Yellowcard
Paper Walls
4/5

Who It’s For: Rock fans or pop fans…Yellowcard fans
Sounds Like: Pretty, almost artistic, pop rock

Yellowcard have already ‘proven’ that they could exceed the pop punk label with their last album. Now on Paper Walls the band sounds more comfortable with themselves. They haven’t included all of the bells and whistles, but it still feels like growth for them. And they use what they have more thoroughly.

The way they arrange the guitars alongside Sean Mackin’s violin create a cohesive sound that can be both beautiful and high energy when needed. Those who were impressed by Yellowcard’s growth will continue to witness that. The title track and “You And Me And One Spotlight” really bring out the artistic and bigger then life sound that they have proved they can accomplish.

A lot of Paper Walls seems to be taking what they learned with Lights And Sounds and applying it to the sound that they started with. So songs like “The Takedown,” “Afraid” and “Fighting” have a poppy sound, but are not your average pop punk songs.

It must be noted that, when you think you understand Yellowcard are, they throw in a track like “Dear Bobbie.” The song features vocalist Ryan Key’s grandfather reading a letter to his wife. Even if you don’t like the song, it’s touching.

Over the past few years Yellowcard have truly stepped up their game. If they keep this up they will become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Track Listing:

1. The Takedown
2. Fighting
3. Shrink The World
4. Keeper
5. Light Up the Sky
6. Shadows And Regrets
7. Five Becomes Four
8. Afraid
9. Date Line (I Am Gone)
10. Dear Bobbie
11. You And Me And One Spotlight
12. Cut Me, Mick
13. Paper Walls

- Stephanie Joudrey  Posted Aug. 25/07