Stress On The Sky Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 My BSM variant is in the post. Surprised everyone isn't ragging on that picture of it for not fitting the description but I guess that's the difference between describing it and showing an inaccurate mock up. Excited to hear this regardless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek™ Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 5 minutes ago, Stress On The Sky said: My BSM variant is in the post. Surprised everyone isn't ragging on that picture of it for not fitting the description but I guess that's the difference between describing it and showing an inaccurate mock up. “No streaks, no problem.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stress On The Sky Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 I don't have a preferred gauge or thickness when it comes to splatters I can live with streaks, I'm just not a fussy guy. I'll be more than happy with however this looks when I unwrap it as long as it plays well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluethumb Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 I got my early bird in the mail yesterday and for what it's worth it doesn't look half bad, but it ain't got nothin' on that BSM blue mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek™ Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 5 hours ago, Stress On The Sky said: I don't have a preferred gauge or thickness when it comes to splatters I can live with streaks, I'm just not a fussy guy. Having no discrimination or preference towards streaks is ideal. You were just wondering about - or at least surprised by - the lack critiquing on the BSM variant, and I wanted to give you potential insight. (Not that I'm speaking for everyone.) While the BSM variant doesn't 100% match that original description, it has a subtle / cool / "hold up to the light to really see it" kind of splatter going on, and those are just dandy in my books... hence no critique. So after a couple more listens, I think I'm ready to weigh in on the album. Track by track thoughts for anyone who's already familiar with the album and cares to read an opinion. Spoiler tags for everyone else. Silhouettes What an introduction to the album. This is the only single I caved on at the end of last year; truly feels like ages ago. Right off the bat I'm enjoying the new soundscapes that Americ are treading on this album. Even in fear of using overly lavish descriptions and going full Gumbo, I have to say that I absolutely love the spectral vibe that just drenches the entire song. It sounds unlike anything the band has ever committed to tape and I'm all about it. I can see why they released it as a single since it really taps into that surreal, hazy aesthetic you get with the cover's gradient and fog. I think they tie in nicely. Hearing Mike single oh the muscle memories for the first time... I knew there was lasting power in that vocal melody, and it has resonated well with me over these past few months. Call it AF. Call it Owen. Whatever camp you lump it in, that's an incredible hook and you can imagine how pleased I am that reoccurs so often in this spacey jam. Every Wave To Ever Rise Intro feels very "vintage" AF, in a good way. I was actually unfamiliar with Elizabeth Powell before hearing her featured on this track, and I have to say I enjoy her contributions quite a bit. Her vocals certainly have a strong allure to them, and her spotlight moment of the song may be the highlight for me. The last minute and a half that closes out the track is unmistakably chill, and really showcases the band's ability to write atmospheric slow-burners. I'm into it. Uncomfortably Numb Like everyone else, I went into this song with the utmost apprehension. I've never enjoyed Paramore, but I've also never hated them. For as hard as they were meme'd here on the boards – thanks, Zay – I do think Hayley is a talented vocalist, and he features have slowly trickled their way into my music in the past. (Recalling an appearance or two on mwY's Ten Stories off the top of my head.) So with all that being said... this shit's great. I find myself looking forward to this song a lot more than I probably should. It breaks away from the ethereal, "post-rock" vibes that the band weaves into most of the album's tracks, and really feels more like a pop tune than anything else. A few of my friends who shared their first impressions all hated this track. And for all intents and purposes, it really is outside of American Football's wheelhouse of songwriting. I was initially kind of hoping that Hayley's vocals would be a little more distorted or subdued, but considering how commanding her voice is, subtlety has never been Hayley's strong suit. I still think her melodies are stellar though, and even though she could afford to be a little less in the forefront of the production at times, her vocals intertwined with Mike's work. (The lessons are so much less obvious the further you get from home). When she takes the stage and has the entire band backing her... it is decidedly not the American Football we all know and love. But the people unable to let that notion go are the same ones who are going to miss out on what this song has to offer. And truthfully, that entire concept can be applied to the rest of the record, too. Heir Apparent When the bass pops off at 1:25 or so. That's that good shit. It happens again at the halfway mark, with guitars on full midwestern-emo twinkle mode, and the drums invigorating the moment with uncontested energy. It all makes for a nice call-and-answer song structure, that contrasts