Life Is Not A Waiting Room Review

Released: Oct 7, 2008
Genre: Post Hardcore
Label: Vagrant
Number Of Tracks: 12
Senses Fail's infectious guitar hooks end up driving its 3rd release on Vagrant Records, Life Is Not A Waiting Room.

Sound:	8
Lyrics:	8.3
Impression:	8
Overall rating:	8.1
Users rating:	8.8
Comments:	34

overall: 8

Featured review by: UG Team, on october 08, 2008

Sound: On their 3rd full-length album Life Is Not A Waiting Room, Senses Fail delivers 12 tracks that, although do tend to branch out into styles every once in a while, stays relatively true to the band’s classic sound. Producer Brian McTernan was once again brought into the studio, and he does seem to be an expert at creating a larger-than-life, sleek sound. The guitars always come to the forefront, and the final mixer did them a great service. You get melodic guitar lines aplenty on Life Is Not A Waiting Room, and at times they are catchy enough to get stuck in your head immediately.

Life Is Not A Waiting Room kicks off with the low-key, brief opener “Fireworks.” It may not have the energy of some intro songs out there, but the quiet build-up really draws you in. “Fireworks” doesn’t necessarily have that much going on in terms of the instrumentation in the first half, but that allows the vocals (possibly many layers) to come to the forefront. There is a brief moment in the song where you do get an explosion of distorted guitars, but the song once again closes with it's initial quiet sound.

Highlights on the album include “Garden State, ” which features one of the most infectious guitar hooks on the entire record. Guitarists Garrett Zablocki and Heath Saraceno are constantly offering up little lines here and there to enhance the song, and it’s cool to hear more than just chords underneath the vocals at times. “Lungs Like Gallows” is another track that does feature some intricate lead work underneath the chorus vocals, and that adds so much to the listening experience – particularly if you’re able to pick up on every note through headphones.

Senses Fail aren’t always convincing when they try out some different styles, but they do make some admirable attempts that are still structurally solid. “Hair Of The Dog” is a throwback to U2’s The Edge, and at times that makes it distracting. It still sounds very cool with the amount of delay used, but it’s hard not to shake the image of The Edge. “Map The Streets” dabbles in pop punk slightly in the verses, and for whatever reason, it falls a little flat. The choruses usually end up sounding a bit more like Senses Fail’s usual sound in any case, complete with memorable guitar lines that end up driving the song. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: There is definitely a focus on personal emotions and turmoil on the new album, and the band does it's best to deliver a fresh perspective on topics that have been covered before. At times there is some rather unusual imagery used, as is the case in “Wolves At The Door.” Vocalist Buddy Nielsen sings, “I want to drown in a sea filled with Novocaine; I want to burn on a beach where the sand; Has thousands of needles poking at my skin.” Not every track takes this type of descriptive style, but the others tend to have more of a straightforward, honest feel to them. // 8

Impression: Pretty much every track on Life Is Not A Waiting Room ends up having a thick wall of sound, but you also thankfully get to hear every instrument very distinctly. That is probably the direct result of the producer, and it’s easy to understand why they have continued to work with Brian McTernan. There is a bit more emphasis on Buddy Nielsen’s traditional singing, but the band hasn’t discarded the screams altogether. Even so, it’s still the guitars that drive the entire album and you’ll have to listen to the record more than a few times to hear the little nuances that Zablocki and Saraceno have laid down underneath the vocals. // 8

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: _RockOnForever_, on october 28, 2008

