It seems as though every year we adjust ourselves to the newest music genre, either choosing to join the stampede or stick with what we know. Three years ago, it was teen pop, which was quickly contrasted by the emersion of hybrid rap/rock.
Last year we saw it all, from the piano-pounding of Alicia Keyes, to re-releases of acclaimed albums from such legends as Bob Dylan and Elton John.
The latest release from Kansas City band The Anniversary carries the spirit of The Wallflowers and local group Seven Day Faith, pumping out highly original tunes with an undeniably pop/rock foundation. The Anniversary will bring their unique sound to Buffalo at the Funhouse April 1.
A follow-up to their acclaimed 1999 Designing A Nervous Breakdown, Your Majesty takes the audience yet again to a pensive and emotional state, debuting songs dealing with lost love and finding a meaningful future in the face of desperation.
The song "Never Die Young" reveals a loneliness that everybody inevitably experiences at one point or another with lyrics such as "I never thought I would fall over, my feet having pushed under ground. But I fell down. Save me from myself!"
Sweet harmonies and a cleaner beat make this otherwise sorrowful thought a more optimistic view of what is possible if we take the time to think about our past and listen to our feelings.
Band leader Josh Berwanger discussed part of the emotional journey expressed in the very personal "Peace, Pain and Regret."
"I know it's very easy to dwell over negative things that happen everyday," said Berwanger. "It's a song about making the best from the worst no matter how hard you struggle in between."
Feelings of hopefulness turn to frenzy in "Devil On My Side," in which Berwanger sings, "We drive with the devil on our side. How does it feel to be dead? I know how it feels to be dead!"
While a little alarming, Berwanger's rage is somehow manageable when treated with a comparably approachable tune, making the emotional journey of this track and many others on the album relatable and welcome.
With a sound more consistent with mainstream balladeers Matchbox 20 and Train, one cannot escape the fact that the driving factor in this band's success is their ability to convey personal emotions with often light and always heartfelt melodies. The twist of heartache with the punk of a guitar makes for an intimate connection to the album's messages.
"For me, listening to any record is like reading a book. I really love to get carried away in music," divulges Berwanger. Guitarist Justin Roelofs agrees, "If you listen to our first record, with the records that come out and are called 'emo,' our record seems to fit in that category just fine."
While the kingdom of Your Majesty reigns with comparison to influences Bob Dylan, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, the band sees the current music scene as a departure from what is true alternative rock.
"The current music scene is the biggest joke I've ever seen. There is no soul in popular music today. No soul and no art," said Berwanger.
There is no doubt, though, that while keeping a solid fan base in hometown Kansas City, the passion of The Anniversary is their love of music and the people it touches.
"We just love getting to hang out in different places every night, getting to meet new people," said Berwanger. After touring the nation this spring, the band will be starting their new full-length movie, "The Buzzing and the Riding."
The band looks forward to their appearance next month at the Funhouse in Lackawanna.
"Last time we were in Buffalo we were attacked by this crazy bum and he said 'Are you guys musicians or Cadillacs?,'" said Berwanger. "I guess what we are trying to say is we really love Buffalo!"
Box:
The Anniversary
Performing at the Funhouse
April 1
