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Attack in Black

Marriage (2007)
Dine Alone Records

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

Published on August 3rd 2007

When Attack in Black recorded their demo, which would later become their self-titled EP, they were one of dozens of hardcore bands in Southern Ontario, an area swimming with bands constantly touring and recording; it was an area quite obviously difficult to make a name for yourself in. However, when Ian Kehoe came onboard to play bass for the Welland, Ontario group, something clicked with primary songwriter Dan Romano and the band evolved into something the 905 area code needed as well as the rest of the musical community we all claim membership in.

After spending the last year opening for bands as diverse as the Weakerthans and Billy Talent, Attack in Black have recorded an album, Marriage, that everyone from the punk community, no matter how many times removed, can stand behind.

Prior to Marriage, Attack in Black released their Widows EP, which showcased the transition the band began to take once Kehoe joined the band. With Marriage, Attack in Black fulfill what Widows promised they had in store for us. They're still a young band and they may not have recorded their best album yet, but for now Marriage will do just fine.

Marriage is an absolutely beautiful blend of punk, rock and folk, with each element coming together almost perfectly with each stylistic influence making appearances at all the right times and almost always with enough show. The songs demonstrate an incredible amount of maturity, which one may not expect from a band's first full-length.

The album's stronger moments can be perfectly unforgettable. "Come What May"'s rough vocals and stop-go verses lead into a huge chorus and a horn-led bridge. The "na na na"s in "Young Leaves" have a similar effect in allowing a song that's seems wonderfully minimalist to blow up into a huge affair at just the right time.

Over the years Attack in Black have shared the stage with bands such as Sparta and the Weakerthans and the front-men of both bands have returned with glowing praise of the Attack in Black. You may not have heard them yet, but once you do you'll find yourself in agreement.

If you're still not sold, I'll add that Marriage was produced by Ian Blurton. There, happy now?

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brentmills (September 10, 2007)

this album was not produced by ian blurton. dan weston handled it. the first attempt at this record got canned and they re-did the entire thing, which is what we have here. xo.

mcgregor107 (August 4, 2007)

It's on ITunes right now.. I just bought it. What's the hack for sharing ITunes purchased music? I'd send it if I could..

Fuck this is good. Favorite this year so far.

Trauma16 (August 3, 2007)

Love it, best $9 i've spent on a cd in a long time. Its a style change, but one thats definitely for the better.

R3venge_Therapy (August 3, 2007)

I'm bummed. I thought I was going to be able to get this album today, but it's not even up on iTunes. I bought a hard copy online, but unfortunately it's not going to reach my house before I leave for Tokyo next week. If anyone has the mp3s, hit up my AIM (R3venge Therapy) and send it to me, please? I bought it, so you have no shame for sending me the songs.

SloaneDaley (August 3, 2007)

Yeah this record is fucking laces. Not quite as good as the Widows Ep but their sound has evolved nicely. The release show was awesome too. It was them, Walter from Quicksand and Rival Schools, Moneen and Dallas Green performed too but that was less awesome.

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

track 9 rules so fucking hard! I need to listen to this a bunch more to appreciate the rest.

Mookie_Blaylock (August 3, 2007)

This album is awesome. Hope these dudes blow up.

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

holy hell!

this is great.

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

great band. great album. great live show. i saw them at the cd release on tuesday. moneen and dallas green opened up for free. it was nuts. this band will be huge

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

great album

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

Started out strike anywhere-ish hardcore/melody etc, and this record is all things good about the weakerthans, lucero and even the get up kids, but way more up-tempo. It's fucking awesome.

ChokingVictim (August 3, 2007)

never heard of these guys before. the songs on their myspace are fucking amazing.

R3venge_Therapy (August 3, 2007)

I'm listening to some songs on Myspace right now, and they're fantastic. I don't remember their EP sounding like this, but I think I'm going to go buy this today after hearing only a couple songs.

Piata (August 3, 2007)

Excellent album. It's nice to hear something a little different.

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

i've been trying to show people this band. can't wait for them to get bigger in the US

mcgregor107 (August 3, 2007)

Can't wait to hear this.. probably will be the best I've heard all year.

Anonymous (August 3, 2007)

The score is for FOUR STARS.

fuzzy (August 3, 2007)

This album is fantastic. I love it.

dropkickmurphy01 (August 3, 2007)

This is a great album.