great music & great live show. this album gets better each time i listen to it. keep rocking out guys.

How dare you. My boys have worked so hard and so honestly to get where they are, and you take them in 2 1/2 paragraphs? Screw you sir. Screw you.

Not to drag it on.... like it hasnt already. But to Quote Freds(the singers) last band The Twirpentines... " i hope you know you have the choice to get up and walk out." So if you dont like it dont listen to it. as for me im going to go listen to it again. Very well done Signal Home.
Jason

Pretty harsh review in my opinion. I really like this cd. I dont think that there is a weak track on it. But we are all allowed to have our own opinions. Im not going to call this dude an idiot. But maybe give it another listen and read the lyrics, I freakin' love it.
jason

PS im not in the band... just incase any thoughts

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 10:43 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Maybe them working hard for 10 years in other bands and such without labels and finally getting a chance to be heard might explain it why that shouldn't be a turn off... and if you stuck around for their set i find it hard to believe that anything turned you off.

when people say at shows, "we're on carbon copy now, getting the change we've always deserved.." it's sort of a turn off.

Posted by Kursk on 2006-09-25 17:32:33
My Score:

I got to know these guys when I let them crash at my apartment after a show about a week or so ago, great guys. great live show, and great album. This band is the only redeemable quality to JT of Hawthorne Heights.

Posted by FightToLive on 2006-09-25 06:23:56
My Score:

Not an f'in screamo band, if this band is screamo so is Hot Water Music and Jawbreaker. I will say they're more of an indie band than a punk rock band however, even if they share the DIY ethics of the punk scene. Just because they're on a label run by someone IN a screamo band, doesn't make them one, and to think so, is ignorant. I genuinely enjoy this album and the honesty in the words and music. Give the album an actual chance and you won't be dissapointed.

i just was reading this, and i am playing a show with these guys on tuesday the 26th and i think they are an amazing band. they've got so many things going on but they find a way to keep it sounding pretty straight forward in some ways. if you dont like the record. then dont fight over it, because obviously it isn't worth your time. say you dont like it and leave it at that. plus, if someone ever says orgcore or tatecore again. you should probably rethink the entire reason you're alive.

the comment below me was saying about oil and water.
it just so happens that these guys turned me onto a band called the cardinal sin and i bought a 6 song demo cd called oil and water.

Slightly off-topic question: Does anyone know if the label is still planning on going through Victory for distribution beyond the next few releases? I mean, I would think the relationship between Woodruff and Victory would be just a little awkward considering recent events.

Posted by GreenVandal on 2006-09-23 21:56:00
My Score:

Your acting like these guys have actually done something ground breaking or something. This is really boring and played out.

I aggree scruffy, that ignoring bad aspects of the band are a disservice, but my initial reaction to the review was disappointment, and still is, because of its innaccuracy. It just does not seem like an honest review for such a great album.

"I know these guys too, but that doesn't make the record good. It sucks. Go back to Meadville and try again."

The comment I made about tearing bands down refers to this type of comment exzactly. Prideful, at best.

"And yes, the fact that these are some of the nicest people in the music industry does make a difference because focusing on the bad aspects of the album(when any real musician can tell that there are so many good aspects of it) is only tearing them down."

And ignoring the bad aspects because they're all "some of the nicest people" is doing a disservice to their music, the scene in general and them as people. You can be the nicest guy in the world, but I'm going to judge your music on the music itself.
Let me note that I have not heard this, and am in no way making my own judgment on whether it is good or not. I am merely pointing out that how nice the band is should not have any influence on how well the album is reviewed.

After listening to some of the songs on the stream, I'd have to say that Brian was being a little harsh on this band. They're pretty good.

johnnyafd, I am soooo stoked for you! If this is your idea of one of the best records ever created, you are in for a world of enjoyment when you discover the 10,000,000 other records that are better than anything this band will ever do.

I know these guys too, but that doesn't make the record good. It sucks. Go back to Meadville and try again.

Posted by maverick on 2006-09-23 12:29:49
My Score:

"It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest albums ever written."

What the hell, did this site get its wires crossed with the absolutepunk.net comment section? Who says shit like that?

I agree with most of what Brian says here. I have this record, and I've also seen these guys live, and I enjoyed what they were going for, but not what they pulled off -- they're mixing orgcore and tatecore and it makes the songs cluttered and without a sole direction. This band could pick either side of the coin and probably excel, but they're forcing their sound into an undeveloped sub-subgenre (and it's undeveloped for a reason). It's like oil and water.

