There are records that music snobs don't want to admit they really enjoy. "Page Avenue" is one of them. Story of the Year has fist-pumping guitars, driving bass lines, and emotional vocals stolen straight from a few years back, when almost all music that featured both hardcore and emo influence was sincere.
Story of the Year is not splitting atoms or re-inventing the wheel, but they have made a technically sound and passionate album. The opening track, "And The Hero Will Drown" makes it evident that the band has no reservations about playing all their cards and not looking back. "Until The Day I Die" combines guilty pleasures like the "oh-man-I-miss-my girlfriend" sounds of Finch and the poppy feel of the All American Rejects.
With every reason to dislike the record - some clich?(c)d lyrics, some badly synthesized drums, and every emo breakdown imaginable - "Page Avenue" still comes off as something to blast in the car. Just make sure the windows are up and a disguise is worn.
Recommended for fans of: Thrice, Silverstein, A Static Lullaby, Fairweather.
September 16, Maverick Records
Grade: B-
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
