Senses Fail- Life Is Not A Waiting Room By Ben Minsky Published: November 3, 2008 PrintEmail
Band: Senses Fail Album: Life Is Not A Waiting Room Label: Vagrant Records Score: 3/5
Life Is Not A Waiting Room is the third studio album from Senses Fail. Following up their last album, Still Searching, it is evident that Senses Fail has kept some what of the same sound in the new album. However, I can only sum up this album in one word: mediocre.
I'm not really sure why Senses Fail choose to start off their album with "Fireworks At Dawn" simply because it is a short, slow, boring ballad. I was hoping for a great starting track that would hit me in the face, but that isn't the case.
The next track "Lungs Like Gallows" is what I expect from Senses Fail when they reach out to their heavier side. Right from the start, Buddy Nielsen lets out his screaming accompanied by quick drumming. One thing I noticed about this album was an improvement in the guitar. This song features some great riffs that accompany Buddy's screams and the ever popular double bass throughout the verses. Hands down, this is the best song on this album.
The proceeding track "Garden State" features great guitar but is just average overall. One thing this band lacks is a really strong singer and it is apparent in this song. Buddy Nielsen is not a bad singer at all, but there is only so much that one can take before his voice drives anyone crazy.
I feel like there is no point to go through and review a majority of the songs from Life Is Not A Waiting Room because most of them sound the same. They all feature the regular song structure, the catchy guitar riff, and the whiny vocals of Nielsen. If you are looking for a heavier side of this album instead of the same old stuff, listen to "Wolves At The Door" and "Ali For Cody."
I will give credit where credit is due though. This band has matured musically and it is really obvious after listening to the band's previous albums Let It Enfold You and Still Searching. Despite their maturity, this record is pretty much the average pop-punk album that every other band and their mother's seem to release now-a-days.
So if you are in the mood for a decent record, look no further than the newest release from Senses Fail. It has its good parts and its bad parts, just like any record, but Life Is Not A Waiting Room is mediocrity at its best.
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