-Scott

Aint heard it, but all this fan boy love makes me want to d/l it to see what the fuss is about.
.
Moo

Posted by johnnyafd on 2006-09-23 02:11:08
My Score:

A Fragile Constitutional, since the day i drove an hour with mono to pick it up at their cd release show, has been in my car cd player ever since and has only left it once to be ripped onto my computer. It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest albums ever written.

If Brian cannot feel the emotion and sincerity felt in the vocals, then i guess he has missed out.

This band is responsible for giving me hope in the music scene time and time again, and it is a shame that any "experienced" reviewer would place them in a bin of cliches. I guess taking influences of different bands and turning them into great music isnt something that good bands do... wait, nevermind.

And yes, the fact that these are some of the nicest people in the music industry does make a difference because focusing on the bad aspects of the album(when any real musician can tell that there are so many good aspects of it) is only tearing them down.

Brian, listen to this album again, and i agree on the whole "new job search" idea.

I also think it's funny how the band members of this band all got on and wrote themselves anonymous comments, supporting themselves ^.^

or if it's not them, it's their best friends, significant others, parents.

whoever bashed the blood brothers is a fucking idiot. bash the multitudes of me-too bands they've started, but that band is one of the only things that screamo has going for it right now.

and this cd sucks.
and brian's reviews are usually good.

i think a lot of people are too worried what label they are on to care about the music! who cares!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 22, 2006 at 8:30 PM (EDT)
My Score:

this cd is one of the most refreshing cd's i have heard in a long long time. the vocals are raw and the guitars are awesome. you can tell fred and the rest of the band put their heart and soul into this album. i definately dont agree with the reviewer.

Brian,
Your a moron.

I don't even know what to say.

It is painfully apparent that some angry dude linked to this review on some Signal Home message board telling all you guys to come on here and say the album is great.

First off, you don't need to do that, since the link to stream the entire album is included.

Secondly, this isn't a review of their live show, it's a review of this particular cd. Brian isn't saying the band is terrible in everything they do, he is saying this one cd is average (not bad).

Thirdly, Brian knows what he's talking about. He's an administrator of this site, one of the biggest punk rock websites on the internet.

Fourthly, you guys clearly don't understand punknews preferences. He wasn't attacking the vocals as a whole. He, and the majority of regular readers of this website, like this style vocals. He is taking issue with the out of place and obstrusive screaming.

First, the Rx Bandits are awesome. How anyone could use them as ammunition to question someone's taste, I'll never know.

Second, "this record is the best mix of TBS HWM and jawbreaker and what not i've heard in a while"? I think most people's problem is the TBS.

Third, to everyone who is coming in here saying, basically, " Hey! The reviewer is an idiot! Shut up, Brian! This band is good. Sure, they may not sound great at first, but if you get to know them, it makes sense. They're my friends, and they're good!" Whatever.
Stop that. You're doing your friends a disservice when you do that. And this goes to anyone across the world who tells themselves (and the friend in the band) they like their friend's band, even if they wouldn't were they not friends. I've seen way too many people think they were awesome because their friends liked them. Myself, none of my friends told me they liked my bands when the bands were crap. It pushed me to get better. Tell your friends (and yourself) what you honestly think about their band.
Also, no reviewer is ever expected to review an album based on "knowing these guys". The most honest reviews are by people who only know the music on the disc and the booklet in their hands. That's all the music should be judged by.

Your a moron. I dont really care for the type of music they play, however, the only thing more clear to me than your ignorance is your lack of musical....anything. Dont review records man, review you backgroud for possible new jobs. Leave the music reviews to people that know what they are talking about. If you insist on reviewing records, I strongly encourage you to listen to somthing other than cartel and new found glory. You blow man.

Signal Home, keep rocking hard and take what tools like this guy say with a grain of salt. And remeber hes TALKING about YOUR record. Dont forget that. Your higher on the chain, with out you he would have nothing to do to inflate is empty head.

Guys, there's a reason why bands don't stop in Meadville, PA. This is why.

Signal Home is okay live, by the by.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 22, 2006 at 5:22 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I thought these guys were a bunch of jabronies untill i heard this AMAZING record

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 22, 2006 at 5:18 PM (EDT)
My Score:

the review is way harsh.. and the reviewer lists an Rxbandits record as one of his top albums c'mon !!
mike t you like crap bands and are in one yourself
this record is the best mix of TBS HWM and jawbreaker and what not i've heard in a while and alot more sincere than 90% of the new bands out there ...

