Still Searching Review

Release Date: Oct 10, 2006
Label: Vagrant/Drive-Thru
Genres: Screamo, Punk-Pop, Emo
Number Of Tracks: 13
Senses Fail?s Still Searching shines most when the guitar work is allowed to take the center stage.

Sound:	8.3
Lyrics:	8.3
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.5
Users rating:	8.4
Comments:	43

overall: 7.7

Featured review by: UG Team, on october 10, 2006

Sound: Senses Fail shows a greater depth in its guitar work on the latest CD Still Searching, which is a godsend for a band that often gets mired in the intermittent screams heard in its songs. The new CD shows that Senses Fail has plenty of promise when it doesn’t stick to just the screamo genre. There are moments when Senses Fail delves into everything from electronica to slow-tempo grooves, and that is when Still Searching hits its peak.

While the band’s fans probably have come to appreciate the screaming, on Still Searching those outbursts really distract from the song arrangements that don’t always call for an angry delivery. Thankfully, Senses Fail (vocalist James “Buddy” Nielsen, guitarists Garrett Zablocki and Heath Saraceno, bassist Mike Glita, and drummer Dan Trapp) shows it has the musical chops to go beyond that and play technically demanding tunes. The standout players are guitarists Zablocki and Saraceno, who offer up dual guitar harmonies that are the most inspired moments on the record.

The CD gets off to a less-than-thrilling start with “The Rapture,” a short starter song that is not bad, but it also may be just a little too subtle for its own good. When it is quickly followed by “Bonecrusher,” a song with a title that seems to require an in-your-face delivery, the band still fails to deliver any part that is particularly memorable. While “Bonecrusher” does have an interesting, almost scale-like guitar intro, it still quickly loses steam with a lackluster chorus and verses.

“Sick Or Sane” is the first song on the latest CD to feature Nielsen’s screamo-tinged vocals. The screams actually get in the way of the polished feel that is heard in everything from the flawless guitar lines to the inspired fills. It is actually the guitar solo that takes the song to an entire different level mid-song, and is even quite reminiscent of classic '80s hard rock backs like Iron Maiden. It is precisely that guitar work that pulls off the task of making “Sick Or Sane” one of the best tracks on the CD.

The most unique track on the CD is “All The Best Cowboys,” which starts off with an electronic intro and quickly allows the guitars to mimic the odd timing of what sounds like a synthesizer or sample. Senses Fail never tries to be a band like Orgy during the song, but rather it creates a base arrangement that lays the groundwork for an incredible, yet straightforward rock tune. When the last line of the song abruptly melts into the next lullaby-ish track “Negative Space,” it brings it to a memorable close. While many of the songs aren’t able to pull of the same feat, the band does seem to be evolving in a positive direction. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: When it comes to the lyrics on Still Searching, there is a mix of the impressive and mediocre. There are times on the CD where the song themes seem contrived and predictable, but then the next song could throw a curveball with some unique thoughts.

On “Lost And Found,” there is an overdone castaway-type theme that seems more silly than serious. Nielsen sings, “This island has become an ocean; And my boat’s too small; The waves are crashing in and I can’t save this sinking ship; I sent out signal flares; But no one out there seems to care.” The metaphor used just seems a bit forced and actually takes away from feeling a sense of connection to the song.

“The Priest And The Matador” gets off to the same shaky start, but salvages itself by the end. Nielsen sings, “Here I lie; I’m staring at clouds and shapes of dogs and cats; I hear a woman start to yell, ‘Oh, dear God I think he fell.” While these are original thoughts, they seem a bit silly at the same time. The song does take an interesting turn, however, when the imagery of the scene is painted a little more clearly. Nielsen sings, “A priest is rushing to my side; Begins to read me my last rites; Father you’re too late; My faith is weak.” The unusual images give the song more of its own identity by delving into topics like death and the power of faith, and end up offering a nice addition to “The Priest And The Matador.” // 7

Impression: If you’re a fan of screamo music, the band still provides plenty of the screaming portion of that equation. Unfortunately, those aggressive vocals tend to distract from some of the songs on Still Searching. To Senses Fail’s credit, the band doesn’t try to force the screams in every song and is even showing more of their acoustic side that was prevalent during their stint on the Warped Tour.

