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Spitalfield

Better Than Knowing Where You Are (2006)
Victory Records

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

Published on October 10th 2006

Spitalfield broke through more or less with the energetic and charismatic Remember Right Now. The album was filled with hooks and was a rather fun and catchy pop-punk release. They followed it up with Stop Doing Bad Things, which traded in the charm and fun for a matured, indie approach to the pop-punk sound. On Better Than Knowing Where You Are, Spitalfield take the few aspects that worked on their previous release and mix in some of the hooks of their debut, while still progressing as musicians with stronger song structures and better musicianship.

"The Only Thing that Matters" showcases a strong start loaded with an upbeat, mature rock opening that gives way to an extremely catchy chorus. "On the Floor" shows that Spitalfield has finally gotten it all together, as the played out and monotonous sound of Stop Doing Bad Things has been completely re-worked and fails to shun their older pop-punk influences as often here. "Secrets in Mirrors" comes out pumping with an anthem-inducing drum line and gives way to some solid riffing, atmospheric verses, and a well written and memorable chorus that ties it all together.

"Hold On" is the best example that Spitalfield have improved as a musical unit since Stop Doing Bad Things. A majority of the time, when bands like these slow it down they lose everything that makes them special. However, Spitalfield finally have the talent to craft a slow song that won’t lull the listener to sleep. "Lasting First Impression" is a gritty pop-punk song that will lodge itself into your brain and get your foot tapping along with the music; it's basically a summary of all the aspects that make up Better Than Knowing Where You Are and is a fine way to close the album.

Spitalfield established a solid fan base with their Victory debut and alienated some of their fans with the approach on Stop Doing Bad Things. On Better Than Knowing Where You Are they improved heavily off of Stop Doing Bad Things while bringing back some of their influences from their earlier days. The result is an entirely impressive album that is as good musically as it is catchy.

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xartaficial_romance (November 20, 2007)

to bad they had to breakup...

Punky_Chips_Ahoy_Oi_Oi_Oi (October 12, 2006)

Spitalfield has a new CD out. Kid's across America are cleaning the lenses on their plastic glasses, putting on their cardigan sweaters, and hopping in their VW's for a trip to the local Best Buy.

crazytoledo (October 12, 2006)

It only sold around 2800 album for its first week.

If only Victory pushed this like they do for Aiden.

Anonymous (October 12, 2006)

This is one of favorite of the year. I hope this album takes off for them.

Anonymous (October 11, 2006)

xScottHeiselCorex

onegirlarmy (October 10, 2006)

This is a great album. I don't see personally how people can feel Remember Right Now was their best release. Granted, I liked that record a lot when it came out and it was what made me like Spitalfield, but the last record and now this one show drastic improvement in songwriting and even music skill, especially since Spitalfield plays in a genre where most bands don't bother even trying to "progress". RRN is a good album for what it is, but this and the last record I think are far and away better. Even if they do play what is considered "radio rock", its not like they're huge or anything. From what I've seen, they barely get any promotion at all.

Kursk (October 10, 2006)

Remember Right Now was a terrible album, Stop Doing Bad Things I actually really liked, I didn't know they had a new album out, hopefully it's as good as the review has led me to believe.

Scruffy (October 10, 2006)

"crazytoledo sold his soul to Victory,damn! what the hell happened!"

crazytoledo is actually far more critical of Victory now than he used to be. It just so happens that this CD doesn't suck.

tylerdurden8136 (October 10, 2006)

I gave up on this band after their last release, but I might have to check this out now.

WainscottRockCity (October 10, 2006)

More like Spittle-field

Anonymous (October 10, 2006)

I thought this band sucked before this release.

Oskurt_Redwall (October 10, 2006)

I like this band a lot and I am hugely disappointed in this effort. Some really horrific radio-rock-schlock tracksI have to skip over every time. Damn. What happened?

chickswithdicks (October 10, 2006)

fuck off

crazytoledo (October 10, 2006)

crazytoledo sold his soul to Victory,damn! what the hell happened!

Umm, just to let you know, I gave low scores to 3 out of my last 4 Victory Reviews (this being the exception) and I don't see any of the 4 releases coming out on the 31st that I haven't reviewed yet getting any better scores.

Anonymous (October 10, 2006)

Reminds me of Anberlin

HeresLookinAtYou (October 10, 2006)

this is actually rather enjoyable

Snakes (October 10, 2006)

crazytoledo sold his soul to Victory,damn! what the hell happened!

dusticles (October 10, 2006)

remember right now is still the best thing spitalfield has put out.

p.s. im seeing these guys on thursday in a record store. should be cool

Anonymous (October 10, 2006)

I think this is their best effort to date. Nice review.

almostpunkenough (October 10, 2006)

the first 'toledo review i've ever completely agreed with.

i really like this album a lot.

GlassPipeMurder (October 10, 2006)

And I'm being generous.

Scruffy (October 10, 2006)

I've never liked Spitalfield before, but I almost bought this CD based on what I heard. It's not bad. There are some really interesting musical parts, and it borders on JEW in parts.

BrendanKelly (October 10, 2006)

yay! two toledo reviews!