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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Keep Calm Presents: An Interview with Ned Russin of Title Fight

Our Madison Ouellette was lucky enough to sit down with Ned Russin from Title Fight before the band’s show at Union Transfer and discuss a number of topics, including the band’s tour with direct support from Balance and Composure, their new EP Spring Songs, and what happened to the crowd-funding effort for one of their local venues.

MO: We’re here at Union Transfer. This is the second to last night of the tour for you guys. How was the tour so far?

NR: This is probably the best tour we’ve ever done, honestly. We’re with some of our best friends. We’re playing great shows. The shows are packed, kids are going crazy. It sounds really corny, but it’s just been a really good time all around, you know, besides a couple of long drives, I really don’t have anything to complain about.

MO: Awesome. So tonight’s show is basically a hometown show for your guys, since you guys are from around this area. So do you prefer the hometown shows from anywhere else in the country.

NR: Yeah, it’s a little bit different. It’s really cool to travel and to play different places and to play to different places. But when you’re close to home and you get to play and see your friends and your family, people that, when we sing about things in our songs, these people actually know what we’re talking about because they are from the same place. We reference specific places and specific things to our area all the time, and the fact is when you’re from where we’re from I think it makes the most sense. And I think it’s a special bond between the listener and the band.

MO: So kind of going off of that, you guys are touring with Balance and Composure right now. So how’s that dynamic, because you guys are both from the Philly area and grew up in the Philly scene. Is that different than other people, or does that give you a special bond?

NR: I don’t know, you know, we’ve know the guys in Balance since we were like 15 years old so it’s second nature to us. So our relationship and our friendship, I don’t know what else to say besides its second nature to us. I think we do have a special bond, because we literally grew up playing music together. It’s not only cool to be out with a band, that, I like their band.  I enjoy watching and listening to them- I love their new record and I love their old records- that’s really cool; but to be out with them and just be close friends with them, and to have that connection, it just makes everything better.

MO: You guys released through social media back in July a fundraiser for the Redwood Arts Space and trying to get location and equipment. So how’s that going?

NR: It’s kind of up in the air. It sucks right now, to be honest. We had a spot, we put a down payment on a location. Everything was seemingly good, and then the owner of the building was just a sketchy guy and kind of screwed us over in a lot of ways. We raised all this money and put it all into this venue, and it’s kind of in limbo right now. We’ve been doing a bunch of shows at local halls, fireman halls, VFW halls, places like that. It’s been going fine, but we’re still trying to find a stable venue.

MO: What can you do sometimes.

NR: Yeah, it sucks not having good news to report. We’re working on it.

MO: Well, we’re crossing our fingers. Want to support the local venues, obviously. Well, going into something not so local. You guys recently announced you will be playing your first show in Brazil. So tell me a little about that.

NR: We’re fortunate enough that we get offers like that, and it happens more often than you think. People will send us emails, like, “I’m from wherever. I like your band and I’d like to bring you guys to play a show here.” We finally found a guy who was a legitimate guy. He booked bands that we knew and they vouched for him. He was cool and friendly, and he just wanted to bring us down. So it worked out, and our schedules worked out. It very much is just a right time and a right place for us. It’s exciting.

MO: So has anyone (from the band) ever been to South America.

NR: No not us, but our friends have been. He’s booked a bunch of hardcore bands down there, and I think he’s stepping into the next level of music and doing some more professional stuff. Just even in the past year, Razzledazzle went down there, and they barely even tour in the states so that’s cool, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of the Day went down there. Touring bands are going down there all the time.

MO: So that should be exciting for you guys. Going back a little bit, this past record store day you guys released a split with Touché Amore. How was that experience, and do you think you guys are going to do Record Store Day again?

NR: It was cool because it was so easy. We just recorded a song, they recorded a song. Everything was pretty stress-free. The release date got pushed back a few times, but we just didn’t stress about it. It was a long time coming I think, to put something out on Record Store Day, cause that’s a day that I look forward to every year. I’ve been wanting to do it for so long, and it just happened that we could finally work it out. I would love to do it again, but I don’t know if we’ll have something ready in time. But there’s always next year.

MO: So was it strange at all because you were covering their song “Faceghost” and they covered your “Crescent Shaped Depression.” Was it weird to have someone cover your song and do it on the same thing?

NR: No it was cool. They approached us. They were trying to do three or four splits. They had the split with Pianos Become the Teeth, they had the Casket Lottery split, and then our split came out last. So it didn’t make it in the same year. So they were trying to do all these splits. They wanted one split to be a new song, they wanted one split to be a cover, and one split to be each band covering the other. We didn’t have any new songs, so we said “We’d really like to cover one of your songs.” They thought it’d be a great idea, they were into it. It was cool, I love their version.

MO: It was really cool to have it all in one.

NR: We get along really well with those guys, and we’ve toured together a couple times and we’ve always had fun with them. But it’s cool cause when we come together and talk about music, our music tastes and influences come to the same point, when we come from different places. So to put that into perspective and hear their song and our song in a different way, I really liked doing that.

MO: You guys just released your first single, “Be a Toy,” off your new EP, Spring Songs. It kind of had a different feeling compared to Floral Green. Floral Green was more heavy and raw, while this had a more “Head In a Ceiling Fan” type sound. Did you aim for a similar sound, or is that where you guys think going with your sound?

NR: I don’t know where we’re going, and this is a question we’re frequently asked whenever we put out something. “Is this the thing we can look forward too?” I don’t really have the answer to that. 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. Those things all come into play. We never write the same song twice, because every day you’re a different person. That song was one of the first songs we wrote for the record, and we weren’t sure it was going to make the record cause it was so different. But we came to the conclusion that we wrote it, and we really like it. It may not fit the rest of our material, and it may even stick out as a sore thumb on the EP itself, but it’s a song that we like. And that’s really what we care about. The coolest thing about the record too is it’s four songs that we wrote, that didn’t fit together when we recorded them, but that’s why they fit together. They’re different. But the EP doesn’t have the musical thematics of our past releases.