nicely with how chill and dreamy those instrumental breaks are. The vocals on the outro are kind of different. I'm not overly in love with them, but I think they contribute to the album's thematic style, and help to further cohere it together. And finally; that main, reoccurring guitar line... I'm trying to think of how possibly "Gumbo" I can explain my thoughts on it. Maybe holy shit dude that guitar I just want to evaporate and follow it into the ether or wherever it may transcend like a ray of sunlight, goddamn! Yup. That should do it. Doom In Full Bloom I love how instantly recognizable and "at home" something like a horn can make this album sound. I foresee the intro to this song rubbing a lot of nostalgic fans the right way. The instrumentals on this song are something else – I feel like few moments on the album can really rival the 4-minute mark - give or take - where the song blossoms and unfurls into that outro passage. I can see why so many people cite this song as an early favorite, if not solely for that lovely guitar line. I Can't Feel You Rachel can do no wrong. We can all agree on that right? Her appearance on the album is the feature I was most excited to read in those early press announcements. I think the drumming on this track may be my favorite on the record, just for the groove it brings into the picture. And how fucking great is it when the song crumbles out from below, leaving just the acoustic guitar and Mike singing I'm fluent in subtlety before the drums and that amazing bass crawl back in? I'm really into the shifts this song takes. Not a bad moment as far as I'm concerned. Mine To Miss I think I'm still kind of warming up to this one. Anyone else find this one the least impactful up front? Or just me? More guest vocals from a mystery woman, this time... the way they're implemented in this song are ace, though. Also. I really, really do not like the way Mike sings my heart at 1:46. And I don't know that I ever will. Life Support Fuck, this is a grade-A closer, isn't it? I love how this song is punctuated by those really "climactic" and grand instrumental breaks. This song would feel so out of place and borderline cheesy if it were sequenced anywhere else in the record, but from the first listen it hit me as such an appropriate finale to the record. It's beautiful but also harkens back to the bittersweet mood that's strung so generously throughout the band's first self-titled album. The bright transitions are a nice touch, and I like the use of the strings – not overdone, and retaining good taste. But that melody in the guitar... the one that latches onto the song's ending and sinks with it; that's the magic of American Football in a bottle, right there. At least to me. You know it's beautiful but it also kind of stomps on your insides. There was no real moment like that, leading up to this closer, so I'm really pleased that they stuck a depressive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. All in all I'm very pleased with this album. The wait was worth it and I can see why you guys haven't been able to put it down. zaoza, gabe005 and mrewest 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, Derek™ said: So after a couple more listens, I think I'm ready to weigh in on the album. Track by track thoughts for anyone who's already familiar with the album and cares to read an opinion. Spoiler tags for everyone else. Reveal hidden contents Silhouettes What an introduction to the album. This is the only single I caved on at the end of last year; truly feels like ages ago. Right off the bat I'm enjoying the new soundscapes that Americ are treading on this album. Even in fear of using overly lavish descriptions and going full Gumbo, I have to say that I absolutely love the spectral vibe that just drenches the entire song. It sounds unlike anything the band has ever committed to tape and I'm all about it. I can see why they released it as a single since it really taps into that surreal, hazy aesthetic you get with the cover's gradient and fog. I think they tie in nicely. Hearing Mike single oh the muscle memories for the first time... I knew there was lasting power in that vocal melody, and it has resonated well with me over these past few months. Call it AF. Call it Owen. Whatever camp you lump it in, that's an incredible hook and you can imagine how pleased I am that reoccurs so often in this spacey jam. Every Wave To Ever Rise Intro feels very "vintage" AF, in a good way. I was actually unfamiliar with Elizabeth Powell before hearing her featured on this track, and I have to say I enjoy her contributions quite a bit. Her vocals certainly have a strong allure to them, and her spotlight moment of the song may be the highlight for me. The last minute and a half that closes out the track is unmistakably chill, and really showcases the band's ability to write atmospheric slow-burners. I'm into it. Uncomfortably Numb Like everyone else, I went into this song with the utmost apprehension. I've never enjoyed Paramore, but I've also never hated them. For as hard as they were meme'd here on the boards – thanks, Zay – I do think Hayley is a talented vocalist, and he features have slowly trickled their way into my music in the past. (Recalling an appearance or two on mwY's Ten Stories off the top of my head.) So with all that being said... this shit's great. I find myself looking forward to this song a lot more than I probably should. It breaks away from the ethereal, "post-rock" vibes that the band weaves into most of the album's tracks, and really feels more like a pop tune than anything else. A few of my friends who shared their