Noise for the masses

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- Don't You Fake It

My friend and colleague Matt and I were speaking of this band the other day, and realized that they are ripe for modern rock stereotype. Let’s start with the album cover. Ok, the have their name in a broken font in front of a dark picture with some art-nouveau swirl designs. They have the long, nonsensical name, the obligatory song in 6/8, a smattering of piano here, some screeching vocals there, and of course the 2^nd to last song a slow, romantic acoustic number so the girls can look past the scruffy hair and see the talented boys beneath. And they are talented, if you have the patience to listen and not cast them off as another group of 20-something noise rockers.

They’ve managed to balance being edgy and melodic, though the melody could show through more at some points. Their single “Face Down” is bound to attract fans, with an easy to sing along chorus about spousal abuse that will earn them points for defending the ladies honor. And “Damn Regret” shows off an incredible combination of rhythm, power chords and upbeat melancholy. However, at points they can sound too much to the myriad screamo bands out there today. Songs like “Misery Loves Its Company” get a bit whiny with a raspy screech that has become all too common, but there is so much potential. These guys play tight and know how to write a great song. Sure they moan and groan a bit, but they’re 20, and that’s what all we post-adolescents do. Just sort through some of the sorrow and you’ve got a good album.