Allan’s World of Music

A Cursive Memory - Changes
21 May 2008, Joe @ 11:46 pm

A Los Angeles-based pop punk band, A Cursive Memory released Changes in February of this year. Starting out as a cover band under a different persona, they have quickly come into their own, and their debut effort is worth checking out. Changes often switches from aggressive grungy guitars and loud drums to really mellow pianos and downbeat drums. However, the vocals remain consistent throughout, adding to the mellow vibe by the use of soft subtle singing. With the added addition of well-timed synths, the album is solid from start to finish.

South the first track off Changes, incorporates the classic punk sound consisting of palm muted overdriven guitars and a drum backbone. The track further adds flare with the use of a piano, but finally the entire mood of the song is set by the vocals. The vocals are a combination of both Colin Baylen and Shaun Profeta, and are key to A Cursive Memory’s success. The vocals are slightly high-pitched, very soft, but most importantly outrageously mellow. Without the vocals, I might have thought the instrumentals for South were for a more upbeat song, but the singing definitely sets the direction, and this is noticed throughout the entire album.

The second track, Everything, follows in similar fashion. A more aggressive melody combined with the perfect voice, leaves little left to say. However, this track has easily become my favourite, and for one main reason. Although the sound is quite similar to other tracks, it’s the catchy lyrics that win me over this time around. The vocal tune of Everything, is just incredibly addictive and makes for a very fun, entertaining listen. The guitars follow in suit, and play an extremely catchy riff. The drums and synths add the finishing touches, to what has become my favourite song off of Changes. Remaining quite mellow, it still has very catchy aspects which is the selling point for me.

Skipping to The Piano Song, this is obviously one of the songs that uses softer sounding instruments. With the piano as the feature instrument, it is backed by what sounds like an acoustic guitar (or clean electric) and delicate drums. The vocals add to the emotions of this song, creating a very sad and powerful listen. Everything works very well together to give listeners just an incredible surge of passion and sentiment. The raw emotions can be heard from the piano, guitar, vocals or drums alone, but combined create an electrifying atmosphere of beautiful sounds.

Changes is a really great debut, it consists of an overall mellow theme, but uses a variety of background melodies. Being able to create so many different sounds yet remain consistent is what A Cursive Memory has done, however ironic that sounds. It’s truly hard for me to describe A Cursive Memory, because I feel they are a different breed of pop-punk, but still fit quite well within the genre. The best thing to do is to check them out for yourself, because Changes is an album that’s both entertaining and inspiring.

Check out their Myspace for official tour dates and album info.

A Cursive Memory - Everything

A Cursive Memory - The Piano Song

2 Comments for “A Cursive Memory - Changes”

1. maritza — May 30, 2008 @ 11:52 am
   

   I Love the band cursive memory they rock my world….=)

2. Angel — June 24, 2008 @ 12:03 am
   

   ^_^ U Gays Are So HOT ! ^_^

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