Like Pacific ALBUM: Distant Like You Asked RELEASE: 18/12/15
STAND OUT: “Dim”
AUTHOR: Brandynn L. Pope
The strength in Like Pacific is that they are not straight forward pop-punk music. Many times I have had them referred to me as a band that I would enjoy if I had any interest in The Story So Far. While I understand the links between the two bands I do not find them to be a mere reproduction of another band, but rather a group that stands on their own, finding success in a genre that is littered with sound-alikes. Each of the song from Distant Like You Asked are catchy and fun to listen to. You can hear the narrators critical review on past relationships and the relationship be has with himself, but the music takes you away from the remarks and forces you to pay more attention to the musicality. The first track,
Panic! At The Disco ALBUM: Death Of A Bachelor RELEASE: 30/10/15
STAND OUT: “Victorious”
AUTHOR: Rickie Miller
Panic! At The Disco has definitely adapted throughout the years. With their 5th studio album, Death of a Bachelor, the growth of P!ATD has never been more apparent. Over time, the album unintentionally became a solo album. Brendon Urie’s vocals have undoubtedly been impressive since their start in 2004, but he also plays many different instruments, which allows him to write and record a lot of material by himself. He had some assistance from co-writers and producers, which unfortunately makes it sound a bit too diverse. A few songs on the album sound like a clutter of ideas, such as “Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time,” which is the product of the aforementioned outside opinions. This album does stand strong, and certain tracks will stand the test of time. The album keeps you up-and-going, always providing something to move to. “Victorious” showcases this, with singing and screaming to live carefree by in the moment. I can imagine a car full of girls on a road trip
7.5 “Richmond,”sets the tone for the rest of the album, showing off, for the most part, what to expect from the album as a whole. There is a consistency throughout Distant Like You Asked that shows off Like Pacific as a pop-punk band but there is one song that offsets the entire thing beautifully. Towards the end of the album you come across “Dim” which has a greater delicacy, as well as intricacy, than the other tracks. The song fades out with a strong presence of bass and a noise pedal that I almost wish could of been switched with the actual conclusion to the album, “Scarred.”
8 screaming every word as loud as they can. “Hallelujah” is another gospel / rock track to dance to in your bedroom. Overall, you’re either going to love or hate this album. It’s definitely a huge accomplishment for his first solo album in over ten years. I do think it is timeless and we’ll still be hearing these tracks years from now. For Brendon Urie though, he’s just getting started.