In 2007 Mayday Parade released their debut album, it was a rather large success in the scene. A Lesson In Romantics brought a new sound and feeling to the pop-punk scene with duel vocals and meaningful lyrics. After the release of the record their lead guitarist, co-vocalist, and lyricist, Jason Lancaster, left the band. After touring the album for over a year the band decided to go back into the studio. Without the main key to their first release, no one knew how their sophomore attempt would turn out.
Anywhere But Here, which will be released on October 6th, has a much different feel from the band’s previous works. But don’t worry, it is still Mayday Parade. The first two tracks, “Kids In Love” and “Anywhere But Here” give the album a strong start with catchy lyrics and great lead guitar parts. There is a noticeable difference without Jason throughout the album, mostly in the lyrics department, but MP does pull through. The third track, “The Silence” is more than skippable, there’s nothing wrong with it, it just doesn’t stand up to their prior work or the first two tracks. Songs similar to “The Silence” would be “Save Your Heart,” “Center Of Attention,” and “The End.” As I made my way through the album, I initially didn’t like it but after a few more listens in grew on me. Stand out tracks besides the two already mentioned are “Bruised And Scarred,” “Get Up,” and “I Swear This Time I Mean It”. ”I Swear This Time I Mean It” brings back memories of ALIR, with it’s slow feel but powerful meaning, it will surely be a fan favorite.
This is no sophomore slump, it’s just a band trying to find a way without the reason they were originally loved. Compared to their first album, Anywhere But Here falls short, but it is by no means a bad album. ***/*****