Framing Hanley: A Promise To Burn

Hello my music fiends!

Today, I listened to Framing Hanley's second album, "A Promise To Burn." If you're a huge Framing Hanely fan, I suggest you read this before buying this album.

I first heard the single "You Stupid Girl" a couple months ago and I really liked it. I thought it was generally the same sounding band from the first album so I got really excited for this album. It turns out that it lied to us all. Every song on this album sounds like a completely different band. I was really, REALLY, disappointed in listening to it.

The songs are all very slowed down. They could have been way faster paced. While reading the lyrics along with the songs, I kept getting ahead of myself because I felt like they should have finished their sentence by then. If they had sped up the lyrics, they would have had time to throw in some decent guitar riffs. The music itself was dreadful to listen to.

The lyrics were just as bad. I know I shouldn't be picking it apart as I did,but there was this huge grammar mistake that just bothered me. Nixon sang "I'm not goin' nowhere." If you didn't see what was wrong with that... then pay no attention to me and my grammar Nazi ways. Another thing was they used some pretty cheesy lines. Such as "This isn't a song about candy, but we're still suckers the same." Wow Framing Hanley, that was cute... but no, not for lyrics to a serious song.

Some of the better songs were "You Stupid Girl" and "Livin' So Divine." Thsoe were literally the only two songs that were worth listening to. There were too many slow songs; they got soft on us. I actually couldn't even finish the last song because I just wanted it to end.

I will give them props on some stuff. They tried out some new instruments and new techniques in their songs, but they didn't execute it right. I think they jumped too far ahead. They tasted success and thought they should try a totally new sound right away; they should have waited until their next album.

This album is what I call "homework music." It's okay to listen to while you're doing homework for background noise because you know you won't be singing it. It's a mediocre album at best. I thought they took a huge step back. And for those of you who absolutely loved the album and think I have no idea whatI'm talking about, you're kinda wrong. I love Framing Hanley. Their first album was amazing and I listen to it frequently, so I'm not just saying this album sucks because I want to.

One last thing, this review is based off of my first listen to it. And while I don't think I'll ever get used to this album, maybe after a few listens you could get used to it. All I'm saying is, for those who don't know Framing Hanley and enjoy some mellowy (<--not a word) music, I say give it a listen, you might like it. For those who love Framing Hanley and really like their old sound, just buy the single, "You Stupid Girl." That's all you'll listen to if you do buy the CD.

I think I got all of my points in... Want me to review a particular album? Email me at

HannahsMusicBlog@gmail.com

Framing Hanley Members:

• Kenneth Nixon: Vocals, Piano, Guitar
  
• Ryan Belcher: Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals
  
• Brandon Wootten: Guitar, Backing Vocals
  
• Luke McDuffee: Bass, Backing Vocals


• Chris Vest: Drums

Alesana: The Emptiness

Hello fellow music lovers!

I say we shall begin with some quick introductions. My name is Hannah and I hope to fulfill your need for music. My purpose is to just give my review of albums, music videos, and artists in general. Now that we've finished that, let's begin with my first review; Alesana's third album "The Emptiness."

Now, I know this was released back in January, but I just had to make this particular album my first official blog. I had heard a few of Alesana's songs throughout the past few years and I liked them a lot, but I was never actually tempted to buy one of their albums until I heard "The Thespian." I thought to myself "Wow, this song has an awesome rhythm, great lyrics... but wait, I feel like there's something missing to this song." I was right. "The Thespian" is track 6 on the album and, as most of you might know, "The Emptiness" is a concept album. So by hearing "The Thespian" I was entering the middle of a story. Naturally, I had to get this album, I had to know what the story was about.

Just from the cover I could tell it was going to be Edgar Allen Poe-esque. The lyrics of every song just screams late 1800's Gothic literature with a bit of Modern knowledge. The story is about an artist who awakens next to his dead girlfriend, Annabel. The story continues through The Artist's following reactions. I think the story itself is better than the music, but not by TOO much.

The music is what you'd except from Alesana, screaming, amazing harmonies, beautiful guitar riffs. It's a sound most Alesana fans are used to, but a little less heavier. I think it's to get the story across more so you focus on that rather than the music. The entire album is quite phenomenal. It's one of my favorite albums of all time to date. It's so good that it passes by so quickly. Sometimes I won't even notice that it's ending. I get caught up in the story and start thinking it's real. Shawn Milke and Dennis Lee have wrote the most amazing lyrics I have ever read/listened to. Which is shocking, because I never say that about songs. I usually pay attention to the instruments, but it was the lyrics that caught my eye this time.

Even if you're into the bands that never scream and screaming just scares you, I would still recommend it for you. You will get used the screaming, and it actually adds to the story. If anything, watch the music video for 'The Thespian." I can't find words to tell how perfect it fits the song. I give this album a billion stars, 7 thumbs up, 100 baby legs, I don't know, it's just that amazing.


Let me know how I did! Email me at
HannahsMusicBlog@gmail.com
Also, if there's a certain album you would like me to review, again, just email me.

Alesana Band Members:

Shawn Milke -vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Lee - vocals
Patrick Thompson - lead guitar, backing vocals
Jeremy Bryan -drums
Shane Crump - bass
Jake Campbell - lead guitar



Wanna know the full story of "The Emptiness?" Here's the link:
http://www.altpress.com/features/txt_alesana.htm