Still Searching does have quite a few songs that will surprise listeners in a positive way, particularly when the band features complex, yet melodic guitar solos in its songs. Guitarists Zablocki and Saraceno show a maturity in their playing, which is just as evident in the slower-tempo songs as the double-time ones. Although there is still inconsistency in the songwriting underneath those solos, fans of Senses Fail will likely be satisfied with the creative growth of the band. // 8

overall: 8

Reviewed by: GNRAGE_2010, on october 13, 2006

Sound: As many of you know Senses Fail has been able to help post-hardcore become better known with their catchy lyrics and well implented screaming. This album may come as a disapointment to some since the screaming has been taken down and notch or two and is more about the more meaningful lyrics. However both lead and rythm guitar sound pretty good with some creative lead parts and the drums sound good too. Overall nothing too special is accomplished with the sound of the album but still worth listening to. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: Senses Fail decided to turn down the screaming this time around. Some may like it better but I thought they achieved a perfect balance between the screams and lyrics in "Let It Enfold You". Don't let this turn you away though because now you can here more of Buddy's creative side like in the chorus of Can't Be Saved which he sings about being stuck in a coma. // 9

Impression: While this may not be their most groundbreaking record it is still good. While the screaming has been toned down you can look at it as a way to here more great lyrics from Buddy. The best songs on the album are probably Can't Be Saved, Calling All Cars, and Still Searching. If it were lost or stolen I'd definetly buy another. The thing I hate most about this album is the fact that there isn't as much screaming which is funny because I'm not really into the screaming but Senses Fail is one band I like to listen to scream. // 8

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: lespaul1216, on july 19, 2008

Sound: Senses Fail's album Still Searching comes off as 10 times as heavy as their previous CD Let it Enfold You. With new rythm guitarist Heath Sarceno on board, the guitars are heavier than ever and in one song, Shark Attack detuning down to drop C for improved tone. The vocals are also more brutal with more screams, and thicker more aggressive screams at that. All in all great sound from SF. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics on this album are utterly brilliant. The album's story is told from the point of view of the main character, a drug addict/alcohaulic who is slowly growing insane. In the most bluntly titled track, "Sick or Sane" the man is bothered by the question if he is crazy or not. Eventually the character seeks medical help and in "Still Searching" it is deeply implied that he is living in a mental institution. The character becomes depressed and in "All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues" (a reference to an episode of "Lost") takes his own life by jumpin off a building. In "The Priest and the Matador" it explains his process of dying and what happens aroound him. He dies at "half past six" lying on the ground with medics trying to save him. The special edition of this album contains five bonus tracks: Battle Hymn, Champagne, Stretch Your Legs to Coffin Length, Mason's Revenge, Cinco de Mayo. These songs are in no way related to the storyline, but are great additions to the track listing. Battle Hymn, for example, is easily the heaviest song on the album. There is also a cover song, Salvation originally by the Cranberries. It is a great improvement from the original, in my opinion. Buddy Nielsen provides great vocals on all of the tracks including harsh screams in songs such as "Still Searching" and melodic moaning as in "Lost and Found." // 10

Impression: This album is far better than Let it Enfold You. The songs are much more aggressive and up tempo at some points and at others a slower, softer, more melodic style of rock music. The best songs on the album are easily Shark Attack, Can't be Saved, and the album's climax, All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues. Overall, a great album by an awesome band! // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: buriedxaxlie, on may 21, 2007