first impressions all hated this track. And for all intents and purposes, it really is outside of American Football's wheelhouse of songwriting. I was initially kind of hoping that Hayley's vocals would be a little more distorted or subdued, but considering how commanding her voice is, subtlety has never been Hayley's strong suit. I still think her melodies are stellar though, and even though she could afford to be a little less in the forefront of the production at times, her vocals intertwined with Mike's work. (The lessons are so much less obvious the further you get from home). When she takes the stage and has the entire band backing her... it is decidedly not the American Football we all know and love. But the people unable to let that notion go are the same ones who are going to miss out on what this song has to offer. And truthfully, that entire concept can be applied to the rest of the record, too. Heir Apparent When the bass pops off at 1:25 or so. That's that good shit. It happens again at the halfway mark, with guitars on full midwestern-emo twinkle mode, and the drums invigorating the moment with uncontested energy. It all makes for a nice call-and-answer song structure, that contrasts nicely with how chill and dreamy those instrumental breaks are. The vocals on the outro are kind of different. I'm not overly in love with them, but I think they contribute to the album's thematic style, and help to further cohere it together. And finally; that main, reoccurring guitar line... I'm trying to think of how possibly "Gumbo" I can explain my thoughts on it. Maybe holy shit dude that guitar I just want to evaporate and follow it into the ether or wherever it may transcend like a ray of sunlight, goddamn! Yup. That should do it. Doom In Full Bloom I love how instantly recognizable and "at home" something like a horn can make this album sound. I foresee the intro to this song rubbing a lot of nostalgic fans the right way. The instrumentals on this song are something else – I feel like few moments on the album can really rival the 4-minute mark - give or take - where the song blossoms and unfurls into that outro passage. I can see why so many people cite this song as an early favorite, if not solely for that lovely guitar line. I Can't Feel You Rachel can do no wrong. We can all agree on that right? Her appearance on the album is the feature I was most excited to read in those early press announcements. I think the drumming on this track may be my favorite on the record, just for the groove it brings into the picture. And how fucking great is it when the song crumbles out from below, leaving just the acoustic guitar and Mike singing I'm fluent in subtlety before the drums and that amazing bass crawl back in? I'm really into the shifts this song takes. Not a bad moment as far as I'm concerned. Mine To Miss I think I'm still kind of warming up to this one. Anyone else find this one the least impactful up front? Or just me? More guest vocals from a mystery woman, this time... the way they're implemented in this song are ace, though. Also. I really, really do not like the way Mike sings my heart at 1:46. And I don't know that I ever will. Life Support Fuck, this is a grade-A closer, isn't it? I love how this song is punctuated by those really "climactic" and grand instrumental breaks. This song would feel so out of place and borderline cheesy if it were sequenced anywhere else in the record, but from the first listen it hit me as such an appropriate finale to the record. It's beautiful but also harkens back to the bittersweet mood that's strung so generously throughout the band's first self-titled album. The bright transitions are a nice touch, and I like the use of the strings – not overdone, and retaining good taste. But that melody in the guitar... the one that latches onto the song's ending and sinks with it; that's the magic of American Football in a bottle, right there. At least to me. You know it's beautiful but it also kind of stomps on your insides. There was no real moment like that, leading up to this closer, so I'm really pleased that they stuck a depressive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. All in all I'm very pleased with this album. The wait was worth it and I can see why you guys haven't been able to put it down. TL:DR He's into it Mattallurgist and mrewest 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaoza Posted March 21, 2019 Author Share Posted March 21, 2019 (edited) Remember when they posted this? One of the songs working title is "National". I strongly feel that song is Mine To Miss, simply by the sound of the opening riff. Not very literate with guitar chords so I could be wrong though. Edited March 21, 2019 by zaoza Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shitty Rambo Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 29 minutes ago, zaoza said: Remember when they posted this? One of the songs working title is "National". I strongly feel that song is Mine To Miss, simply by the sound of the opening riff. Not very literate with guitar chords so I could be wrong though. Those are open tunings, my dude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrewest Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 2 hours ago, Derek™ said: Having no discrimination or preference towards streaks is ideal. You were just wondering about - or at least surprised by - the lack critiquing on the BSM variant, and I wanted to give you potential insight. (Not that I'm speaking for everyone.) While the BSM variant doesn't 100% match that original description, it has a subtle / cool / "hold up to the light to really