Album length: 10 tracks
Street Date: June 15, 2004
In 2002, Underoath
released The Changing of Times. Not only
was this record a huge
success but it also foreshadowed the
changes to come in the band. Before recording
the
follow-up, not only did they lose two
key members but they also lost their lead
vocalist.
But after a short hiatus, they have emerged
with their strongest effort to date,
They're Only Chasing Safety.
Kicking
off with "Young and Aspiring," which
sets the concept that this will not be another
cliche hard rock album. In similar styling
as the first track, the second, "A Boy
Brushed Red Living in Black and White," tells
the tale of a boy coping with the aftermath
of having pre-marital sex knowing what he
has done is wrong. Although most of the record
is different from their debut, "The
Impact of Reason" and "I Don't
Feel Very Receptive Today" would have
fit nicely on their last record.
They're
Only Chasing Safety has nothing to do with
making
a safe follow-up record,
because this record is more than just progressive
songwriting. Instead, it leans more toward
experimentation with tracks like the poppy,
radio-friendly "Reinventing Your Exit," and
the well-structured "It's Dangerous
Business Walking Out Your Front Door" which
uses a children's choir during the bridge
and electronic percussion. But the standout
track of the record is "Some Will
Seek Forgiveness, While Others Escape," featuring
guest vocals from Aaron Marsh of Copeland.
The song deals with forgiveness and loving
one another -- even nonbelievers -- with
lyrics like, "Hey ungraceful I will
teach you to forgive one another. Hey unfaithful
I will teach you to be stronger, to be
stronger. Hey unloving I will love you."
They're
Only Chasing Safety is Underoath's finest
effort to date. Mixing hardcore
elements with explosive vocals and passionate
lyrics, this album deserves all the hype
it has received. This could possibly
be the best hard rock record to come out
this
year, and deserves a listen from all
hard rock fans.