Sound: This album you can tell just has that sound where this isn't the first CD the band has put out. The vocals are more powerful and the guitars just sound altogether better. They stick with some of their screaming from Let It Enfold You, but they also have mellower tracks on the CD as well. It's a great CD to get especially if you liked the first one. The bonus accoustic tracks at the end are definately worth getting also, Buddy's vocals are just very much improved in this album I think and he even sounds good accoustically. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics could have been better, but they're still good. Buddy goes from talking about coma's in Can't Be Saved, to jumping off a building and committing suicide in The Priest and the Matador, to loving his life in To All The Crowded Rooms. It's a good mix of emotions. I really enjoy listening to the lyrics of the Priest and the Matador. It takes a few listens to get the full effect of everything he says. // 7

Impression: I really love this album. Make sure you get the bonus track one, it's worth it. I'm a fan of the deep scream and they have some of this in the album. But I also love the slower accoustic tracks with nice vocals which it also has. This one also isn't as explicit as their last CD if that bothers you. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. So I suggest you go out and buy it. // 10

Comments

[slipsoad928]

i liked this c.d., good review

[Footballer4050]

this cd is amazing ... so is the review

[chipsahoy]

Good review. I have to buy the cd today but I've heard it.

[Todder187]

Alright...I am a huge Senses Fail fan... BUT...i really thought this cd sucked. I miss the good old screaming. The guitar may be more "technical" and "imporved" but the overall sound is very boring and Still Searching has nothing that sticks out. Each song sounds the same and I really couldnt get into it. Try not to rip me apart everyone. I still love Senses Fail, just not this album .

[zyxdragon]

when did this cd come out? Ive been waiting for this forever!

[metallicaPOOS]

never heard of the band, but i like it because the cover!!! Dude,. the cover tells all, regardless off the band. Once you see a cover like this, their music has to kick ass. If it doesn't then wtf? why such an amazing cover, if your music is a pile of ass?

[SGxMastodonxSG]

Lol @ the metallica guy. If you really like Metallica, you won't like this.

Btw, Senses Fail aren't Screamo.

[ownedmatt]

This CD is amazing. I have to say best tracks are Sick Or Sane ( Fifty Or Twenty ), Can't Be Saved and Calling All Cars. Amazing.

[apc--ibanez]

metallicaPOOS wrote:

never heard of the band, but i like it because the cover!!! Dude,. the cover tells all, regardless off the band. Once you see a cover like this, their music has to kick ass. If it doesn't then wtf? why such an amazing cover, if your music is a pile of ass?

Typical Metallica fan.
Remember...don't judge a book by its cover.

I saw this band last night, they were terrible live but the new cd is ok.

[ASD37]

lol ive got most the tracks on the album already but FUK y would it be late do get deliverd i've been waiting for like....eva to get it go all the way to town then the bitch behinde the counters like soz its not here yet,lol i had to leave b4 sumthing bad happend!,how eva senses fail still rock and i duno wat the guy that reviewed was smoking but,your fuking nuts the guatir and the screaming go SO well together the scream adds depth to the guitar work you stooge

[Avalanche1]

I love this CD! but I think the best song is one of the B Side tracks, Cinco De Mayo

[CommodoreMF]

i think he makes a good point about the way senses fail is evolving as musicians...i mean yea i love screaming bands and hardcore and metal but i think these guys are taking a step in the right direction...in my opinion the best musicians and bands of all time werent screamers.

Yeah and i hate people who feel like they have to catorgorize (spelling?) music or people as emo. just let people be people and let music be music and 'let it flow' (Eric Clapton)

[jyeeah]

i liked the previous 2 albumbs better.
this ones still good.
the guitar has improved
i thought they were pretty good that the taste of chaos concert.
cant wait to see them w/ saosin

[spikedemon!]

I liked what i've heard on this album, still sounds like senses fail. They're still not afraid to say crazy things that people think but never talk about.

