Punknews.orgPunknews.org Logo
Review Navigator

BackForward

Features

 

Contests

 


Reviews



On their self-titled full-length, Broadway Calls reign in a bit of the latter and give a little more of the former on their pop-punk sound, but the result is a noticeable improvement on their Call the Medic... EP. With bold sing-along-able choruses, subtle hooks, and an overall diverse set of songs on hand it's hard not to like a lot of what Broadway Calls does here.

The best comparison I can make here is the Loved Ones, as I can see any fan of Keep Your Heart clinging rather mightily to Broadway Calls (and this isn't the first time I've drawn that parallel). The newer material of Bay Area's First to Leave might also provide a sensible RIYL, for those who are familiar with the band anyway. The very opener, "Call It Off" is an absolute barnburner; listen to the energetic lines of "we hit the switch and call off all executions / call off all celebrations / this is the last song written" and try to resist singing along -- it's a challenge.

Broadway Calls love melody and spill it forth anywhere they can, but in smart, not-so-overbearing ways. "Van Rides and High Tides" closes wrapped in a mid-tempo, anthemic frame. "Escape from Capital Hill" uses vocal trade-offs to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The acoustic "Save Our Ship" and "Meet Me at Washington Park" seem to challenge Ty Vaughn's moderately shaky voice a bit more than usual, but he manages to ride his wave of confidence through both. "A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours" is an interesting route for the band, with some deliberate, heavy upstroking, a medium pace, desperate, eyes-clenched singing, and a serious coating of melancholy -- it sounds like nothing else on the album, really, and stands out for that reason.

Overall, Broadway Calls is definitely a little lengthy for my liking, but it still surpasses my expectations, adding yet another solid release to State of Mind's growing discography.

STREAM
Call It Off
Back to Oregon
Classless Reunion



People who liked this also liked:
The Loved Ones - Keep Your HeartAlkaline Trio - GoddamnitGaslight Anthem - The '59 SoundGaslight Anthem - Seņor and the QueenThe Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever ToldBroadway Calls - Good Views, Bad NewsThe Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!The Loved Ones - Build & BurnOperation Ivy - Operation IvyGaslight Anthem - Sink or Swim



Please login or register to post comments.
What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
  • Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
  • Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
  • Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
  • Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

    Posted by sundowning10 on 2009-04-15 10:03:30
    My Score:

    Recently got signed to SideOneDummy, finally gonna get the credit they deserve. They are soon touring with up-and-coming band The Menzingers. these guys are on the way up.

    Posted by hazard_racoon on 2009-01-06 19:17:26
    My Score:

    great. nice song!

    Posted by janed0e on 2008-05-24 14:09:17
    My Score:

    "Push and the Land Is Ours" is an interesting route for the band, with some deliberate, heavy upstroking, a medium pace, desperate, eyes-clenched singing, and a serious coating of melancholy -- it sounds like nothing else on the album, really, and stands out for that reason."

    uh that's because it's a cover of The Smiths song "A rush and a push and the land is ours"

    wow

    Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2008-02-21 08:54:46
    My Score:

    such a great, fun, happy-as-hell disc.

    wound up being my fourth favorite on my end of 07 list.

    Posted by xshigox on 2008-02-07 15:32:58
    My Score:

    this cd is great!!
    only 1 song that do not like
    you are a fool if you don't give this a listen to
    you are a tool if you don't like it
    but what do i know

    Posted by jakethelifeguard on 2007-10-19 16:16:44
    My Score:

    hecka good cd,
    great live show.
    plus its not easy goin from hardcore to pop punk.
    straight up
    and hella nice guys at that

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 10:11 AM (EDT)

    I have to say after listening to songs from this it seems pretty average glossy pop punk, the score seems right maybe even a little generous. Not bad by any means just nothing special.

    - JD

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 10:26 PM (EDT)

    rad record...too bad it is coming out on a shitty label with shitty distro!

    Posted by callitawasteland on 2007-07-11 22:23:05
    My Score:

    love the record! love the dudes! this album will define this particular time of my life.

    Posted by connman73 on 2007-07-11 20:51:27

    This is probably one of my favorite cds. Everytime it is playing I just can't help but get into it and sing at the top of my lungs. They have really catchy melodic tunes that can get everyone from pop to hardcore fans all riled up. Not only this they have an amazing live show where everyone watching ends up by the end of the night soaked in sweat, tired, and having a sore throat from singing loudly and dancing to the music. All in all a great cd from a great band

    Posted by frostbrewliner on 2007-07-11 13:10:33

    A agree it is a bit lengthy, esspecially for a pop punk record but hot shit its catchy.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 8:28 PM (EDT)

    on my top 10 list, this band is the shit!

    Posted by tylerdurden8136 on 2007-07-10 17:18:03
    My Score:

    Great, great summer album. Reminds me of old Saves the Day.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 4:44 PM (EDT)

    I love this album.

    Posted by AphasiacIIC on 2007-07-10 13:05:07
    My Score:

    "as I can see any fan of Keep Your Heart clinging rather mightily to Broadway Calls"

    well heres one exception so far..

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 12:51 PM (EDT)

    Good things come to those who wait.. The wait is over!

    Posted by ihateallofyou on 2007-07-10 10:02:45
    My Score:

    This album will grow on anyone, its great. Also, go see these guys live, you will love them, best NOFX cover ever.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 6:00 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    a rush and a push is a smiths cover, should probably be mentioned in your criticism.

    Posted by elephantdwarf on 2007-07-10 01:30:39

    i really liked their ep. i like a lot of parts about this album, too. some of it, however, reminds me a bit too much of green day. and not old green day, but the newer stuff. the first song is really, really good though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 12:26 AM (EDT)

    AMAZING CD!

    In my top 20 for the year for sure

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-07-10 00:02:57
    My Score:

    Awesome dudes and a great record.

    © 1999-2009 Punknews.org • Terms of Use • Privacy • About • ISSN 1710-5366 • RSS RSS Icon