This was my first exposure to Brand New. I remembered an article in Alternative Press and decided to give them a try. This was not an album I immediately loved. After listening to it a few times though, it really started to strike me that it was a work of brillance. Here's my track-by-track diagnosis:

1. Sowing Season - The opener uses soft/loud dynamics to pitch perfect effect. Jesse Lacey's vocals start with a mumble but slowly grow strong to a steady consistency. The whole song builds to where he sings
" I am not your friend.
I'm not your lover.
I'm not your family
Yeah."
You can hear he's reflecting on the fact that he only has the relationships that he actually had put the effort in to have in the first place.


2. Millstone - A powerful study on life's burdens and what happens when one is consumed by them.

3. Jesus Christ - My favorite song on the album; it portrays the fears and complexities many suffer from when trying to connect with God. Brillant and honest.

4. Degausser - During a performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Lacey mentioned that the song was written about a "demon that lives up in the attic in my cousin's house". At a performance at the House of Blues in Chicago (and in other performances) he stated that it is a song about the beginning of the end of the world. Lacey introduced the song in Montreal (May 20th, 2007 at Club Soda) saying "This song is about De Loreans". He coincidentally performed the song as well as others in the set with a black Fender Jazzmaster bearing a De Lorean emblem. Since in-depth interviews with Lacey are seldom, the true meaning of the song is yet to be identified.

5. Limousine - Sad story behind this one. Song is based on the death of Katie Flynn, a 7 year old killed by a drunk driver. Good song, but a little too long.

6. You Won't Know - Sad story focusing on a crumbling relationship with a child involved

7. Welcome to Bangkok - instrumental

8. Not the Sun - only so-so

9. Luca - spitefullness as song

10. Untitled - yet another instrumental

11. The Archers Bows Have Broken - My second favorite song, it's great lyrics meets great rhythm.

Who do you carry the torch for, my young man?
Do you believe in anything?
Do you carry it around just to burn things to the ground?

12. Handcuffs - Quite simply an evil and haunting song which ends the album in an exit as puzzling as the hidden meaning of the disturbed lyrics.

Overall, some flaws...BUT a freakin' great record. I plan on buying their next one the day it comes out. I'm now going back to hear Deja Entendu in the meantime...