Sound: As Senses Fail's third full album, Life Is Not A Waiting Room further demonstrates the band's continuing growth and development. Classic Senses Fail combines their typical formula of raw emotion mixed with heavy rhythyms and melodic lead riffs - this album is no exception. Guitarists Garret Zablocki and Heath Saraceno have definitely developed a strong chemistry while Dan Trapp continues to hone his skills on drums with complex beats and double bass. Although the 12 tracks may seem to dip into other genres' ink, the choruses definitely remain written with the same blood, sweat, and tears that Senses Fail has been about since From the Depths of Dreams. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: James "Buddy" Nielsen once again draws from real-life experiences and utilizes his interests in religion and literature to write deep, meaningful lyrics for each song. One unique twist to the lyrics of this album is Nielsen's recent break up. Songs such as "Four Years" and "Blackout" reflect on the break up (and even relationships in general), pondering the regrets and mistakes made over the years. Another notable influence can be seen in the first single from this album "Family Tradition" in which Nielsen expresses his emotions regarding his estranged father, reminiscent of the band's never-released track "Bastard Son". Nielsen may not be the best singer but his style does fit the lyrical messages he focuses to convey. In addition, his screaming ability has shown great improvement. Although some lyrics may seem generic and cliche, it is Nielsen's singing that drives home the meaning behind each song. // 8

Impression: Since I can't give an 8.5, I will give this album a 9 overall just because I have been with Senses Fail since the beginning. Honestly, if you absolutely loved Let It Enfold You, this may be a disappointing album. However, one must understand that bands grow and change over time, and that is exactly what Senses Fail is doing. Senses Fail knows what has gotten them to where they are now and is trying to keep true to themselves while still learning and growing. Some definite must-listen tracks are "Lungs Like Gallows", "Garden State", "Wolves At The Door", "Hair Of The Dog", and "Map The Streets". I do believe Let It Enfold You was Senses Fail at it's finest, but I am also sorry to say that I believe they may never make an album like that again. Take a listen to this album but don't judge too quickly. Soon enough Life Is Not A Waiting Room will grow on you and have you rocking out to a developing, more matured Senses Fail. // 9

overall: 7.7

Reviewed by: paddydtaz, on april 01, 2009

Sound: This latest album from senses fail is a more slick and grown up expansion of their earlier sound. Whatever they lost in aggression they make up with melodic choruses, stunning guitar riffs and sparks of song writing genius. Although this album is exceptional in places it is overall uninspiring. What shapes up to be a stellar effort is eventually let down by a weak ending which is, without doubt, filler and adds very little to the album.

The album shares more with it's predecessor “Still Searching” than it does with debut album “Let It Enfold You”, not only in sound but in structure. “Fireworks At Dawn” opens the album just as “The Rapture” opened still searching. It’s short and plucky and sets a mellow tone before “Lungs Like Gallows” comes in and starts a riot (just like bonecruncher).

The song writing and structure are the most interesting part of the album. It has the usual fast tempo start and then the hit songs like “Garden State” and “Family Tradition”, but it’s the middle trio of “Four Years”, “Ali For Cody” and “Yellow Angles” that add something special to this album. “Four Years” has the typical SF sound and finishes with stomping line “wake up, you’re sleeping/wake up, you’re sleeping behind the wheel” sung over an infectious guitar line. “Yellow Angles” is somewhat of a part II of this song, it has a slow build-up until it crashes and repeats “wake up, your sleeping... ” sung over an even better guitar line. It really is a magical moment that leaves the hairs standing on the back of your neck. Ali for Cody acts as an in-between song that keeps up the fast pace.

However the last three songs neither have the classic old heavy sound or the new catchy sound, they seem stuck somewhere in the middle and leave no impression on the listener. This leave the album lacking the substance of it's predecessors, and gives the impression that it’s unsure of it's own identity. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: As always lyrics are senses fail’s strong point. The main theme of the album is buddy’s alcoholism and depression, and the problems that go with it, along with the normal relationships and such like. Buddy repeatedly refers to alcohol as “Jack And Jameson”. He states “the person that you love is dead, I flooded him out with the jack and jameson” in four years. This is one of many clever metaphors used in the album. He deals with his depression in ali for cody, “I once was filled with inspiration, that lion heart has lost his pride”. In this song he tells now he has given up on himself and how he will never change, “Who the f--k am I kidding? / I was born with the curse of always giving in?"

