Within Reason — “Here Comes the Light,” from the album After the Crawl (2012).
Birmingham Alabama
God I Love These Nights
This past Friday, Jesse and I went to see Almost Kings in Birmingham. It was a truly epic evening. I had not seen the band or my friends that were there in five months, and believe me when I say it was quite a reunion! 🙂 I had missed all of those sweet faces so much! ❤
Almost Kings opened their set with a new song…which is cool, except now I’m dying for the new album…and from the word “Go,” all four of them gave 110%. In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, Almost Kings are some of the best performers out there. It’s not possible to be bored during their shows–or afterward, when hanging out with them. I can’t wait to do it again in March.
In closing, I have to add that it made my night being able to play part of Mark Tremonti’s solo album All I Was for Ryan. Is that lame? Maybe. I don’t care, though. Sharing music with someone is the best.
And, of course, here are some pictures from the evening:
Me, Jesse, Kendra, and Alicia
Jesse ❤
Kevin, Me, and Jesse
Jude and Ryan
Ryan
Ryan again…
Jude
Danny, Kevin, and Ryan
Jude
Danny
Boze
This was our “serious” pose
“Awkward prom dance”
Kevin
Bands You Should Know: Within Reason
Band: Within Reason
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Sounds like: A mix of Linkin Park, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin
Discography: Bloodshot Life (2009) and After the Crawl (2012)
Suggested Tracks: “We’ll Have It All,” “Here Comes the Light,” “Favorite Sin,” and “Instigator”
I saw Within Reason for the first time in October of 2008 and immediately fell in love. Perhaps the best thing about their performance was how apparent it was that they enjoyed each other, as well as the crowd. It always makes me happy when I have the chance to witness that camaraderie between members of a band, that certain something that shows that they don’t view this as only a job. This is their passion. These guys live for their music.
Within Reason’s music is something else. “Unique,” “astounding,” “addictive”…all of these words can be used to describe it. I have compared them to Linkin Park, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin, but that isn’t quite right, it’s just the closest I could get. Vocalist Chris Dow, bassist David Koonce, guitarist Chase Davidson, and drummer Griffin Zarbough create a sound that isn’t exactly like any other band. Therefore, I asked my friends for help describing their music. Here is what I was given:
“Their music is honest, pure, and just all-around great to listen to on any occasion, no matter what mood you’re in…”
“[Our songs] are songs by everyday people, just like you and me, about everyday issues.”
“They are one of the best bands I’ve ever been introduced to. The vocals are captivating, the lyrics amazing, and the music perfect.”
“[Within Reason] has a variety of music to listen to. None of their songs sound the same, and there’s a song to fit any mood.”
“[Within Reason’s music] is something a little different that will hook you and pull you in because you will identify with the lyrics.”
All of these descriptions are accurate. Within Reason writes about real aspects of day-to-day life, things that everyone can understand. Two great examples of this are “We’ll Have It All,” a track that deals with personal loss, yet is also an anthem of hope and encouragement, and “Don’t Walk Away,” written for a soldier who served in Iraq. While the band is undoubtedly not afraid to touch on serious issues, they do occasionally break away for some fun. Their cover of 50 Cent and Justin Timberlake’s “Ayo Technology” is absolutely fantastic and will give you a whole new love for the song, whether you cared for the original or not. (At live shows, Within Reason breaks out some of the most random covers, such as “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park, “Boom” by POD, and “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley.)
Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that the guys themselves are amazing. All four of them are humble and down-to-Earth. They are always willing to take time out of their day to talk to a fan, sign an autograph, pose for a picture. I have never had a bad experience when in their presence, and that serves to add to my love for the band. This loyalty they inspire won them the Garage to Grammy contest in early 2013.
Relatable, fun, and entertaining, Within Reason is another band that I believe should hold a place in your music library. So give ’em a listen. They will not disappoint.
Review: Lynam’s Halfway to Hell
Band: Lynam
Album: Halfway to Hell
Genre: Rock
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Standout Tracks: “Dead Man’s Parade,” “Cold,” and “Store Bought Halo”
When I sat down to write this review of Lynam’s 2013 release entitled Halfway to Hell, I found it very difficult for two reasons. First, I’ve been a fan for nearly six years, so my natural inclination is to compare/contrast the EP with Lynam’s other albums, and that would tell absolutely nothing to anyone not familiar with the band. Second, I have established a friendship with Lynam over those six years…and that makes it harder to be objective. But here it is.
An all-encompassing “this record is great” doesn’t really begin to cover it. This album is darker (in its subject matter, at any rate) and heavier than anything Lynam has done before–and it is absolutely magnificent. With the addition of Lonny Paul, who was in Adler alongside vocalist/guitarist/main songwriter Jacob Bunton, the band has reached new levels. I personally believe that Lonny’s input was just what they needed; a fresh perspective that lit a spark in not only Jacob, but drummer David Lynam and bassist Mark Dzier as well. Their influences (all things 80’s) are still evident, but there’s a touch of something else, too. Something that I would call “purely Lynam.”
The EP opens with “Rise Up.” Have you ever heard someone say that certain songs make them want to drive fast? Well, this is that song. The instant it begins, the volume has to be cranked up. A call to anyone who is “so sick of it all,” the song is appropriately fast-paced and angry. The drums beg for listeners to pump their fists and stomp their feet. Plus, let’s be honest, how can you not love any song that encourages its audience to “get your fingers up”? This one will undoubtedly be a huge crowd pleaser at live shows.
“Halfway to Hell” is fun with a catchy chorus, but it is the third track on the album, “Dead Man’s Parade,” that immediately stood out to me. There is nothing I don’t like about this song. The entire 2:49 is a carnival ride complete with an attention-grabbing groove, low gritty vocals, and a short sweet guitar solo thrown in as icing on the cake.
Next is “Cold.” Slower and more melodic, this is definitely another high point on the album. The only words for Jacob’s crooning are “beautiful” and “shiver-inducing.” The music itself is rock-and-roll at its most straightforward, until the 2:50 mark, when the guitar solo is reached. This particular solo offers a taste of what Jacob can do and, luckily, the following track showcases even more of his talent.
“Store Bought Halo” is the shortest of the six songs, yet it quite possibly packs the biggest punch. From start to finish, this song seizes you by the balls and refuses to let go. It’s dirty, it’s sleazy, it’s everything great about glam rock/hair metal mixed with the relentlessness of punk. The simple chorus that you can chant along with, some seriously awesome shredding, the fast-paced beat, and the driving rhythm add up to make this one of the best songs on the album and another that will surely go over well when included on Lynam’s set list.
Finally, the album closes with “Wrong Side of the Grave.” As if the title didn’t give it away, this song has a darker feel to it. The unholy growl/scream in the intro serves to enhance this vibe. The guitar solo bleeds into a breakdown, complete with a chant of “Hey!” that gives this song an anthemic quality. Despite being the last track, “Wrong Side of the Grave” does not feel like an end and undoubtedly leaves the listener wanting more.
If this EP is a sign of things to come, I couldn’t be more excited.
Mostly Music 