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New Junk Aesthetic - Every Time I Die

Released September 15th, 2009 (Epitaph)

The fifth (according to some) or sixth (according to others) full-length release by Buffalo's Every Time I Die is nothing short of spectacular. Now I am a more recent convert to the dirty, heavy, rock & roll this group is famous for, meaning I became a fan because of Gutter Phenomenon and The Big Dirty, and some of you ETID die-hard's and old school fans might be upset with what I am about to say - but brace yourself: This is the best record that Every Time I Die has ever made. EVER.

Yes. I said it.

Now, before you dismiss what I just said, hear me out. I have some reasoning, whether I am crazy or not is up to you I suppose.
The first thing you notice about the record (if you still buy hard copies, that is) is the artwork. It awesome, fantastic, disturbing, and drawn/designed by ETID's own Jordan Buckley. (www.jordanbuckleymadethis.com) The music is the second thing you notice about the record.
A song written by guitarist Andy Williams, New Junk Aesthetic opens with Roman Holiday - a dirty, slow, angry song that only gives you 3:00 to check your undergarments before you embark onto the following tracks. The Marvelous Slut is the second song, and continues a trend that the rest of the record will follow - loud, angry, dirty, rock & roll (or "metalcore" for those of you who insist on categorizing and sub-categorizing).
The guitars are fantastic - fuzzy distortion and catchy riffs, all backed up by bass playing to match. The bassist Josh Newton (ex-From Autumn to Ashes) has a bass tone and playing style that fits the rest of the group very well. (I mention this because Newton was the only new member of ETID when they began recording this album)
The production quality is another aspect of the record to rave about. Produced by Steve Evetts (The Dillenger Escape Plan, Alesana) who also produced The Big Dirty in the same studio, the record has all the intensity of that record plus ties to the bands older sound (or, so I am told). I simply cannot listen to this record at a loud enough volume - it begs to be cranked up and jammed out to.
And lastly, and I'm sure for any ETID fan this goes without saying, Kieth Buckley's lyrics are fantastic. They can be interpreted and reinterpreted, and I've even found myself reading through the CD sleeve without even listening to the music. They are captivating, intriguing, something confusing, and sometimes silly. He is also joined on select tracks on the record by Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Greg Puciato (The Dillenger Escape Plan), and Matt Caughthran (The Bronx).
This review is done. ETID perhaps stole the show with this one.
Every Time I Die fans, former fans, or first-listeners, trust me when I tell you: Buy this record, crank up your stereo, and enjoy.

And hell, why not throw a barbeque while you're at it.

****.5/5


See my other reviews here.