- Release Info -------------------------------------------------------------- -
Artist: Sydney
Album: When We Were Safe
Label: Blackbox Recordings
Playtime: 36:41 min
Genre: Rock
URL: http://www.myspace.com/sydney
Rip date: 2007-09-24
Street date: 2007-10-09
Size: 54.10 MB
Type: Advance
Quality: VBR kbps / 4410kHz / Joint Stereo
- Release Notes ------------------------------------------------------------- -
Triumph through adversity. That is the overwhelming theme through the last
year of SYDNEYÆs existence leading up to the release of their sophomore
record, ôWHEN WE WERE SAFEö.
Following a solid year working on the road, touring coast to coast in Canada,
and a very well received debut record, things began to slide ever so slightly
downhill. Beginning with a US record deal that collapsed, and followed by
months marred with internal tension, writers block, personal loss and the
battle to maintain relationships, the band began the year long journey that
has culminated to produce a much more mature, complex, cohesive record
without abandoning the signature sound that has endeared the band to so many.
ôWhen We Were Safeö chronicles all of these set backs through vocalist Scott
SandersonÆs intensely personal lyrics, guitarists Jay Jensen and Brent
MunroÆs infectious melody, and bass player Anto Boros and drummer, Kyle
AndersonÆs driving rhythm. A broad range of influences are apparent, however
Sydney, as always, manages to take these influences and combine them into
something very unique and truly their own.
The process of writing this record was both long and trying. Following weeks
of pre-production in the studio with Dan Weston (Rosesdead, Cain & Abel,
Attack In Black), the band took an extended break to re-evaluate the songs,
the record, and their own headspace. After reconvening to finish writing, the
band finally got into the studio with producer Jesse Smith from the band
Cauterize. The result is proof positive that sometimes a renewed dedication,
remarkable creativity and ultimately something very special can emerge from
the darkest of periods. That is, ôWhen We Were Safeö.
Blazing out of the gates with the songÆs ôSorry Stangerö and the anthem-esque
ôThings CouldnÆt Be Better Than What?ö, the album gets off to an impressive
start proving instantly that this is a much more mature, capable and talented
group of artists. Continuing with the intensity of the songs ôString Theoryö,
the first single, ôThe Exitö, and the cyptic ôListenö, the band pushes on
with a sense of well orchestrated-reckless abandon. The record takes an
unexpected turn with the title track, ôWhen We Were Safeö, showcasing
falsetto and group vocals û it is undoubtedly one of the album highlights.
The second half of the album continues to demonstrate the recordÆs
cohesiveness, with no wavering in energy, catchy vocal-driven choruses or
driving melody. ôDeadlinesö and ôThe Terry Gantner Wayö are the survivors of
the year of adversity, left standing despite being two of the first tracks
written for the record û further evidence that perseverance through tough
times can produce very solid results. Specifically, the chorus in ôThe Terry
Gantner Wayö is worlds apart from its stylistic contemporaries. The album
closes with ôDonÆt Call Me Scorpionö, ôMixed Drinksö and ôUntil The Endö,
continuing the pattern of infectious vocal melodies, impassioned lyrics and
energetic performance. ôUntil The Endö sways back and forth, following an
easily memorable hook, exploring dynamic peaks and valleys, ending the record
with a solo vocal performance that would send shivers down the spine of even
the most hardened critic.
With this triumphant record due for release in October, 2007, the band finds
themselves in a much more positive place these days, and attribute it to the
adversities faced in the last year. A newfound and hard earned sense of
creativity, maturity, and most important, perspective on life and music has
given this band a renewed motivation. No longer are they to be considered
part of a trend or a flash in the pan. ôWhen We Were Safeö proves that Sydney
are capable and important artists, committed for the long haul.
- Track List ---------------------------------------------------------------- -
01. Sorry Stanger ( 3:11)
02. Things Couldn't Be Better Than What? ( 3:01)
03. String Theory ( 2:54)
04. The Exit ( 3:31)
05. Listen... ( 3:51)
06. When We Were Safe ( 3:32)
07. Deadlines ( 3:36)
08. The Terry Gantner Way ( 3:14)
09. Don't Call Me Scorpion ( 3:18)
10. Mixed Drinks ( 3:22)
11. Until The End ( 3:11)
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