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 Out On A Low Note Feb 03, 2010
Their third and last album before disbanding this past year doesn't do As Cities Burn justice. 'High Or Hell Water' lacks everything their first two albums did, which is an odd statement seeing as how they were nearly polar opposites. While 2005's 'Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest' was an aggressive group of hardcore/noise-rock songs, 2007's 'Come Now Sleep' was a, well, sleepy collection of beautifully crafted indie-rock songs. It seemed as though the band was destined to only get better with time, but 'Hell Or High Water' disproves this theory, with a sound that attempts to straddle the line between both of their previous records without much passion or integrity. The songwriting is weak, letting one realize pretty quickly why the band called it quits.
 come Hell or High Water, these guys rock! Jun 03, 2009
I wonder if this is "rockcore",but I still like it nonetheless. this is a spiritually uplifting slab of music. while not metalcore, it is still worth a listen. it sounds melodic, but still it is rock. this reminds me of Flee The Seen which is or was on Facedown Records. a worthwhile album for your collection.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
From a new fan May 19, 2009
Stripped away is most of the screaming and yelling. "As Cities Burn" has changed and evolved into melodic, progressive, and emo rock. You can compare this ACB to similar bands like Brand New or Thrice, but they've become distinctly different. I find catchy and intriguing beats propelling most of the songs forward and other interesting voices in the background. Here's some advice: listen to the whole album entirely, straight through and repeat. All the songs are woven together like a coherent story. The song lyrics are subtly filled with Christian themes and ideas of humanity being made too self-centered and perfect (Too Pretty). Lyrics express a tired worn out boy that is still recoiling from a past relationship that keeps on haunting him (Lady Blue, Pirate Blues). The general mood is rather tired, gloomy, but then crescendos to an awesome beat with electric guitars and a booming bass. Vocals are sometimes soft and turn into aching cries. And be sure go get "Gates" the extra that is only online (I found it online and pirated it hehe). For any Christian or non-Christian, this is a great album to have, for ACB newbies and for long-term fans. I haven't liked an album this way since Anberlin's "Cities."
My favorites are: Made Too Pretty, Lady Blue, Petty, Capo, Pirate Blues
5 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Freaking Amazing!! May 02, 2009
I really got into "As Cities Burn" when I saw them live with "Emery" last year. They ripped my face off!! I had heard a few songs before on the radio and they sounded even better live. Their last album "Come Now Sleep" was made after a lead singer change and their sound calmed down a little with a bit more singing to screaming ratio. Some complained about it, but I really enjoyed hearing more vocals with the screaming added. That album blew me away with deep lyrics and guitar work that (as a guitarist myself) was rediculous!! This album is even better!! They have evolved to such a creative sound on this album. They still remain true to their style of thought provoking lyrics matched with melancholy chords and beats that create an emotional experience. The beats go from mellow to progressive and back again filled with some sick guitar work matched with killer effects. They have one of the most unique sounds out there with several styles blended together on this album. They are not the typical christian emo/screamo band. They have more of a cynical yet honest approach when talking about faith and those who follow and focus on realities and struggles that often go ignored. Their music is inspiring and their sound unmatched by any band! If you like creative emotional music that goes beyond the shallow, dull, repetitive norm you should definately get this album!!!!!
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Caught in a Song May 01, 2009
When I came across As Cities Burn's debut a few years back, my ears were bled dry by the heart-wrenching lyrics, screaming vocals, and melodic dissonance. I moaned when I heard they were breaking up. Then, in response to clamoring fans, they put out a second CD, a haunting and artistic piece that seemed to lose some along the way. This is one of those bands that sometimes seems too diverse, too talented, for their audience.
With "Hell or High Water," ACB refuses to be pigeonholed, once again delivering an eclectic mix of songs that feels more cohesive than the last album, while pushing out more gut-twisting, spiritually challenging lyrics. There are parts that remind me of everything from Kings of Leon, Thrice, the Killers, and others, but never sound derivative. There are bluesy tidbits. Some hard driving moments. These are songs that deserve to be played more than once to be fully appreciated.
In "Pirate Blues" we get a glimpse at ACB's longing to communicate something passionate: "Oh, I wanna catch in a song, notes I don't hear yet. But I will when I'm gone."
On this album, they come awfully close to catching notes we don't often hear--notes of sorrow, desire, honesty, truth, and unrelenting love.
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