University of South Carolina Libraries
Band gets angry with ‘Determination’ Story of the Years latest release attracts open-minded music fans Adam Carter FOR THE GAMECOCK ★★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆' Story of the Year’s new album “In the Wake of Determination” is an angry conjugation of metal riffs, hardcore vocals, tasteful instruments and swiff tempo alterations, all packed around a core of gut-wrenching lyrics. As an independent band, Story of the Year pleads no restrictions on what it can say In its songs. The band doesn’t seek much popular instruction in the expression of its musical talent, making the album a rewarding 50-minute encore to the humdrum manufactured sound of most rock records sold today. It begins with an energetic anthem to individuality that, guitarist Ryan Phillips says in the album’s liner notes, was the product of a fight between him and his girlfriend. Although the lyrics are written from a plural first-person perspective, it would seem they are from his own mind. He wants to find himself through music. The song “We Don’t Care Anymore” can'Be understood by anyone who has suffered from an addiction to lyrical creativity. The angst-ridden ode to lost innocence, “Take Me Back” follows the story of America’s beginning, a country scarred by revolution and knowing the cost of war. Story of the Year makes the statement that before the war people knew that for one man to kill another in the name of some noble cause was a terrible action. Now, the band says, death is sold on television everyday in the name of entertainment. Killing means nothing to us anymore, the band says. The band tries to discredit some peoples’ superiority in the science of human destruction by implying people no longer take the time to consider whether it is right to charge into battle. Story of the Year asks, “What gives? In the following songs, the band urges youth to make something of their lives, and then makes a testament to the pain of alcoholism. “Stereo,” a protest against formulaic radio-friendly rock, speaks direcdy to all generations, especially those disaffected by the over-promotion of bands that add little to the gathering pool of musical talent. From the punk-rock generation to metalheads, hardcore kids and emo enthusiasts to pop-punk fans, everyone is looking for a new sound. A chain of songs grows progressively angrier as the end of the CD approaches, except for “Sleep,” which,'Ryan says in the albums liner notes, almost didn’t make the record. This song provides a gentle interlude between the energetic beginning and the enraged finale. “March of the Dead,” a song against the practice of following tradition and religion without ever questioning it, paves the way for “Pay Your Enemy,” a song written just for the fun of telling someone off. “Wake Up The Voiceless,” an ode to hardcore and metal bands who have decided to make do on their own, rounds off the album and solidifies Story of the Year’s unwillingness to sell out for profit. Story of the Year is not a “neutral” band such as Stretch Arm Strong, Relient K and Further Seems Forever. The explicit side of the band’s message, which gets more evident in the second half of the album, is one of contempt toward people who judge others by a standard of Biblical holiness. In the next-to-last song on the album, ‘“Is This My Fate?’ He Asked Them,” ends with a ritardando of drumbeats meant to evoke feelings of paranoia in the listener. It is a merciless tirade against the Biblical depiction of homosexuality as the practice of hell-bound sinners who deny the Creator. An unbiased review of the band’s music is hard to come by, since Story of the Year’s songs touch on so many difficult subjects. However, this album is a work of genius. Story of the Year has spoken, and whether or not one agrees with them, the album deserves appreciation. The best thing about the band’s music is that it addresses life from a mature standpoint. Story of the Year has no target audience except all who will hear them out with an open heart and an open mind. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gurm.sc.edu Special to THE GAMECOCK Story of the Year’s new album “In the Wake of Determination” delivers controversial lyrics. dont Fake it »t\ng on alta*ed d»w*'i IVcense cm c«st y*«t 90 DAY SUSPENSION OP YOUR LICENSE Next GAMMA Night: Oct. 27 — ’aid for by Sludent Activity Fee What is the languagehf Jiqojy : jd.MkUy -1 MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION _ ^ with Special Guest: <3M50S AVAILABLE AT Russell House (USC) Greater Columbia Bi-Lo Stores Sounds Familiar FORT JACKSON Solomon Center ARMY CONCERT TOUR CHASE O ROCK 93*5 ... ..... No U.S. Army endorsement implied