see it" kind of splatter going on, and those are just dandy in my books... hence no critique. So after a couple more listens, I think I'm ready to weigh in on the album. Track by track thoughts for anyone who's already familiar with the album and cares to read an opinion. Spoiler tags for everyone else. Reveal hidden contents Silhouettes What an introduction to the album. This is the only single I caved on at the end of last year; truly feels like ages ago. Right off the bat I'm enjoying the new soundscapes that Americ are treading on this album. Even in fear of using overly lavish descriptions and going full Gumbo, I have to say that I absolutely love the spectral vibe that just drenches the entire song. It sounds unlike anything the band has ever committed to tape and I'm all about it. I can see why they released it as a single since it really taps into that surreal, hazy aesthetic you get with the cover's gradient and fog. I think they tie in nicely. Hearing Mike single oh the muscle memories for the first time... I knew there was lasting power in that vocal melody, and it has resonated well with me over these past few months. Call it AF. Call it Owen. Whatever camp you lump it in, that's an incredible hook and you can imagine how pleased I am that reoccurs so often in this spacey jam. Every Wave To Ever Rise Intro feels very "vintage" AF, in a good way. I was actually unfamiliar with Elizabeth Powell before hearing her featured on this track, and I have to say I enjoy her contributions quite a bit. Her vocals certainly have a strong allure to them, and her spotlight moment of the song may be the highlight for me. The last minute and a half that closes out the track is unmistakably chill, and really showcases the band's ability to write atmospheric slow-burners. I'm into it. Uncomfortably Numb Like everyone else, I went into this song with the utmost apprehension. I've never enjoyed Paramore, but I've also never hated them. For as hard as they were meme'd here on the boards – thanks, Zay – I do think Hayley is a talented vocalist, and he features have slowly trickled their way into my music in the past. (Recalling an appearance or two on mwY's Ten Stories off the top of my head.) So with all that being said... this shit's great. I find myself looking forward to this song a lot more than I probably should. It breaks away from the ethereal, "post-rock" vibes that the band weaves into most of the album's tracks, and really feels more like a pop tune than anything else. A few of my friends who shared their first impressions all hated this track. And for all intents and purposes, it really is outside of American Football's wheelhouse of songwriting. I was initially kind of hoping that Hayley's vocals would be a little more distorted or subdued, but considering how commanding her voice is, subtlety has never been Hayley's strong suit. I still think her melodies are stellar though, and even though she could afford to be a little less in the forefront of the production at times, her vocals intertwined with Mike's work. (The lessons are so much less obvious the further you get from home). When she takes the stage and has the entire band backing her... it is decidedly not the American Football we all know and love. But the people unable to let that notion go are the same ones who are going to miss out on what this song has to offer. And truthfully, that entire concept can be applied to the rest of the record, too. Heir Apparent When the bass pops off at 1:25 or so. That's that good shit. It happens again at the halfway mark, with guitars on full midwestern-emo twinkle mode, and the drums invigorating the moment with uncontested energy. It all makes for a nice call-and-answer song structure, that contrasts nicely with how chill and dreamy those instrumental breaks are. The vocals on the outro are kind of different. I'm not overly in love with them, but I think they contribute to the album's thematic style, and help to further cohere it together. And finally; that main, reoccurring guitar line... I'm trying to think of how possibly "Gumbo" I can explain my thoughts on it. Maybe holy shit dude that guitar I just want to evaporate and follow it into the ether or wherever it may transcend like a ray of sunlight, goddamn! Yup. That should do it. Doom In Full Bloom I love how instantly recognizable and "at home" something like a horn can make this album sound. I foresee the intro to this song rubbing a lot of nostalgic fans the right way. The instrumentals on this song are something else – I feel like few moments on the album can really rival the 4-minute mark - give or take - where the song blossoms and unfurls into that outro passage. I can see why so many people cite this song as an early favorite, if not solely for that lovely guitar line. I Can't Feel You Rachel can do no wrong. We can all agree on that right? Her appearance on the album is the feature I was most excited to read in those early press announcements. I think the drumming on this track may be my favorite on the record, just for the groove it brings into the picture. And how fucking great is it when the song crumbles out from below, leaving just the acoustic guitar and Mike singing I'm fluent in subtlety before the drums and that amazing bass crawl back in? I'm really into the shifts this song takes. Not a bad moment as far as I'm concerned. Mine To Miss I think I'm still kind of warming up to this one. Anyone else find this one the least impactful up front? Or just me? More guest vocals from a mystery woman, this time... the way they're implemented in this song are ace, though. Also. I really, really