Full Review: This Holiday Life – The Beginning Of The End Of The World
You know when you flip on the radio on and hear a song that you haven’t heard before but you catch on pretty quickly and by the time the song ends you’ve decided that you liked it and want to know who it was? Relatively unknown rock band from southern California, This Holiday Life, is that band from the radio in so many ways. With the new album ‘ The Beginning Of The End…’ the band is aiming to be the band whose sound has a face and name.
“A Yes, Not a No” has the look and feel of an intro song with the short length and heavy chorus focus yet the song holds its own and is an amazing opening track. The piano riff is a catchy foundation that the song rides beautifully.
There doesn’t need to be a lot of words said about the similarities between This Holiday Life and Switchfoot but there are a few common threads and patterns that just stick out. The laid back rock sound along with strong, deep, male vocals almost mimics that of Switchfoot front man Jon Foreman. The second thing that seems interesting is the similar patterns of album releases. The three albums leading up to ‘A Beautiful Let Down’ were ear catching but ‘A Beautiful Let Down’ was pretty definitively Switchfoot’s breakout album. While these This Holiday Life’s two album are ear catching, I think they are still looking for their big breakout album, and unlike Swithcfoot I think theirs will come sooner than the 4th album.
‘Friction’ was an amazing start and ‘The Beginning Of The End…’ is a nice step forward and progression of the band’s style. “Friendly Fire” is an example of the witty, and intelligent lyrics that the album contains. “Motivation” leaps out of the gate with vocals leading the charge head first into a sea of melody and rhythm. The song [which was chosen for the music video] demonstrates the band’s ability to grab your attention and keep you coming back for more.
I honestly have a hard time thinking of another album that the instruments are so defined and distinct. The piano is present through out the record but has several key times of carrying the song such as mentioned in the opening track. “Motivation” is stand out song for the rich, and full bass sound which is a staple in the type of rock the band plays. The steady rock beat of the drums is also a defining characteristic of the bands overall style which would be sorely missed if not present.
“O Sister Please” comes at the albums end with a bit folksier sound than is common for the band but a welcome song to split the two ballad-ish songs. Overall the experience and journey is one that will leave you wanting to go back and do it again, which is about all you can ask for. I do still think that this isn’t the best the band has in them though and the cup full of potential has yet to be tipped over.
Track Listing
1. A Yes, Not A No
2. Mission Control To My Heart
3. Undercover
4. Friendly Fire
5. Animal
6. Motivation
7. Alright
8. You Are The Moon
9. O Sister Please!
10. On Top
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