Up next on the chopping block is a band that I have only really heard of, but never really gave their music a chance. The band on the chopping block is Dead Sara and what’s notable about this particular band is that the singer is none other than Emily Armstrong who now sings for Linkin Park (if you really didn’t know that then you’ve seriously been living under a rock for the last two years). Anyway, let’s take a look…….
Dead Sara- I think what I like most about this album is the fact that it feels very much like an Indie rock album, but blends punk, hard rock and blues. I mean right out the gate. It just goes all out and the vocals are both so soothing and aggressive at the same time. I’m gonna give this album 9/10.
Standouts: Whispers & Ashes, I Said You Were Lucky, Lemon Scent
Pleasure To Meet You- I will say with this album follows the same style as the first album, but it sounds more dialed in. Like the band is tighter the songs are more cohesive, and there are actually some soul elements added in. It’s interesting because I never thought I could hear music that is aggressively soulful if that makes any kind of sense. Either way I really really enjoyed this record and I’m going to give it 9.5/10.
Standouts: L.A. City Slum, Greaser, Radio One Two
The Airport Sessions- this is just a seven song EP that to me feels a lot like leftover material from the Pleasure To Meet You recordings. It’s definitely a great companion to that record but at the same time it’s also fantastic all on its own. My first reaction during the first song was “ oh great and acoustic EP” but that’s just that one song the rest of the EP is actually quite good and I’m gonna give this 9/10
Standouts: This Changes Everything, Baby Rock, Pretty Ugly
Temporary Things Taking Up Space- this is a six song EP and it definitely feels like there’s a change of style. They went from kind of a harder, heavier rock sound to a bit more poppy almost commercial sound. Either way it’s a nice bridge between the albums and I’m going to give it 8/10.
Standouts: Unamerican, Times To Remember
Ain’t It Tragic- I would say out of all of their albums so far this one probably sounds the most like a pop record. I’m not saying that that’s a bad thing. It’s just that the rest of their albums have been more on the heavier rock side and have had a bit of aggression to them. I’ll admit this one did take me a couple of lessons but at the end of the day it is a good record and I’m gonna go ahead and give it 8/10.
Standouts: All I Know Is That You Left Me For Dead, Heroes, Lights Out!
If you’re a fan of Emily Armstrong and have not heard this band then this will definitely make you a bigger fan of hers. To any Linkin Park fans that says that she cannot sing you’re seriously tone deaf!! I think these albums absolutely prove that she absolutely can sing and is the perfect fit for Linkin Park. As far as this band goes, I had a lot of fun with these records. They are absolutely the perfect blend of hard rock punk and soul and you should absolutely give this band to listen. Hopefully they will start playing live at some point because I for sure would love to see them.
Album Rankings:
- Pleasure To Meet You
- Dead Sara
- The Airport Sessions
- Ain’t It Tragic
- Temporary Things Taking Space
Sinister Reviews 