Arrivati al successo mondiale con "Enema Of The State", questo disco omonimo rappresenta anche l'ultima prova sulla lunga distanza per il combo stato per anni il portacolori del pop-punk sui mass media di mezzo mondo, prima del trascurabile "Greatest Hits" e del definitivo scioglimento. O meglio rappresentava, visto l'improvvisa riappacificazione tra i tre di San Diego e l'annuncio dato dell'imminente riunion dei Blink-182. Come conseguenza Mark & Travis hanno sciolto il loro progetto, i +44, mentre gli Angels And Airwaves di Tom Delonge rimangono in vita.
Non ci troviamo di fronte ad un gruppo di certo che eccelle particolarmente per doti tecniche forse solo il batterista offre qualche cosa di più, ma bensì un gruppo capace di creare melodie facili e singoli di successo che hanno avuto fortuna nel corso degli anni.
Album come il già citato "Enema Of The State" e il successivo "Take Off.." saranno pure simpatici per qualcuno, ma invece risultano essere tremendamente noiosi visto la loro eccessiva ripetitività e soprattutto con canzoni tutte o quasi fotocopia. Il pop-punk devo riconoscerlo è un genere piacevole e anche abbastanza facile all'orecchio, ma che alla lunga è diventato troppo inflazionato con band che si copiano a vicenda a più non posso; ed era quindi lecito attendersi qualche cambiamento (e io aggiungerei era ora che i ragazzi si dessero da fare e maturassero un po') in questo disco.
Per carità, non siamo certo di fronte a cambiamenti drastici di genere come è un po' successo ai colleghi Sum 41 con il convincente "Chuck" eppure le differenze con i precedenti due si fanno sentire.
In cosa consistono di preciso queste novità?
L'album è molto meno scanzonato dei precedenti e anzi si avverte un'atmosfera più cupa e malinconica in certe parti. Ma non solo, risalta notevolmente pure il tessuto musicale stavolta ottimamente curato e vario con trame melodiche ben assortite e parti strumentali abbastanza lunghe come intro e/o outro sparse lungo i pezzi. E questo convince non poco, tenendo presente che i tre di San Diego hanno avuto sempre il vizio di usare sempre e quasi comunque il solito stracavolo di arpeggio per aprire le canzoni, senza apportare nessun'altra modifica ritmica alle struttura delle canzoni.
Peccato che la voce di Mark e Tom siano sempre troppo ancorate al solito timbro melodico senza variare il ben che minimo registro vocale (segmenti vocali più aggressivi e decisi decisamente assenti).
Naturalmente non mancano anche canzoni alla vecchia maniera, ne sono un esempio le ottime e energiche "Stockolme syndrome", "Go", "Feeling this" ma che stavolta risultano essere più interessanti e genuine di quelle a volte monotone scritte in precedenza.
Il lato più cupo e dark del platter esce fuori dalla collaborazione del trio con il leader dei Cure, Robert Smith in "All of this", canzone che definire lenta e oscura è poco e il single-ballata dove vengono sperimentate nuove sonorità date dall'uso del contrabasso in "I miss you". Canzone che può piacere o meno, ma che finalmente risulta essere "nuova" e ci risparmia la solita struttura irritante di pezzi come "Adam's song" e "Stay together for the kids".
La palma per la song più curiosa viene assegnata a "Violence" non tanto per il testo, bensì per la scelta del particolare mix di sottofondo delle strofe che contrasta con la vivacità dei ritornelli in cui ritornano chitarre e batteria sparite precedentemente. Non manca nemmeno qualche caduta di stile riferibile all'interludio strumentale "The fallen interlude" e ad "Asthenia" tanto per rimembrare il passato, con un refrain tremendamente sfacciato. Più riuscita in questo senso è sicuramente la traccia 2 "Obvius" in cui troviamo delle inedite chitarre pesanti dalle sfumature pseudo metalliche che contrastano con la voce sempre melodica dei singers.
Da annoverare tra i top insieme a "Stockolme syndrome" va messa "Easy target", che descrive bene le peculiarità del disco con un buon lavoro sugli intrecci chitarristici e un atmosfera inquietante che riporta alla mente persino gli Alkaline Trio.
Il voto sarebbe tra tre e quattro, ma do comunque le quattro stelle, (tenendo conto che i due precedenti sono impalpabili) in proporzione ai passi avanti fatti dal combo per i cambiamenti apportati al loro sound, che segnano una svolta e evitano l'ennesimo disco fotocopia.