I almost took this review to heart until I saw that the fucking Blood Brothers were one of the reviewers top rated bands, those guys blow ass so hard its not even funny. Oh well, I award you no points based on your lack of musical taste, and will say this CD is really good, and I dont give a shit what label its on.

Brian,
Your a moron. I dont really care for the type of music they play, however, the only thing more clear to me than your ignorance is your lack of musical....anything. Dont review records man, review you backgroud for possible new jobs. Leave the music reviews to people that know what they are talking about. If you insist on reviewing records, I strongly encourage you to listen to somthing other than cartel and new found glory. You blow man.

Signal Home, keep rocking hard and take what tools like this guy say with a grain of salt. And remeber hes TALKING about YOUR record. Dont forget that. Your higher on the chain, with out you he would have nothing to do to inflate is empty head.

Rock on SH!!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 22, 2006 at 4:29 PM (EDT)
My Score:

this is mike t, i cant remember my password.

i think its a fair rating, im friends with them, ive known them since back in the walnut street/twirpentine days but the record is nothing that really stands out to me when put in with everything else that has come out this year. I do wish them the best of luck with the record, but they're a LOT better live than recorded, which has been the case for each band they've been in. Though i do know they spent a hell of a lot of time recording that record, hahaha, too long if you ask me! They're the best band thats still on that label or was on that label and im glad to see them getting the chance they've wanted. Especially after playing with bands that they were better than and seeing those bands getting put in the lime light. im glad they're getting their shot.

I've seen them live numerous times, they are good friends.

When i first got into our local scene.. this was the only band that stood out to me. They take some getting used to, but when you meet the guys personally and share expierences with them.. you get used to it. it's different, that's for sure. But I'm sick of hearing the same old things. Yes, HWM does play a great influence on them. This cd is a solid record.
I can listen to it, time and time again.

Like Lou, I have seen this band, I would guess, about a thousand times. And also like Lou, I do know them personally. So I might be a bit biased, but I think this review was a bit harsh.
Fred, their lead singer doesn't have the kind of voice that you hear all the time; it's a bit rough, and it may take some "getting used to" on the part of new listeners. But what his voice and his lyrics have is heart, and that kind of heart is what I think is missing from a lot of music these days.
And to those who seem curious, a lot of the screaming is done by their other guitarist, Troy.
I guess that all I can say is not to just write them off as another screamo band before you give them a chance. They're good guys doing something in a very heartfelt way. And if you go to one of their shows, they will do everything in their power to make sure everyone there is having fun.

I think that the reviewer is being extremely harsh on the band just because of their label, this album is great as far as the songs go, maybe not so much the order and overall layout of the cd

be honest though, how can u bash on signal home

if you went to truckfest you know that they do w/e they can to keep a show going

to the guy a few comments down asking about the vocals...

the singer himself actually has a rather rough voice, ala someone like brendan from the larry arms. and he does a lot of singing. i'm not really sure who did some of the screams he's referring to. i guess it was fred (the singer) but i'm not sure on all of 'em.

and like the guy below me said, if this didn't come out on carbon copy the reviewer'd be a lot more likely to be stressing the jawbreaker, hwm, tla influences and focusing less on any tbs and co. references.

I think the reviewer is a little harsh on this. If it wasn't on Carbon Copy, you all would give it a better shot. It really does sound a lot like Hot Water Music mixed with Taking Back Sunday and I agree with the reviewer that is kind of an awkward pairing.

Then again when Taking Back Sunday came out, I thought it sounded just like Digger.

I'll take signal lost over this any day!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 22, 2006 at 3:38 AM (EDT)
My Score:

It seems the review mainly talked about the dude's voice. I guess it's hard to enjoy a record if you can't enjoy the singer. The vocals aside though, I'd like to know how the songs themselves hold up. With Jawbreaker influenced guitars, and what would be good pop punk songs, it seems that the only issue with the record might be the reviewers taste in vocals?

ps - when i say "definitely agree with the reviewer" i am in no way endorsing his particular opinions expressed within the review, i merely think his general point that there are whateveryouwannacallwhatspopularnowcore overtones to some tracks that take away from an otherwise very good album.

first, i suppose. i've seen these guys a thousand times and know them personally, so i might be a bit biased. although i'd have given this a 6.5 if i didn't really know them.

i think the blackout pact tour pairing was a good analysis (and i kind of like that method of explaining a bands' sound)

there's some stuff on here i'm not crazy about. the good is pretty good though. and it's all fun live. so yeah, even though i definitely agree with the reviewer i'd recommend giving it a listen. there's a few tracks that really do stand out.