do not like the way Mike sings my heart at 1:46. And I don't know that I ever will. Life Support Fuck, this is a grade-A closer, isn't it? I love how this song is punctuated by those really "climactic" and grand instrumental breaks. This song would feel so out of place and borderline cheesy if it were sequenced anywhere else in the record, but from the first listen it hit me as such an appropriate finale to the record. It's beautiful but also harkens back to the bittersweet mood that's strung so generously throughout the band's first self-titled album. The bright transitions are a nice touch, and I like the use of the strings – not overdone, and retaining good taste. But that melody in the guitar... the one that latches onto the song's ending and sinks with it; that's the magic of American Football in a bottle, right there. At least to me. You know it's beautiful but it also kind of stomps on your insides. There was no real moment like that, leading up to this closer, so I'm really pleased that they stuck a depressive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. All in all I'm very pleased with this album. The wait was worth it and I can see why you guys haven't been able to put it down. I would just like to take a moment to appreciate outloud how spot on that Gumboism was. I nearly spit out the imaginary drink in my mouth. That might be my favorite thing you’ve ever posted. batman and Derek™ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaoza Posted March 21, 2019 Author Share Posted March 21, 2019 2 minutes ago, Shitty Rambo said: Those are open tunings, my dude. Ah yes, thank you. Been years listening to music, I still got these terms mixed-up. (clearly not good with instruments) Back to LP3, might be my AOTY, so far. Wish they will tour anywhere near South East Asia soon. Shitty Rambo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottheisel Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 My pre-order shipped from PV on March 12 and I'm still waiting for it. My tracking info just says "in transit, arriving late" — after it originally told me it would be here on 3/18. Urgh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shitty Rambo Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 Got my PV/EB variant yesterday. I like it. The splatter takes up more 'real estate' than I thought it was going to. https://ibb.co/Y2YGnT7 thesewoodenideas 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zdkaiser Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 LP3 is miles ahead of LP2. No comparison. Tommy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxonjulin Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 Ive listened to LP3 all the way through 4 times now and I can safely say while it is amazing and may even be album of the year for me its not quite as good as LP2 which I listened to shortly after to refresh my memory. LP2 wins for me bridley and zdkaiser 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluescreenlife Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 For me it's Self Titled > Self Titled > Self Titled throwgncpr, Tommy, whoa and 8 others 9 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluescreenlife Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 Vinyl sounds great though (early bird). Really well-mastered, sounds damn near as good as the FLAC does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 7 minutes ago, bluescreenlife said: For me it's Self Titled > Self Titled > Self Titled Shitty Rambo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxonjulin Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 (edited) 4 hours ago, bluescreenlife said: For me it's Self Titled > Self Titled > Self Titled While I partly agree with this I believe American Football is their best. American Football is also good. Not as good as American Football but certainly better than American Football Edited March 23, 2019 by Saxonjulin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek™ Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Hundred Fifty-Two Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 5 hours ago, bluescreenlife said: For me it's Self Titled > Self Titled > Self Titled I’d put run the jewels discography up there with American football Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stress On The Sky Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 Faintest of red splatters but still so pretty highfives and buddha4281 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddha4281 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) Here's a picture of the Newbury variant. Haven't seen it shared yet. Edit: finally got the image to embed. Edited March 24, 2019 by buddha4281 N8TRU, Paddy, DecayToDeath and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrewest Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 I’ve always enjoyed AF but been a very casual listener. LP3 might get the most listens though from me. I adore this album so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzo Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 bsm variant arrived today and it's a beauty. The good things about bsm is they almost never post a mockup, just the description. So it's always a nice surprise thesewoodenideas and Stress On The Sky 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highfives Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 On 3/23/2019 at 4:18 PM, Stress On The Sky said: Faintest of red splatters but still so pretty Which variant is this one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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