Album Review: Mayday Parade - Anywhere But Here

It has been well documented that after recording their 2007 full-length, 'A Lesson In Romantics', primarily songwriter Jason Lancaster left the band. Therefore making 'Anywhere But Here' the first release since Lancaster's departure and it is one that might have the band begging for him to return.

Of course the usual pop-rock numbers are here but it is a record that is played all too safe. Opener 'Kids In Love' is a neatly produced slice of upbeat pop-punk, with an infectious hook that is favourable yet predictable. The title track is next and continues the predictability trend; clean polished vocals from Derek Sanders backed by tightly produced guitars.

You quickly realise this isn't going to be anything special, with the repeated lyrical theme of lost love and heartache being a main stay throughout. Surely the whole "emotional pop-rock" was so 2006?

However you have to give credit where it is due, as Mayday Parade have perfected the personal pop-rock song down to a tee. Unfortunately its a style that has been done over and over again, to the point where it could be considered a cliché or a parody.

In addition to this tracks like, 'Bruised and Scarred' and 'Get Up' are upbeat and will definitely please fans of the band. The latter having a highly addictive chorus that you will helplessly singalong too.

It is not surprising that they have included a sappy, slow acoustic number, 'I Swear This Time I Mean It'. As expected its sombre with Sander' vocal delivery pulling on the heartstrings and dominates over a simple acoustic guitar, that much like this record, has been done repeatedly before and better.

'The End' closes the record and as expected its more of the cleanly produced upbeat, pop-rock that the band have manage pull off so well but not spectularly.

You are thankful when it is all over and you find yourself wanting to skip tracks more than actually listen to the record. For the most part, it is difficult to identify one song from the next as Mayday Parade and producer David Bendeth churn out repetitve, catchy guitar songs, that lack variety. Although for fans of the genre and the band, this will please them but for those who want something more than 12 songs of "deep and personal" pop-rock songs, you will be definitely disappointed, as Mayday Parade have found a winning formula and they are going to stick with that formula for quite awhile. The only positive from this is that they have something to build on, which the ability to write catchty pop songs. All they need now is more depth and to pull off there songs more effectively

2/5

'Anywhere But Here' by Mayday Parade is released on Atlanic Records/Fearless Records on Tuesday October 6th 2009.

Mayday Parade on MySpace

Sean Reid