHAS, die.

-Scott

Anonymous (January 8, 2006)

i went to high school with these guys and all i can say is that if i hear someone say how awesome BHAS is one more time i am going to scream! they suck

crazytoledo (January 8, 2006)

This band's from my state and they played an acoustic set in the mall in my city. Their okay at best.