Review

Other than the obvious abstract, (they have a veteran violinist) Yellowcard forge their way off from honest sincerity, up beat summer time rhythms, and retrospective lyrics of homey childhood memories and relationships left behind for the spotlight.

It’s this unique blend that’s brought well deserved respect to the band and progressively moved them forward with each album. Starting on Takeover Records in ‘99 with Where We Stand, getting promoted to Lobster Records in ‘01 for the album One For The Kids, grabbing attention by Fueled By Ramen for The Underdog, and finally *whew* landing a deal with Capitol Records in 2003.

Yellowcard advance their style on Ocean Avenue once again by upping the tempo and using violinist Sean Mackin’s experience to intricately lace each song with melodies that are comparable to the frantic drumming of Longineu Parsons III. The furious style that Yellowcard brings to the album truly gives all other pop-punk turned rock bands a run for their money, especially considering that most other bands have a nasally high pitched singer that sounds like a cat dying. But Ryan Key successfully manages to stay a couple notes lower on the scale while delivering lung emptying choruses on songs like “Only One” and “Ocean Avenue.”

If your looking for something that’s very upbeat, extremely heartfelt, and just plain fun, be sure to pick up a copy of Ocean Avenue and get taken to that special summer time place we all dream of where troubles don’t exist and the sun beautifully sets on the ocean and palm trees each night.

Review by Jason Schleweis

5 out of 5