Tokyo Rose – New American Saint

I remember a few years ago when Tokyo Rose broke out with Reinventing A Lost Art. I was impressed with the pop-punk sensibilities of the album and enjoyed it quite a lot. Sadly though, after reviewing it, I don’t know if I ever took it out of its case again. Instead, I think it just sat in it my CD rack collecting dust. Nevertheless, when I saw New American Saint I was excited, because I remembered enjoying their previous effort; but once again, I think after this review is done; New American Saint will join its brother in my CD rack collecting dust.

Even though New American Saint is moderately entertaining, I don’t see it having any sort of lasting effect on me. There isn’t nearly of a hook, the songs aren’t attractive enough, and seem to drag on a bit (especially with all the songs between 3:30 and 4:45 in length).

Not only that, but the band seems to have fallen in the sophomore slump and landed right smack on their head. They’ve taken a 270 degree rotation with New American Saint when compared to Reinventing A Lost Art. Their previous effort was much more energizing, more upbeat – and fun pop-punk album. This one on the other hand, seems to be a much mellower version of Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco. The guitar riffs are slower and softer than before. The vocals go for the soaring, moving effect, but instead come of whiny after a while.

That’s not saying the album is just eleven duds, because songs like Spectacle, New American Saint and The Tin Man Gets His Heart are good; but there’s not enough of those to keep you listening for the whole 36 minutes. And even those few songs become boring after a while.

This CD isn’t that bad, but there’s not lasting effect at all. You can listen to it once, twice, and that’s all. It’s not really memorable and nothing that will make you go back and listen to it again. Maybe next time they’ll break out of the sophomore slump and make a slightly more memorable release.