Album Review: Every Avenue - Bad Habits
Published in Stencil Magazine on September 20th, 2011.
Album number four for Michigan’s Every Avenue, and for those who have become tired with the cliché pitfalls similar US pop-rock acts; Mayday Parade, The Maine, We The Kings and so forth will be surprised with this latest effort from the quintet as ‘Bad Habits’ proves to be stellar collection of driving pop-rock.
From the opening moments, ‘Tie Me Down’ showcases the bands valuable strong guitar work, courtesy of Joshua Withenshaw and Jimmie Deeghan, and appreciative vocals from Dave Strauchman. Whereas moments like ‘Whatever Happened To You’ and ‘No One But You’ show their ability to somewhat abandon their pop sensibilities, and opt for a thicker, rockier sound. For those who have become tired with the bands somewhat predictable style, this change is much welcome. In addition, the stomping ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts The Most’ easily wins over and shows this band has attitude.
Nevertheless the band still deliver radio-friendly numbers in abundance. ‘Fall Apart’ is a neatly-produced anthem that is so well structured, it needs to be given attention. Whilst on the surface ‘Only Place I Call Home’ may sound like your typical power ballad, Strauchman beautifully takes charge whilst layered guitars and sensibly placed strings add to the overall affect. Unfortunately ‘I Can’t Not Love You’ does not have the same affect, as it all a bit too sweet and sickly; sombre pianos and strings compliments Strauchman’s heartbreaking words but the slow pace kills off the strong momentum ‘Bad Habits’ had.
Though ‘Bad Habits’ doesn’t see Every Avenue abandon their original style as a whole, there are still moments of progression and promise, as they work towards becoming a well-rounded rock band. Tracks like ‘Watch The World’ and ‘Whatever Happened To You’ show there is a refined, mature straight-up rock band underneath their teenage-pleasing pop-rock exterior.
(Source: issuu.com)