[unknownalone]

I saw this band last night, they were terrible live but the new cd is ok.

strange, ive seen em live and they were amazing, but oh well..havent picked up this album yet, but from what ive heard me like

[Gibbs]

ok, i play guitar and i do like the guitarwork, BUT... i judge music on how good it sounds not how hard it is to play. and im ny opion the new shit sucks, i miss the old style of senses fail, like let it enfold you. that was prolly one of my most fav cd's of all time... this new shit is horrible

[Afi_rocker_91]

CommodoreMF wrote:

i think he makes a good point about the way senses fail is evolving as musicians...i mean yea i love screaming bands and hardcore and metal but i think these guys are taking a step in the right direction...in my opinion the best musicians and bands of all time werent screamers.

Yeah and i hate people who feel like they have to catorgorize (spelling?) music or people as emo. just let people be people and let music be music and 'let it flow' (Eric Clapton)

dude thats the best quote ever! i totally agree! plus my fav of the album is calling all cars

[JaredTheRed]

i think this album was second, let it enfold you first, depths of dreams was good, but not as many songs as good so 3rd, i think that with getting more technical with the 3 album and taking a step in this direction, their 4th album if they make one (which they proly will) will be a good album...stick with em, they look promising for the future.

Checked.

[nexous]

Another wonderful cd by senses fail.. all there is to say

[stinkynuts]

buy the cd at best buy because it has three extra acoustic tracks of CANT BE SAVED, CALLING ALL CARS, and LOST AND FOUND, for the same price!

[Physh]

its a great album. i believe people may not like it as much yet because they have been listening to "let it enfold you" for so long that they have very strict standards on what senses fail is supposed to sound like. give it a little time, listen to it a few times, and it will probably start growing on you. just like any other band, senses fail is evolving and their sound is evolving with them. but this is still senses fail at their best.

[alex15kim]

honestly... i thought this cd wasn't as good as their previous 2 albums. i've heard my friends say they like this cd so much better but what do they know... i've known them a year longer than them. i mean, it's a decent cd, solos are pretty sweet, but nothing really that catches my attention, and not that many good riffs at all.

[yosefgamble]

This Cd has a certain style that sounds like help me the whole time. I like the old senses fail.

[Joffisonfire]

This cd is better than their old stuff. Altho I can see myself getting bored of it soon.....

[Sleepyjanitor]

in my opinion this cd is really good and not as much as a let down as other cds that have come out this year in this bands particular genre. but seriously...the priest and the matador has the worst lyrics ive ever heard. the instruments are sweet. but the lyrics are the worst attempts at sending a message and having an underlying meaning...its just terrible.

[cleverisall]

Im a very big senses fail fan, and Ive followed them from the beginning. I really enjoyed the latest album, I felt that they were able to step up the the involvement of the guitarists and let them shine like they deserve, but it didnt grab me like the previous 2 albums. The lyrics are slightly dull compared to the last album, and nothing seems to really grab me and hold me in. With Let it Enfold You I could literally put the album on repeat and listen to it all day, and while I can sit through Still Searching and enjoy it I honestly doubt I could bring myself to replay it.

Good album, just doesnt live up to their old material.

[yonathon]

this cd kicks ass the lyrics are awesome cus budd is like real personal with wat he says and fairplay to him for being so open as for the guitar it kicks ass harmony solos woooo hints of techno awesome drum sound amazing production on it too i saw em at taste of chaos cardiff they were the best band there easy wooo SENSES FAIL

[lackofcolor]

never heard of the band, but i like it because the cover!!! Dude,. the cover tells all, regardless off the band. Once you see a cover like this, their music has to kick ass. If it doesn't then wtf? why such an amazing cover, if your music is a pile of ass?

ah man, thats kinda funny it was a different story with metallica. there album cover sucked and so did there music. hmmmm =D. Oh and how can you judge the look of an album cover to the type of music it is or if its good or not?
anyways thank you silly confused metallica fan for making me laugh

[punk_isntemo12]

^^^lackofcolor, you and that 'silly metallica fan' both made me laugh. lol. i love the cover but i need to hear the cd before i say its cool. i still think that Let It Enfold You will still be Senses Fail's best album. rock on SF.

