Yellowcard – Where We Stand

Now, it’s funny, I’m a Yellowcard fan, but I’ve only ever heard half of their stuff. To date, they’ve released six CDs, but I’ve never heard a single song before the One For The Kids CD. That is, until now. Because Yellowcard guitarist Ben Harper has taken it upon himself to re-release one of the band’s earlier CDs,Where We Stand, from 1999 on his own label, Take Over Records. As you listen to it, you wonder: who is this band? Because one things for sure, they don’t sound anything like the Yellowcard we now know and love (or hate, depending on your point of view).

First off, the band structure is completely different. Different singer, different bassist, extra guitarist. Out of the six people on this recording, only half are still in the band. This is basically the fundamental difference in the band – because with different members, the sound will obviously be different.

In reality, other then Sean Wellman’s violin, it would be impossible to guess that this is Yellowcard. The songs are shorter (like the 1:44 Sorry, Try Again), harder (Lesson Learned) and just more gritty then before. Ben Dobson’s vocals are a complete 360 degree change from current vocalist Ryan Key as Dobson’s more grittier, quicker, harsher and more worn compared to the nicely polished harmonies of Key. And, when would Key ever stop the entire music for a loud shout of “FUCK THEM!” right in the middle of a song like they do on Sue here? Never.

This CD is good, and I would definitely recommend people picking it up. It shows all Yellowcard fans where the band originally came from, but don’t expect to hear another nicely polished Ocean Avenue album. These songs are much harder, the violin is barely audible in some cases and the vocals are quick and sharp – just like all the songs. It’s much more raw and in your face. It’s nothing life changing, but is a good teenage punk album from a a big band back in their younger years.