Some thoughts

Brand News new album is here, and while there have been numerous reviews already in the mog-o-sphere ill give it a go with my scatter brained impressions. Ive listened to it alot lately because i really want to like this album. And i do. To me it seems like every song is an extension of the last two on Deja Entendu. Its extremely moody, religiously themed, and devoid of catchiness. Or catchiness in the pop music sense, because it is catchy in the Brand New sense. Im pretty sure the line "I love you so much that it hurts my head" is the new "Im burning like a bridge for your Body". One thing that kept coming to mind is how much the pacing and structure of the album reminds me of U2's "the Unforgettable Fire". Im not saying Brand New sound like U2 but there are alot of quiet atmospheric parts on the album without singing, All anchored by 2 singles, "sowing season" and "Degausser". Much the same way that the unforgettable fire had "Pride" and "Bad". Im kinda wondering where some people got off calling this album a more commercial one, it isnt, there are only three songs at around 3 minutes or less and two of them are instrumental. One thing im glad they didnt do was make a concept record. But thats for another rant (MCR im looking at you). In the end i would say that the only weakness of the album is that it is so dark, and even heavy sometimes that it isnt as fun to listen to as past records. For me Thrices Vheissu had that same problem with a well executed and deeper, but ultimately sort of boring album. Only time will tell if i feel that way about "The Devil and God Are Raging Inside of Me". I give it an apple out of Bannana since my rating means absolutely nothing to anyone else.