Following up on their 2008 debut EP, The Effects of Fashion and Prayer, South Carolina-based Sent by Ravens is set to release their first full-length album, Our Graceful Words, April 20.
It is not often that a band inspires me to invent a new genre of music, but, when a band does, it is either a good thing or a really bad thing. Lucky for Sent by Ravens, their interesting blend of rock n’ roll, punk and luring undertones of metalcore, have led me to coin a new generation of “punklecore” which the music world is sure to latch on to in no time.
Hard and pulsing intros are key to this album, and while some might find the overwhelming instrumentation a bit much, I find it aesthetically complimentary to the vocals of Zach Riner, leaving an explosion of sound that bursts to life song after song.
Currently charting in the Top 20, “Beautiful List,” a love song from Riner to his wife, would sadly be the one song on the album I did not connect with. While the motive of the song, finding what you have always looked for in a partner, is a beautiful thought, the disjointed and rough intro and repetitive beat of the song left me quickly tuning into another number.
Lining up a playlist ideal for any situation, hit after hit follows the beautiful letdown found in “Beautiful List.”
The pounding beat of “Trailers vs. Tornados” and rich “Jack and Jill” highlight the list of stand-out tracks. I is the well-placed and die-hard screams in “Philadelphia” however, that have me wanting more and more from this band.
Completely showing up “Beautiful List,” one of the best ballads from a punk band I have ever heard, is found in “Salt and Light.” A peaceful intro featuring punctuated vocals and a piano break away into a mixture of electric and acoustic guitars placed just slightly above the drums and strings. The moderate tempo manages to march the song towards the conclusion, adding emotion to this heart-felt ballad.
Just as impressive as the beginning, Our Graceful Words ends with a collection of forceful tracks with more of those luring undertones of metalcore that I am left wanting more of, and sadly never given quite enough.
Although there are a couple of spots that show room for improvement, Our Graceful Words tells a story of a band with a long and successful career in front of them.
Tags: cd, CD Review, new music, our graceful words, sent by ravens, tooth and nail