In conclusione, un buon cd, sintomo dell'evoluzione sonora del gruppo, di cui va preso atto e che risulta essere per buoni tratti convincente, ma che potrebbe ricevere le critiche dei fan di vecchia data e invece ampliare la base di potenziali ascoltatori.
Molti, sei anni or sono, avevano aspettato invano il seguito di questo platter, che aveva segnato una decisa svolta a 180° nel loro percorso musicale, per vedere a cosa avrebbe portato questa nuova maturazione intrapresa. Ebbene, tra qualche mese, con l'uscita del nuovo disco di inediti si avrà una chiara risposta in merito.
Elenco tracce e testi
01 Feeling This (02:54)
(Get ready for action!)
I gotta regret right now (I’m feeling this)
The air is so cold and low (I’m feeling this)
Let me go in her room (I’m feeling this)
I wanna take off her clothes (I’m feeling this)
Show me the way to bed (I’m feeling this)
Show me the way you move (I’m feeling this)
Fuck it is such a blur (I’m feeling this)
I love all the things you do (I’m feeling this)
[Chorus:]
Fate fell short this time
Your smile fades in the summer
Place your hand in mine
I’ll leave when I wanna
Where do we go from here
Turn all the lights down now
Smiling from ear to ear (I’m feeling this)
Our breathing has got too loud (I’m feeling this)
Show me the bedroom floor (I’m feeling this)
Show me the bathroom mirror (I’m feeling this)
We’re taking this way too slow (I’m feeling this)
Take me away from here (I’m feeling this)
[Chorus x2]
This place was never the same again
After you came and went
How can you say you meant anything different
To anyone standing alone
On the street with a cigarette
On the first night we met
Look to the past
And remember her smile
And maybe tonight
I can breathe for awhile
I'm not in the scene
I think I'm fallin' asleep
But then all that it means is
I'll always be dreaming of you
[Chorus x5]
[During Last Two Choruses In The Background:]
(Are we alone, do you feel it,
So lost and disillusioned)
02 Obvious (02:45)
I saw you again
I think you used me again
Should we try this before
we give up and move on
And pretend to restore
what we have and hold on?
At times like this
It's Obvious
I saw you again
I know you fucked him again
Can you comfort yourself
with the sense of revenge?
Are you leaving me here
with the taste of the end?
It times like this
It's Obvious
At times like these
It's obvious
I saw you again and again and again
There's some room to move on to move on to move on
And I saw you again and again and again
How do we fix this if we never had vision? (2x)
(At time like this)
I saw you again and again and again
There's some room to move on to move on to move on
(IT´s obvious)
And I saw you again and again and again
How do we fix this if we never had vision? (2x)
03 I Miss You (03:49)
Hello there
The angel from my nightmare
The shadow in the background of the morgue
The unsuspecting victim
Of darkness in the valley
We can live like Jack and Sally
If we want
Where you can always find me
And we'll have halloween on christmas
And in the night we'll wish this never ends
We'll wish this never ends
(I miss you)
(I miss you)
Where are you?
And I'm so sorry
I cannot sleep
I cannot dream tonight
I need somebody and always
This sick, strange darkness
Comes creeping on so haunting every time
And as I stared I counted
The webs from all the spiders
Catching things and eating their insides
Like indecision to call you
And hear your voice of treason
Will you come home
And stop this pain tonight?
Stop this pain tonight
Don't waste your time on me
You're already the voice inside my head
(I miss you, miss you)
Don't waste your time on me
You're already the voice inside my head
(I miss you, miss you)
Don't waste your time on me
You're already the voice inside my head
(I miss you, miss you)
Don't waste your time on me
You're already the voice inside my head
(I miss you, miss you)
Don't waste your time on me
You're already the voice inside my head
(I miss you, miss you)
Don't waste your time on me
You're already the voice inside my head
(I miss you, miss you)
(I miss you, miss you)
(I miss you, miss you)
(I miss you, miss you)
(I miss you, miss you)
04 Violence (05:22)
6 bottles went down the drain,
one hours a waste of time,
I’d ask if you feel the same,
still pushin that chance to try,
your breath in this cool room chill,
long hair that blows side to side,
you speak and make time stand still,
and each time you walk right on by…
Like violence you have me, forever, and after
Like violence you kill me, forever and after.
