2008 Woodie Awards
Used and Still Abused
Emocore rockers explore the intricacies "In Love and Death."
Cheyenne Mathews
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: Valley Life
- Page 1 of 1
Simply because lead singer Bert McCracken no longer screams so hard as to induce vomiting during live performances, do not assume that The Used has gone soft. The band has merely matured, as evidenced by its sophomore effort, "In Love and Death."
Though not as grippingly raw as The Used's self-titled debut, "In Love and Death" is a solid album that showcases McCracken's trademark howl and the band's emocore roots. While some of the songs take a more mainstream approach, there are still traces of the intricate lyrics and aggressive passion that elevated The Used to the pantheon of the screamo subgenre.
Leading off the album with the single "Take It Away," McCracken espouses his loathing for himself, his life, love and even sunlight. Although he urges for someone to take everything away, McCracken's not entirely broken. The subsequent tracks, "I Caught Fire" and "All That I've Got," prove that there is still optimism in an empty world.
The album continues on this bipolar emotional rollercoaster, at times both hopeful and hateful. More melodic songs such as, "Cut Up Angels" and the uniquely jaunty "Lunacy Fringe," welcome a wider audience, yet manage to retain The Used's expected edge.
Harder tracks like, "Listening" and "Sound Effects and Overdramatics," capture the true essence of The Used, as guitarist Quinn Allmann produces an assault of perfectly timed riffs.
With a spoken word introduction that flows into a kinetic diatribe of self-awareness, the closing track, "I'm A Fake," reinforces the rampant themes of uncertainty and disquietude that seem to follow The Used throughout its career.
The Used is still tortured and afflicted with the anger and heartache that permeated through its first album. On "In Love and Death," the band is just learning how to deal with it.
Though not as grippingly raw as The Used's self-titled debut, "In Love and Death" is a solid album that showcases McCracken's trademark howl and the band's emocore roots. While some of the songs take a more mainstream approach, there are still traces of the intricate lyrics and aggressive passion that elevated The Used to the pantheon of the screamo subgenre.
Leading off the album with the single "Take It Away," McCracken espouses his loathing for himself, his life, love and even sunlight. Although he urges for someone to take everything away, McCracken's not entirely broken. The subsequent tracks, "I Caught Fire" and "All That I've Got," prove that there is still optimism in an empty world.
The album continues on this bipolar emotional rollercoaster, at times both hopeful and hateful. More melodic songs such as, "Cut Up Angels" and the uniquely jaunty "Lunacy Fringe," welcome a wider audience, yet manage to retain The Used's expected edge.
Harder tracks like, "Listening" and "Sound Effects and Overdramatics," capture the true essence of The Used, as guitarist Quinn Allmann produces an assault of perfectly timed riffs.
With a spoken word introduction that flows into a kinetic diatribe of self-awareness, the closing track, "I'm A Fake," reinforces the rampant themes of uncertainty and disquietude that seem to follow The Used throughout its career.
The Used is still tortured and afflicted with the anger and heartache that permeated through its first album. On "In Love and Death," the band is just learning how to deal with it.
