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The Classic Crime’s Tooth & Nail debut, Albatross could easily launch the band to the front of the scene. Not only is their album a solid mix of catchy rock songs with some pop-punk influence, but Matt MacDonald manages to find a vocal approach in between fan favorites Patrick Stump and Brendon Urie. And while their catchy rock isn’t exactly the most creative style on the market, for the most part, they make it work.

Albatross is loaded with rock-driven verses that give way for pop-punk choruses that display strong and emotional vocals. On tracks like "The Coldest Heart" and "All the Memories," you’d swear you were listening to a matured Panic! at the Disco, minus the keys. The former has one of the catchiest choruses heard in a long time, easily. "The Fight" starts with a kick drum intro that sounds completely ripped off from Fall Out Boy’s "Dance, Dance." However, the song manages to handle itself better with a strong rock approach and a sweeping solo at the end, which is icing on the cake compared to MacDonald’s vocals.

While at first some of the slower songs, like "Who Needs Air," seem to lack what made the faster songs above par, it allows the lyrics and vocal range to shine; "I’m drowning, but I don’t care, 'cause when you got what I got, who needs air?" Sure, they're not the best lyrics ever, but it’s something easily relatable and not completely bad, especially compared to the typical fare of the genre.

The Classic Crime’s Albatross is a fine effort by a young band that isn’t ashamed to wear their influences on their sleeves. However, unlike the bands they are influenced by, the Classic Crime manage to craft a mature album that is as smart as it is catchy.

So someone turn up the volume and let’s have a party.



People who liked this also liked:
Fall Out Boy - From Under The Cork TreeProtest the Hero - KeziaTaking Back Sunday - Tell All Your FriendsMy Chemical Romance - Three Cheers For Sweet RevengeUnderoath - They're Only Chasing SafetyBrand New - Deja EntenduFall Out Boy - Take This to Your GraveLess Than Jake - AnthemPanic! At the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat OutThe Academy Is... - Almost Here



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    Posted by crazytoledo on 2006-05-31 11:49:44

    I (he) like Ed Gein.

    Im a guy.

    Posted by SilentStorms on 2006-05-30 21:29:16
    My Score:

    At least he/she likes Ed Gein, they're pretty good.

    Posted by SilentStorms on 2006-05-30 21:27:47
    My Score:

    Yikes, this sounds horrible. Didn't this reviewer give Atreyu's new album above 4 stars? Well, this band is still as generic as they come. And Fallout Boy and Panic are not punk - they are the new breed of pop. Lates.

    Posted by Kionabreeze on 2006-05-30 00:18:46

    Band members range in age from 20 - 23. If you heard them prior to late 2004, they were known locally as 'Orizon'.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 29, 2006 at 11:12 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Score is for how funny the movie super troopers is. Meow.

    Posted by givemeamuseumandillfillit on 2006-05-28 20:24:10

    Young band?
    I might be totally out of line here, but i thought this band was ex-glassjaw and they were all over 25?

    If you just meant that they havn't been that long together, then you're still pretty wrong becuase i remember hearing these guys 3 years ago.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 4:56 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Tune into BUZZ ROCK RADIO
    Sunday May 28th at 5pm (eastern, 2 pm Western) to hear the crew of THE BLOCK
    interview
    upcoming band THE CLASSIC CRIME.

    Tune in to http://www.buzzrock.2ya.com at 5 pm to hear their interview.

    Posted by ElVaquero on 2006-05-28 14:03:40

    so does this sound like atreyu?

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 10:09 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    heard it..it sucked..turned off

    Posted by Kionabreeze on 2006-05-27 17:27:28
    My Score:

    OOps .. didn't get my score in there ... You'll hear more and more of The Classic Crime ... Rock ON!

    Posted by Kionabreeze on 2006-05-27 17:25:56
    My Score:

    Evidently, "Anonymous" didn't listen to the album ... as for the drum intro in 'The Fight' ... that was being played by TCC before we even heard of Panic! ... This is a dynamic, catchy debut album from a band that knows how to rock and their live show is amazing! Just try to keep those melodies from taking over your mind. You'll be hearing more from this band... no doubt! Rock ON!

    Posted by Kionabreeze on 2006-05-27 17:24:45

    Evidently, "Anonymous" didn't listen to the album ... as for the drum intro in 'The Fight' ... that was being played by TCC before we even heard of Panic! ... This is a dynamic, catchy debut album from a band that knows how to rock and their live show is amazing! Just try to keep those melodies from taking over your mind.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 10:39 AM (EDT)

    i hate stuff that is post-something, post means you are boring

    Posted by branden on 2006-05-26 18:43:42
    My Score:

    score is for mcdonald's

    Posted by crazytoledo on 2006-05-26 16:45:44

    Listen to 'Dance Dance' and 'The Fight' and compare the beginnings. Drums are nearly the same thing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 26, 2006 at 2:10 PM (EDT)

    comparing this band to fall out boy is completely unmerited

    Posted by Kidswhowearmakeuprgay on 2006-05-26 10:30:12
    My Score:

    I liked the fight. I feel theres gonna be flameboys flaming this record. Fucking anti-scenester, hipsters you make me sick.

    Posted by leifkills on 2006-05-26 01:15:33

    Yeah not so much.