Album Review: Taking Back Sunday - Taking Back Sunday

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.

The brash 'Best Places To Be A Mom' follows on and is reminiscent of the bands debut in its structure but have that dense rock approach the band have taken too in recent releases, thus making it one of the most well-rounded and favorable tracks on the album.

I'll be honest and say I was expecting 'Taking Back Sunday' to be a disappointment however it turns out to be a thorough rock record with a strong sense of consistency with numerous highlights; 'Sad Savior' builds up to captivating conclusion with Nolan's strong vocals screaming "You don't have to pretend to be an orphan anymore/You don't have to pretend to be important anymore." 'This Is All Now' and 'Who Are You Anyway?' contain large, memorable choruses with the former seeing Lazzara's and Nolan's duel-vocal work being at its best.

Elsewhere 'It Doesn't Feel A Thing Like Falling' has a thick guitar riff being combined well with the bands bold, arena-esque rock sound before 'Since You're Gone' leaves you stunned with Lazzara's power-yet-simple chorus line of 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry/Come back, come back' providing a stand out moment and draws you in its soft, piano-based middle before exploding with the band's tight and vibrant energy.

The gentle 'Call Me In The Morning' concludes the album and delicately rounds off the album to a satisfying level, as the band leave you hooked with the strong line of "Call me in the morning. Call me when you're home. I know what you've been through. Don't let go." with both Lazzra's and Nolan's passion pouring out at its finale.

When given a chance 'Taking Back Sunday' is a brilliant rock record and shows a band that come across as stronger, and as musicians more experienced. It's a record with good longevity and on the whole gets you interested in Taking Back Sunday again and what they could potentially do next. Sure this isn't 'TAYF' part two nor is it the second coming of Taking Back Sunday, its merely a strong step in the right direction.

4.5/5

Taking Back Sunday's self-titled album is available now on Warner Bros.

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Sêan Reid