Album Review: Title Fight- Floral Green

Hailing from Kingston, PA, Title Fight have been turning heads from basement shows to the Vans Warped Tour for nearly a decade. However, only recently have the band been able to make some room for themselves in the scene. That being said, they sure know how to make up for lost time. After 2011's Shed, the band are back with their second full-length in as many years, and their sophomore release on SideOneDummy records. After such a long road to get to where they are now, there's still no signs of Title Fight slowing down, and the stunning new album Floral Green is proof of that.

Floral Green begins with the raucous opening riffs of "Numb, but I Still Feel It," before Ned Russin comes in with his voice that just sounds so emotional. "Numb, but I Still Feel It" shows Russin using a lighter side of his vocals, as his signature bellowing howl takes a backseat to a more refined croon on the track. Russin's vocals dominate the album, which some fans may be disappointed to hear, considering guitarist Jamie Rhoden's past vocal contributions. While Russin dominates the vocals, however, Rhoden and fellow guitarist Shane Moran turn in an exceptional collective guitar performance. Floral Green feels like a huge leap forward for the band, and most of that is due to the more somber, powerful guitar tones, as references by "Head in the Ceiling Fan" and album closer "In-Between," which are far departures from the band's previous fast-paced work.

Russin's lyrics take an even more personal turn on Floral Green, as the band's punk music leanings provide an interesting backdrop for Russin's emo-tinged lyrics. "Leaf" and "Secret Society" are two lyrical highlights, with the latter also being Russin's best work on the bass. However, to say certain songs are highlights over others takes away from how complete of an album this is. From start to finish, Title Fight are at the top of their game, and each song brings something new to the table, or a refined and improved version of what you've come to expect from the band. The standout tracks are there in the form of "Leaf," "In-Between," and "Head in the Ceiling Fan," sure, but the rest of the tracks aren't far from the top of the list either, making Floral Green one of those albums that everyone has a different favorite song from. It's albums like this that stick with people; albums that you can put on your iPod, or in your car, or in your stereo at home, and not have to worry about skipping the "throwaway tracks," because there aren't any. The album builds upon itself so well, that skipping any song is like missing part of a story. That's where Title Fight have truly succeeded: they've made one of the most complete, consistent albums of 2012.

The Bottom Line: While there isn't a big standout track like "Symmetry" or "27," Floral Green shows Title Fight letting their flag fly, and the result is a consistent album that will either be remembered as their best work, or the album that began the band's rise to super-stardom.
Recommended if you rock: Brand New's Daisy, Make Do and Mend's End Measured Mile, the songs Balance and Composure did on their split with Tiger's Jaw.

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