Sêan Reid Portfolio

Album Review: Taking Back Sunday - Taking Back Sunday

Posted on AlterThePress.com on July 6th 2011.

Nearly ten years on from their influential debut, ‘Tell All Your Friends’ and the “classic” Taking Back Sunday line-up have reunited for the band’s self-titled fifth album. Whilst the return of guitarist/vocalist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper is more than welcomed, those expecting ‘TAYF’ part two may find this record disappointing. Nevertheless ‘Taking Back Sunday’ does have many strong points; the fierce ‘El Paso’ is the opening this album needed, with its pounding drums, screeching guitars and aggressive vocals from Adam Lazzara and Nolan. Whereas ‘Faith (When I Let You Down)’ settles you in with steady tempo and bold rock sound, with the complimenting vocal work from Lazzara and Nolan once again works well. Whilst the ‘whoa-oh; round off the number and shows the band are already comfortable playing with each other.

(Source: alterthepress.com)

Live Review: Taking Back Sunday & The Xcerts - Rock City, Nottingham - 19/5/11

Posted on AlterThePress.com in May 2011.

Despite a bulk of the tour being postponed for scheduling reasons, its somewhat of a saving grace that tonights show was rearranged by five days and furthermore The Xcerts remain as the main support for both this show and the following night in London. Whilst seeing the trio in a larger venue compared to their headline show at The Rescue Rooms last month, their brand of energetic, indie alt-rock transforms well into the setting and are given a warm reception as the bands set is mainly made up of songs from last year’s ‘Scatterbrain’.

As always Murray Macleod’s passionate vocals are a highlight, especially on ‘Distant Memory’ and the closing ‘Hurt With Me’. Whilst at times it seemed like not everyone was paying attention to The Xcerts, those who were left impressed and as a whole their style left a neat segway for what was to come.