Senses Fail – From The Depth of Dreams

This EP was originally released last year on ECA Records, and it was probably my number one EP of the year. Now, this year Drive-Thru Records are re-releasing the CD (because only a limited amount of the originals were made), and this time it comes at you with two new songs, an enhanced CD portion and brand new artwork! What’s not to like? I am still loving this EP, and it will most likely be on my list of best EP’s at the end of the year. It is just one of those CDs you can listen to constantly and never get bored with. I am especially glad to hear that the original 6 songs have not changed with the extra money for more producing. It is the same amazing punk rock songs with that extra special Senses Fail touch.

The most prominent thing in all of SF’s songs are the vocals. Climbing near the edge of yelling, and surpassing that edge at the exact right moment. Mixing in background vocals at key areas make a contrast to which I can think of none to compare. Lyrically, Senses Fail have much darker lyrics then most bands. And that is something I love to see at times. All the lyrics are powerful and extremely dark, somewhat like Alkaline Trio, while not being quite so evident. Buddy (the lead vocalist) also has the ability to sing melodically at times, really this is band that will go far and it able to make music work for everyone.

The sound coming from the guitars, bass and drums are also incredibly powerful, and at times very prominent. The use of two guitarists (Dave and Garrett, both of which also sing backup vocals) and a bassist (Mike, another background singer too) add a little extra to the album.

It is really hard for me to pick a song out of the 8 and call it my favorite, because I love all of them so much. But the two which I feel would have to be considered to be my favorites are One Eight Seven and The Ground Folds (Acoustic). They for me, stand just a bit higher then the others. There are many things which stand out in the first of the two, the first thing you notice is the melodic bass melody which opens the album, and then continues on for the first minute of the song. The vocals are the next thing you notice. They are very soft and constantly smooth for the most part of the song, especially the beginning. As you get further in, they become harder and harsher. They are, like on every song, incredibly prominent and very powerful. I really enjoy the latter of the two because it is different from most of the songs, and brings the album down and notch to slowly cool it off before ending it all. It is a much much much more melodic song then most of the EP and much softer. The lyrics on this track and so strong, they really blow you away.