The American Scene – Haze

By Ryan G

Honesty time – The American Scene was one of the earliest bands I reviewed for Tuned Up. I was stoked to be on ANY publicity email list, especially one responsible for Rise Records, Topshelf Records, AND Count Your Lucky Stars. Whoa. So, before inbox was clogged with hundreds of unread emails at a time, I listened to Safe For Now by a little band called The American Scene.

That album was very safe. Solid. But safe.

Haze is dangerous ground for a band whose fan base overlaps so much with emo-focused scenesters. Haze is tailor made for alternative radio. Yet, certain characteristics that link them to their original audience remain – passionate vocals, crunchy and pensive guitars. Now, the band plays like a “recommended if you like” Anberlin and Two Door Cinema Club Pandora station. And this is a very, very good thing.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JQDKVHIxdY[/youtube]

If I had to give the album one criticism, it would be that the songs mostly follow the same formula. A catchy standout riff? Check. Crunchy guitars? Check. Danceable tempo (and not the type you’d awkwardly slow dance to)? Check. Vocals that sound like Benjamin Davis from Bad Veins (look em up)? Check.

With all of this records’ predictability, I can’t deny how enjoyable it is. I love the riff in single “Royal Blood” for example. It’s the perfect balance of emotional and body swaying fun! I tweeted at the band awhile back that they’ve perfected the art of “emo-dance.” It’s true. Well, maybe not the perfection part. But they are certainly setting a precedent. “White Widow” has a bass-line backed by a guitar riff (you read that right) worthy of a Black Keys playlist.

If you have yet to listen to any of Haze and are freaking out that The American Scene has done a 180 in their sound, don’t. Safe For Now does contain hints of the new sound. They just took one element of their foundation and decided to run amok – not so much in the experimental way, but in a “let’s see how many routes we can use to get to the same destination” spiel.

What do you think?

My semi-arbitrary score: 3.9/5

The American Scene is on Facebook. Buy the album here.

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