Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Album Review: Title Fight- Spring Songs EP

    

     Looking at Title Fight today, it’s hard to imagine they were once young teenagers playing basement shows in the suburbs of Pennsylvania, especially with selling out some big venues on their most recent headlining tour.  Yet, it is weeks like this past one that remind us just how far the band has come, as they announced their 10 year anniversary show and released their new EP Spring Songs. While their music may evolve and reflect their current stage in life, it never seems to lack an impact.  Spring Songs is no different, dishing out the emotionally-charged lyrics and sound fans have appreciated since the beginning.

     The EP kicks off with “Blush,” which encompasses all essentials of any great Title Fight song.  Ned Russin breaks out the screaming vocals over loud guitars and fast drums which is sure to please anyone who is a fan of Shed.  “Blush” goes right into the next song “Be a Toy,” the single released back in August.  Reminiscent of “Head in the Ceiling” and “In-Between” off Floral Green, the lighter vocals emphasize the outstanding instrumentals of the band that can sometimes be overlooked.  “Receiving Line” is the third song of the EP and, in true emo form, really depressing.  Again, Russin makes use of the quiet vocals, but that’s not to say the song doesn’t hit you right in the heart.  With an overall subdued sound on the instrumentals part as well, the contrast between this song and the rest of the EP makes it stand out.  The final song “Hypnotize,” although ending the EP on a more upbeat note, gets lost amongst the other three heavy-hitting songs of the EP.  However, the guitar solo at the end of the song wraps up Spring Songs and leaves it as a solid addition to Title Fight’s discography.

      With hazy vocals and loud guitars marking all but one song on Spring Songs, it leaves listeners wondering if this is the direction Title Fight is heading.  When asked if the band was looking to leave the heavy, raw sound of earlier times and go into this new sound (find the interview here), Ned Russin replied “We write songs, and when we like them, we record them. So many things happen in our lives, whether it’s checking out a new band, or going through a serious life event that affects the way you want to write a song.”  It seems as though this EP is a snapshot into all the capabilities of Title Fight.  As opposed to a defining moment of change, Spring Songs is an exploration of new paths the band could take.  More importantly, it is direct example that even after 10 years of making music, Title Fight still has a lot more to give.

Bottom Line: Title Fight’s Spring Songs EP may not be exactly what we expected from the band but is sure to please.  Elaborating on some sounds previewed in Floral Green, Spring Songs exhibits Title Fight’s ability to explore a new sound while still staying true to their roots.

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