The lyrical master piece of the album has to be “Family Tradition”. Buddy deals with his hatred for his father and the addictions he has inherited from him, “I wish I could drain out his half of blood in me, but I'd still have his face, I curse reflections everyday”. He does not hold back in this song and paints a very dark picture of himself and his father, who he constantly blames for everything that is wrong, “Forgive me I inherited this, from a stranger I'll never miss” // 9

Impression: My overall impression of this album is not a good one. It does show potential but I feel it is a step backwards for senses fail. Some of the guitar work is good, the singing and lyrics are good but the overall sound is missing something. I can only hope that senses fail mix their newfound slickness with their classic aggression for album No.4!

However I would suggest that everyone listen to this album as it does have some magic songs such as, “Garden State”, “Four Years/yellow Angles” and “Wolves At The Door”.

Patrick Donohoe 2009 // 7

Comments

[the1]

Cool, I hope it's good. They are failry consistent, even if they aren't the most original band out there. And I hope his live singing improves lol

[Guit in my bed]

On cd's this group is excellent! But i saw them live, and i must say. They S*** , the singing cannot sing like on the album, and sometime he missing some words... That was the worst show, i ever seen!...

[NemX162]

I hope this is more like Let It Enfold You. The other releases seemed so bland and generic. "Calling All Cars," bleh...

[DiveRightIn63]

I really really enjoy this CD. Very heavy.

[shwilly]

hah, I thought I read "senseless fail" (as in "gee Josh, this band is one hell of an epic fail, which seems pretty senseless"). Wouldn't that've been a lame bandname

[Drewcifer 000]

Just got the album. Haven't listened to it yet, but I'm excited to.

[SGRocker407]

Excellent album. I really enjoy the guitarwork between Zablocki and Saraceno. Definietly a great follow-up to "Still Searching".

[Aaron!!]

I got this album hoping it would be like Still Searching, but it was kind of disppointing.
Nothing really stands out, the only good songs are Hair of the Dog and Family Tradition imo.

[pyritmann]

the guitarists for this band are really good and make some cool stuff, some pretty cool songs as far melody and what not, but i cant get into either the singing or lyrics... havnt heard this album yet though so i really should hold my tongue, lookinbg forward to it though.

[Astronomer9893]

awesome album, there are only a few minor things i don't care for, the screaming on this album isn't that great, and i wish they had more screaming. its only on like 3 or 4 songs, but a very good album nonetheless. i can't decide between this and Let it Enfold You, its really close

[guitarhalo31021]

yeah that's because the lead singer is an alcoholic haha

[Underoath^]

This CD is amazing. I like that the lead stands out more than in the last albums. It could use a pinch of the scream from "Irony of Dying on your Birthday" though. Still, its a fxcking awesome record.

Checked.

[HLrocker]

amazing band, realy looking foward to the CD

[The Spoon]

Still Searching was really amazing. This album is kinda dissapointing. Its catchy, but really generic.

[punkforlife93]

Hoping it will be good. :p:

[isomniac19]

I can't wait to hear this, they've been my fav, screamo punk band for a while. let it enfold you is one of the best screamo punk albums so hearing that a kid can't decide between this and let it enfold you has me stoked

[danrawkz]

this isn't anywhere near screamo or punk

[A_New_Level]

this album sucks. even Still Searching wasn't too bad. But if you're expecting anything like "Let it enfold you" don't even bothing buying...hell, even downloading. They have been going downhill with every album since they started. From the depths of a dream up to Still Searching wasn't too bad, but their far from their roots at this point.

[Guitar_Guru_Guy]

Senses fail rock! they are easily one of the most influencial and unique band of the 21st century! some say they arent original but with buddy on vocals and saraceno and zablocki on guitar they gel perfectly!

