Full Review: Cinematic Sunrise - A Coloring Storybook…

Posted on May 9th, 2008 by Tyler, under Full Reviews.

Cinematic Sunrise, the side project of Craig Owens and Bradley Bell of the band Chiodos, has been making plenty of waves of their own. Perky melodies, swift drums and high pitch vocals give a lot of people good reason to pay attention.

The first two tracks are by far the most standout songs on ‘A Coloring Storybook and Long Playing Record’. Besides alliteration “Pulling A Piano From A Pond” has a memorable melody going for it. The song which begins with piano (obviously) and quickly adds a steady drums employs soaring vocals during the chorus as well as music that compliments the singing of Craig Owens. “Goodbye Friendship, Hello Heartache” is another stand out track which the acoustic guitar gives depth to. When Owens’ goes into the line “I admit it, I still think about those times…” it becomes hard to keep from joining in and singing along with that part which then slides into the chorus.

With the title ‘A Coloring Storybook and Long Playing Record’ and a joyful picture of animals on the cover you might not expect heart wrenching lyrics depicting the splitting of a couple but most songs on the album appear to be in that vain. The upbeat music and high pitched vocals do mask the sad messages but once you start singing along the pain inspired tracks show their true colors.

Tracks 4 & 5 tend to blend together when listening straight through. On their own they are strong enough but compared to the record’s other tracks they become drowned out. This record is a pleasant surprise and although it’s short, it is definitely worth the money to own these songs.

Track Listing
1. Pulling a Piano From a Pond
2. Goodbye Friendship, Hello Heartache
3. Umbrellas and Elephants
4. Our Honeymoon at Weston Hills
5. The Wordless
6. You Told Me You Loved Me

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