In 2003 Taking Back Sunday was coming off of one of an album that Alternative Press had dubbed the beginning of a scene. That album was Tell all Your Friends. sucfes was short lived later that year in one of the messiest breakups in rock history guitarist/vocalist John Nolan and bass player Shaun Cooper left the band. Singer Adam Lazzara guitarist Eddie Reyes and drummer Mark O’Connell forged ahead but haven’t found the formula to recreate success.
Fast forward nine years and not one person would have guessed what was about to happen Taking Back Sunday was about to bury their hatchets at return to their founding line up. Will this album sound like Tell All Your friends? Will it be as bad as New Again?. In short no and no, TBS has grown as a band even apart. As Musicians theres no doubt the remaining members of TBS have gotten better in their early days they were known for the live performances and that carried them but as the progressed the songs have gotten better and better. John Nolan and Shaun Cooper both grew as musicians with the Stray Light Run outfit.
From the opening track El Paso you know this is not the TBS of the past and why should it be. This is something new more rock fueled album with hints of piano. Who can forget the vocals of John Nolan he controls through strategically placed back up vocal that lean towards yelling at times. Adam at times lets his guard down with the vocals and before you know it your pulled in. Roaring rock guitars half time choruses are at home on this album its not typical but its just right. TBS leaves you with a softer piano driven song Call me in the Morning and shows that they can still have power. Is it the best TBS album ever probably not, But its a solid effort for five guys putting the past behind them, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.