Over a decade has passed since Chris Conley formed his emo-visionary band, Saves The Day, in Princeton, New Jersey. Six full-length records and countless member changes later, the Saves The Day of 2011 is vastly different from the one Conley originally gathered together in the late 1990’s. What has stayed constant are the emotionally-charged lyrics coupled with the pop sensibility that so many bands have attempted to duplicate only to fail. In October 2010, Saves The Day released the digital-only EP 1984 to hold fans over for the 2011 release of their seventh studio album, Daybreak.

1984 is a five-song EP sold during Saves The Day’s tour with Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack. The EP starts off with the new song “1984” which will be found on Daybreaker. It quickly becomes apparent that the angst some said was lacking on Saves The Day’s previous effort, 2007’s Under The Boards, is back. Conley’s unique vocals border on whining but capture the urgency of the chorus perfectly as he croons, “I need you // I need your love // I’m trying // To rise above // I want you // To bring me back to life.” Most impressive about this song is the way it demonstrates how a band with so many member changes can come together as a cohesive unit.

“1984” is followed by another new track, “Let It All Go (Acoustic).” The song is a simple exercise in acoustic guitars and minimal percussions. Fervently, Conley addresses a former lover, and by design, himself at the same time. “Let It All Go (Acoustic)” slowly builds anticipation but ultimately never bursts the bubble, much like a The All-American Rejects’ track. The song leaves the listener satisfied, but not exhausted nor overwhelmed.

The final three songs on 1984 are alternate versions of old Saves the Day favorites. “Driving In The Dark (Acoustic)” from 2003’s In Reverie is a peppy rendition consisting of acoustic guitars that compliment Conley’s vocals wonderfully. “Hold (Electric)” originally found on 1999’s I’m Sorry I’m Leaving EP is given a modern, pop-punk makeover but still holds its integrity. The EP ends with “Stay (Electric),” a ballad that slowly builds while Conley sings earnestly “I thought you’d save me // From myself with love // But alone is how I stay // From the womb to the grave.”

1984 EP is a release that is meant to hold over fans who have been yearning for new material from Saves The Day since 2007. It is a solid EP, but it does not come without its flaws. Although the mixing of the EP is well done, the three alternative tracks that conclude the EP are lacking the charm that the originals had. That is not to say that they are bad tracks, but once placed up for comparison against the originals, they seem lackluster. “1984” and “Let It All Go (Acoustic)” are enough to please any Saves The Day fan. They both share that character and emotion that put the band on the map more than a decade ago. For those waiting for 2011’s Daybreaker, this EP will satisfy your ears for a couple more days of the interval.

***/*****

*This review was composed by Mike Meeze