Can’t count all the eyes that stare,
can’t count all the things they see,
she kills with no life to spare,
just victims are left to bleed,
one drink and the pain goes down,
soft shadows lay by her feet,
lay soft as you slowly drown,
lay still as you fall asleep.
Fall asleep.
Like violence you have me, forever, and after
Like violence you kill me, forever and after.
(And after…and after…and after)
Like violence you have me, forever, and after
Like violence you kill me…
Like violence you have me, forever, and after
Like violence you kill me…
Like voielnce you kill me
Like violence
Like violence you have me, forever, and after
Like violence you kill me, forever and after.
Like violence you have me, forever, and after
Like violence you kill me, forever and after.
05 Stockholm Syndrome (02:43)
This is the first (thing I remember)
Now it's the last (thing left on my mind)
Afraid of the dark (do you hear me whisper)
An empty heart (replaced with paranoia)
Where do we go (life's temporary)
After we're gone (like new years resolutions)
Why is this hard (do you recognize me)
I know I'm wrong (but I can't help believin')
I'm so lost
I'm barely here
I wish I could explain myself
But words escape me
It's too late
To save me
You're too late
You're too late
You're cold with disappointment
While I'm drowning in the next room
The last contagious victim of this plague between us
I'm sick with apprehension
I'm crippled from exhaustion
And I dread the moment when you finally come to kill me
This is the first (thing I remember)
Now it's the last (thing left on my mind)
Afraid of the dark (do you hear me whisper)
An empty heart (replaced with paranoia)
Where do we go (life's temporary)
After we're gone (like new years resolutions)
Why is this hard (do you recognize me)
I know I'm wrong (but I can't help believin')
06 Down (03:05)
The drops of rain they fall all over
This awkward silence makes me crazy
The glow inside burns light upon her
I'll try to kiss you if you let me
(this can't be the end)
Tidal waves they rip right through me
Tears from eyes worn cold and sad
Pick me up now, I need you so bad
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
It gets me so
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
It gets me so
Your vows of silence fall all over
The look in your eyes makes me crazy
I feel the darkness break upon her
I'll take you over if you let me
(You did this)
Tidal waves they rip right through me
Tears from eyes worn cold and sad
Pick me up now, I need you so bad.
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
It gets me so
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
Down down down down
It gets me so
07 The Fallen Interlude (02:14)
(Instrumental)
Down, down, down
Pick me up i'm falling
down, down, down
Pick me up i'm falling
down, down, down
Pick me up i'm falling
down, down, down
Pick me up i'm falling
09 Asthenia (04:21)
Last night it came as a picture
With a good reason, a warning sign
This place is void of all passion
If you can imagine it's easy if you try
Believe me I failed this effort
I wrote a reminder this wasn't a vision
This time where are you Houston
Is somebody out there will somebody listen
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I feel alone and tired
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I hope I won't forget you
My head is made up of memories
Most of them useless delusions
This room is bored of rehearsal
And sick of the boundaries
I miss you so much
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I feel alone and tired
Should I go back should I go back should I
...This time I don't want to
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I feel alone and tired
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I hope I won't forget you
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I feel alone and tired
Should I go back should I go back should I
...This time I don't want to
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I feel alone and tired
Should I go back should I go back should I
...I hope I won't forget you
10 Always (04:13)
I've been here before a few times
And I'm quite aware we're dying
And your hands, they shake with goodbyes
And I'll take you back if you'd have me
So here I am, I'm trying
So here I am, are you ready?
Come on let me hold you, touch you, feel you
Always
Kiss you, taste you, all night
Always
And I'll miss your laugh, your smile
I'll admit I'm wrong if you'd tell me
I'm so sick of fights, I hate them
Let's start this again, for real
So here I am, I'm trying
So here I am, are you ready?
So here I am, I'm trying
So here I am, are you ready?
Come on let me hold you, touch you, feel you
Always
Kiss you, taste you, all night
Always
Come on let me hold you, touch you, feel you
Always
Kiss you, taste you, all night
Always
I've been here before a few times
And I'm quite aware we're dying
Come on let me hold you, touch you, feel you
Always
Kiss you, taste you, all night
Always
Come on let me hold you, touch you, feel you
Always
Kiss you, taste you, all night
Always
Always
Always
11 Easy Target (02:22)
All her signals are getting lost in the ether (That's what she wanted)
She's a landslide with a city beneath her (That's what she wanted)
So take a good look, so you'll never forget it (That's what she wanted)
Take a deep breath, I know I'm gonna regret it (That's what she wanted)
Holly's looking dry looking for an easy target
Let her slit my throat give her ammo if she'll use it
Caution on the road lies, lies unhidden danger.