MO: Reading through some reviews, people are saying that each album has been about a significant age in people’s lives. Do you agree with that? Do you think that Spring Songs is going to be the defining album of the next stage of your life?

NR: I can only speak from my own perspective, but these records are clearly definitive periods of my life, and stuff that I’m going through. It’s capturing what I was listening to at the time. Cause when you write a song, even if you’re not consciously doing it, influences come out in what your listening to and what you like. And as I grew up I liked different things. Everything about the records that we released is so period based to that time in my life. But this record, maybe it can be a defining moment in people’s lives, but that’s such a hard question to answer. I don’t like answering for other people. If people feel that way, that’s really cool and I’m happy to be a part of it. If people don’t feel that way, that’s all good too. But we put a lot into this stuff, and for me it’s really important for us to capture how we’re feeling at that exact moment, and I think that’s why music is so important to us. I hope people kind find it that way, but it’s definitely that way for me.

You can listen to the audio from this interview by clicking here!

Thanks for listening to Keep Calm and Carry On. You can purchase Title Fight’s new EP Spring Songs here. 

You can listen to Keep Calm and Carry On on Fridays from 9-11 PM at www.wtsr.org or by listening to 91.3 FM in the Greater Trenton Area.

Tour Review: Title Fight at Union Transfer 10/12/13

 

     Title Fight just wrapped up their headlining tour with Balance and Composure, Cruel Hands, and Slingshot Dakota and I hope for your sake, you made it to one of the shows.  This tour was nothing short of unbelievable and definitely the best show I’ve seen this fall.   Passing the venue a couple hours before doors, kids were already lined up.  By the time I came to pick up my ticket before doors even opened, the line began to wrap down the block.  The sold out hometown show at the Union Transfer held an excited crowd who exuded positive energy and enthusiasm from the moment of entering the venue.

                Slingshot Dakota kicked off the show.  The newlywed duo (but seriously, they got married on this tour) consists of Carly Comando on keyboard and vocals and Tom Patterson on drums and backup vocals.  Despite playing much lighter music than the rest of the ticket, they kept the energy up and entertained the crowd.  On a lot of tours, there is one band that isn’t in the same genre as the others and it totally kills the vibe in the room.  However, this was not the case.  Playing to a crowd who moshed the entire way through the other three sets, everyone seem to be enjoying the poppy sound of Slingshot Dakota with plenty of head bobbing and foot tapping.   Not only did Comando sing her heart out and wail on the keys, but Patterson also impressed everyone with his quick hands on the drum set.  It was clear that their punkish pop had just as much heart and emotion as anyone else on the ticket, explaining why they were so well received by a different crowd.

Carly Comando of Slingshot Dakota playing at Union Transfer, 10/12/13

                If we say Slingshot Dakota eased us into the night, then Cruel Hand’s first song was as subtle of a transition as a train wreck.  The second the bass kicked in, vocalist Chris Linkovich began jumping around the stage while the crowd followed suit.  By the second song, there was a seemingly constant flow of people surfing up to the stage and front flipping back into the crowd.  The pit had opened up and for the rest of the night, consumed about a third of the floor at Union Transfer.  By the end of the set, the crowd was so hyped that Cruel Hand could’ve closed with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and kids would still be throwing themselves around.

Nate of Cruel Hands at the Union Transfer, 10/12/13

                Balance and Composure was up next and they were as entertaining as ever.  After releasing a new album just over a month ago, they played a solid set of both old and new songs.  As a big Balance and Composure fan, I was not a bit disappointed as each member of the band gave a performance that did not only sound flawless but also was full of passion.  The group of girls behind me said they “had the feels” after their set which is probably the most accurate statement I can think of.  There was not much else to it other than it was just really freakin’ good.  It was a hometown show for these guys which may have made it more special than other shows but in all honesty, I have yet to leave one of their sets without being in complete awe. This obviously was no exception.  If you get the chance to see them, do it (they’re on tour now with Coheed and Cambria ~hint hint~)

Balance and Composure at the Union Transfer, 10/12/13

                Finally, it was time for Title Fight.  It was the first opportunity I have had to see these guys play and I was really hyped up about it.  I’ve heard they’re one of those bands that you love recorded and appreciate even more when you watch them live.  Again, that is one of the most accurate statements.  Opening up with “Make You Cry,” the energy in the room was indescribable.  Watching Ned Russin spill his heart out on stage was captivating and I ended up putting my camera away after the first two songs because I just had to take in the music and watch.  I know it sounds super cliché but I have a lot of feelings, okay? Unfortunately, their set was cut short due to an injury in the crowd.  Although I do not know any of the details as to what happened, I do know that someone was knocked unconscious in the crowd and Ned stopped mid song and asked for someone to help the person.  From there, the show stopped for about half hour as paramedics came to help the kid out and safely remove him from the venue.  Following a message from Ned that was the equivalent “Please be safe and protect each other,” the set continued but Title Fight had to compensate for the time lost.  As they hopped back into things, so did the audience’s energy.  The pit opened back up and the stage diving continued.  Despite an unfortunate accident and a shortened set, Title Fight still had an unbelievable performance, definitely not disappointing their hometown.

Ned Russin of Title Fight at the Union Transfer, 10/12/13

   

You can pick up their new EP Spring Songs on November 12. I got the opportunity to interview Ned before the show.  Click the link below to hear it!

     Also, Keep Calm and Carry On hopes that the person injured at the show is okay.  Sending positivity your way, kid!

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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