[iH8CarAccidents]

I don't get what some of these guys are whining about. This CD is great. The guitar parts are more intricate than ever, the drums are often a good driving force to the song, and Buddy's at the top of his game for both vocals and lyrics. He actually started taking screaming lessons from Melissa Cross (The lady that taught the guys from Lamb of God, UnderOath, and others) so he can do it right without blowing his vocal chords. And in my opinion, it's paid off. He's got more range than ever. Some of the screams on this album almost remind me of older Atreyu. So yeah. Screw all you haters.

By the way, these guys are playing in my town on my birthday. I can't freaking wait!

[Sidewinder1090]

It's a pretty good CD, don't listen to all the doubters. If you liked Still Searching you'll like this, it's pretty damn catchy.

[lespaul1216]

NemX162 wrote:

I hope this is more like Let It Enfold You. The other releases seemed so bland and generic. "Calling All Cars," bleh...

Well, i have bad news for you, it is much more like still searching than let it enfold you.

[OMGitsPinkFloyd]

its a good album you just have to listen to it over a couple times, at first i thought it sounds pretty blehh. But it gets better with each listen.

[rickdimsey cs]

I love senses fail,
but this album is ****ing terrible. NO good songs

[xXSamueLXx]

you guys all suck ****ing balls... senses fail will and always will kick anybody elses asses. **** you all and i hope you go to hell!!!

[XCityInAshesX]

I absolutely love this album! It is truly incredible! these guys have really changed for the better. people keep on saying that they are generic. What the hell are they thinking. senses Fail is a lot more original then they were when they started. From the Depths of Dreams was pretty good but sounded pretty wussy. Then they got a different guitarist and things were surely looking better on let it unfold you, but a couple of the best songs on the album sounded all too similar. then came still searching which was great, but the most popular song on the album "Calling All Cars" sounds painfully similar to "Buried a Lie" and "Lady in the Blue Dress" off of Let it Unfold You. Now "Life is Not a Waiting Room" in my opinion is incredible because it sound so original. my favorite song is Chandelier because it is like nothing Senses fail has ever done before. The chorus is so dark it's almost creepy.

[blacklabel22333]

xXSamueLXx wrote:

you guys all suck ****ing balls... senses fail will and always will kick anybody elses asses. **** you all and i hope you go to hell!!!

dude shut the **** up. everyone had their own opinions. You are the type of person that i hate. Just because you like a ****ing band doesn't me we all must like the same band. Anyway, i have liked senses fail for a long time and i found this CD to be disappointing. I don't know if my taste in music has changed but i just didn't love any of the songs except wolves at the door. I listened a few times to the cd to make sure and i just cant get into it.

[shibby013]

i give that album a 10/10 brilliant pieces of music carefully put together to create a very contemporary popular taste but also not going to far away from their original style....could make a comparison to funerals latest album?

[layzejerze20006]

i loved this album. it doesnt stray too far from senses fail's overall sound, but you can definitely hear the band maturing in a good way in my opinion.

[ryanglaspell]

This slbum to me seems lighter than still searching but much deeper than let in enfold you. I enjoy it so far chandelier has a cool intro. Senses fail is one of the best emo/screamo/punk pands out there

[loveismurderx]

I think its an awesome album!
The lyrics still kick ass... Though i think that they should cut out the screaming... If the have to do screams, do it like they did on let it enfold you..

I had to hear it a couple of times before i really got into it, but im surprised how good it actually is..
My faves are Family Tradition, Four Years and Chandelier

[Sphinx07]

I was pretty impressed with this album, especially following "Still Searching". Chandelier is my favorite track behind Garden State. Its darker than any other track I've heard. Wish they would perform that live.

[JChrist521]

I personally think Senses Fail took everything they were good at and some of the things they were bad at and improved them noticeably. There is more intricate guitar work in this album as well as (imo) better and more powerful screams from Nielson. He said that he worked on his screaming between this and Still Searching and it shows.

Great work from Senses Fail and I can't wait to see where they go next.