Southern California's breeding mommy's little monster.
She's got a mission, and I'm collateral damage. (That's what she wanted)
She's the flower that you place on my casket. (That's what she wanted)
Savor the moment cause the memory's fleeting.
Take a photograph, as the last train is leaving.
Holly's looking dry looking for an easy target
Let her slit my throat give her ammo if she'll use it
Caution on the road lies, lies unhidden danger.
Southern California's breeding mommy's little monster.
Better run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Better run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Better run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Better run run run run run run run run (Holly let me out)
13 Here's Your Letter (02:56)
Cut the skin to the bone
Fall asleep all alone
Hear your voice in the dark
Lose myself in your eyes
Choke my voice Say goodnight
as the world falls apart
Fuck I can't let this kill me, let go
I need some more time to fix this
Here's a letter for you
But the words get confused
And the conversation dies
Apologize for the past
Talk some shit take it back
Are we cursed to this life
Fuck I can't let this kill me, let go
I need some more time to fix this problem
I need some more time to fix this problem
I need some more time to fix this
I'm talking to the ceiling
My life just lost all meaning
Do one thing for me tonight
I'm dying in this silence
The last star left in heaven
Is falling down to earth and
Do you still feel the same way
Do you still feel the same way
Fuck I can't let this kill me, let go
I need some more time to fix this problem
I need some more time to fix this problem
I need some more time to fix this
14 I'm Lost Without You (06:23)
I swear that I can go on forever again
Please let me know that my one bad day will end
I will go down as your lover, your friend
Give me your lips and with one kiss we begin
Are you afraid of being alone
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
Are you afraid of leaving tonight
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
I'll leave my room open till sunrise for you
I'll keep my eyes patiently focused on you
Where are you now I can hear footsteps I'm dreaming
And if you will, keep me from waking to believe this
Are you afraid of being alone
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
Are you afraid of leaving tonight
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
Are you afraid of being alone
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
Are you afraid of leaving tonight
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
Are you afraid of being alone
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
Are you afraid of leaving tonight
Cause I am, I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
15 Not Now (04:10)
Come here, please hold my hand, Lord, now
Help me, I'm scared please show me how
To fight this, God has a master plan
And I guess, I am in his demand
Please save me, this time I cannot run
And I'll see, you when this is done
And now I, have come to realize
That you are, the one who's left behind
Please stay until I'm gone
I'm here hold on to me
I'm right here waiting
I see, the light it feels good
And I'll come, back soon just like you would
It's use less, my name has made the list
And I wish, I gave you one last kiss
Please stay until I'm gone
I'm here hold on to me
I'm right here waiting
And take my one last breath
And don't forget
That I will be right here waiting
Please stay until I'm gone
I'm here hold on to me
I'm right here waiting
And take my one last breath
And don't forget
That I will be right here waiting
Please stay until I'm gone
I'm here hold on to me
I'm right here waiting
And take my one last breath
And don't forget
That I will be right here waiting
Carico i commenti... con calma
Altre recensioni
Di ste84
La mia prima recensione! Ho scelto questo cd perché mi ha stupito.
Il batterista picchia così bene (e si sente!), con assoli e ritornelli trascinanti, un vero marchio.
Di sexyajax
"'I Miss You' è una delle più belle canzoni che ho mai ascoltato, un’atmosfera dark che chiude in un gioco pericoloso il basso e la voce triste del cantante."
"La forza dei blink sta nel basso esplosivo e nella batteria punkizzata."
Di albi6
"I blink lo considerano il loro primo album perché mai sono stati così liberi di dare sfogo alla loro creatività."
"'I Miss You' è semplicemente fantastica... è il simbolo del cambiamento dei blink."
Di The_dull_flame
Il vero capolavoro è “All Of This”, in duetto con il grande Robert Smith: una canzone che mette i brividi.
I Blink con questo album ci avevano salutato, cercando di dare il meglio di loro e ci sono riusciti.
Di d3vid 182
"Appena l'ho visto è stato amore a prima vista!"
"Il ritornello di 'Feeling This' ti fa impazzire... e ti vien voglia di ascoltarla 1000 e più volte!"
