On their third full length album, Mayday Parade did something fairly new to the controversy riddled band. Their debut was written and recorded while Jason Lancaster was still in the band, but released after he left. Having written the majority of the album, most didn’t think Mayday Parade would last. On their second album, the band enlisted a slue of co-writers mostly known for penning pop hits. The album charted well, but was received with generally mixed reviews and the band was bashed by fans and critics alike for the co-writers.
This time around, Mayday Parade wrote the album by themselves. And in doing so, they returned to the form of their debut: dual vocals. Except this time, there is a trio. Derek Sanders keeps the title as lead vocalist, but throughout the course of the album, drummer Jake Bundrick and bassist Jeremy Lenzo are heard contributing their vocals. The contrast in voices isn’t as noticeable as it was with Lancaster, but it’s still a bit of a change of pace.
Another new thing for Mayday Parade is the guitar solos. The guitar work has improved ten fold from their previous albums. This could be due to their contribution to Punk Goes Classic Rock, where the band did a spot on rendition of Queen’s “We Are The Champions”. Having to imitate Brian May can be inspiration enough to attempt to do it on your own songs. Alex Garcia is no Brian May, but he’s accepting the spotlight on songs like “Happy Endings Are Just Stories That Haven’t Ended Yet” and “No Heroes Allowed”.
Major song highlights include “You’re Dead Wrong”, “Oh Well, Oh Well”, and “Stay”. Mayday Parade is an album full of pop songs with emo lyrics and pop punk attitude. This is nothing new, and closer to their sophomore effort Anywhere But Here than the band would lead you to believe, but it is enjoyable all the same.
Overall: 3.5/5 Very enjoyable album. Could be the album that breaks the band into the mainstream… which is a gift and a curse. If you enjoy the new genre emo-pop, check this album out and turn it to 11.
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