A Day To Remember – Homesick Album Review

It is fact that A Day to Remember cannot go wrong, whatsoever. They’ve continuously progressed musically, without abandoning their style or their form. They’ve a penchant for producing intense tracks while still maintaining a split between the severe and the sincere. You’ll be dying to sing along to these songs while driving to their upcoming shows. Ocala, Florida has something to be damn proud of.

Maybe you can’t understand all the lyrics at some points, but that’s what Google is for! Jeremy McKinnon has strengthened his knack for providing the quintet with an amazing vocal front that hardly any other band can challenge. Flexibility and ferociousness are this man’s forte. His enthusiasm reverberates and makes the album what it is: intense, piercing, and an emotional thrill ride. Homesick touches upon many different genres, stretching from pop to punk to hardcore and screamo, having a little something for everyone. When I say everyone, I mean people who are willing to listen to great tunes. Percussion by Alex Shellnutt keeps the entire album flowing flawlessly throughout the twelve tracks, backing the skilful guitar work by Neil Westfall and Tom Denney, and complimenting the heavy heavy, low low bass lines from Josh Woodard. It is quite evident that A Day to Remember is shining a lot more light on their creativity this time around, considering their exceptional capability of blending so many messages, styles, and tones into one sweet CD. Mike Hranica makes a guest appearance on the album, contributing his guts to the track “I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made of?” VersaEmerge and Acacia Strain singers also take their turn at the mike. As a whole, the album is a spectacular effort, proving that ADTR are not a dime a dozen hardcore band. Having only a year between albums shows just how determined they are to get their music out to their fans.

Homesick will make you run home to get your CD or iPod in case you forget it, ‘cause the band chants are perfect for sing-a-longs, and the drumming is superb for pretend throwdowns (I know you all do it). In case you’re happy or down, those addictive lyrics and lines are perfect for shouting out, whether it’s against your ex or current beau. Don’t blink, because you might miss this band’s huge rise to hardcore-pop fame. Produced by New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert ensures tons of experience and perfection. Victory Records is bomb for having this record released on February 3^rd, 2009. Valentine’s Day present FTW!

Rating: Numbers are overrated.

Top Tracks:

The Downfall Of Us All

I’m Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?

Welcome To The Family

Homesick