[dxvxb]

i have to say lost and found's lyrics r silly but its still a great song.

[Misfitsfreak13]

apc--ibanez wrote:

metallicaPOOS wrote:

never heard of the band, but i like it because the cover!!! Dude,. the cover tells all, regardless off the band. Once you see a cover like this, their music has to kick ass. If it doesn't then wtf? why such an amazing cover, if your music is a pile of ass?

Typical Metallica fan.
Remember...don't judge a book by its cover.

I saw this band last night, they were terrible live but the new cd is ok.

I saw them last night and they were the greatest band I have seen live. It was them, Saosin, Set Your Goals, and Alexisonfire. The entire show was amazing. Except, luckily, I missed Set Your Goals set but they suck ass anyway so it's all good.

[justinR951]

i really feel like cutting myself and crying when i hear this music

[caseygustaveson]

Fuck this band. They and Hawthorne Heights should go jerk eachother off before driving off a cliff.

[Dracharon]

to the last guy who posted. what the hell was the point in that?! if u aint gonna say anything positive, just shutup, nobody wants to hear your moaning. if u dont like the band why come onto this page?! a lot of people on this site wont like your music but they wont have a go at it. just shows had sad you really are. and as for this album, its good, i love senses fail and always will, but definitely 'let it enfold you' has to be their best album to date. its just awesome. senses fail are amazing, they just keep proving it more and more!

[=Thunderbird=]

good review.
it's great band, as i heard at first still searching i thougt: oh.. this isn't really senses fail anymore..
but as i listened to it longer than only a few seconds i found it amazing, and i've to say, it is definitely still senses fail and it kicks ass! i love it!
the screaming sounds very great i think (especially the little screaming part in all the best cowboys) and the guitar work is really good, too. drums are cool, too.
I loved this band since i heard them the first time (the song was bite to break skin) and i defenitely still do.

i can't understand the people who say that this is shit and say things like: oh these kids are so stupid, can't sing and can't play their instruments at all - cause they definitely can and do it well

[M.B.MetalTabber]

Misfitsfreak13 wrote:

apc--ibanez wrote:

metallicaPOOS wrote:

never heard of the band, but i like it because the cover!!! Dude,. the cover tells all, regardless off the band. Once you see a cover like this, their music has to kick ass. If it doesn't then wtf? why such an amazing cover, if your music is a pile of ass?

Typical Metallica fan.
Remember...don't judge a book by its cover.

I saw this band last night, they were terrible live but the new cd is ok.


I saw them last night and they were the greatest band I have seen live. It was them, Saosin, Set Your Goals, and Alexisonfire. The entire show was amazing. Except, luckily, I missed Set Your Goals set but they suck ass anyway so it's all good.

Senses Fail are not the greatest live act, they do not compare to bands such as Alice Cooper or Metallica when live, but they still rock, and this album is their best one yet

[SensesFail_dude]

this band rocks, their one of my favs (as you can tell) but this album was a little 'iffy' good band, not as much screaming though, which sucks cuz thats what senses fail is...and good guitars =]

[Schizopathic]

"Shark Attack" is my favorite song off this album...it just rocks from start to finish...i love the album as a whole...i think it was a great step forward for these guys...but they have always been great...

[The Spoon]

they really changed up the style. Guitarwork is awesome. I love almost every chorus in this album. Thats where i think they really improved. And then there are so many songs with gang vocals. its awesome.

[Give_em Hell]

caseygustaveson wrote:

Fuck this band. They and Hawthorne Heights should go jerk eachother off before driving off a cliff.

hawthorne heights does suck \, senses fail doesn't! you dipshit at least senses fail writes decent lyrics!! go back and listen to your Phish Records!@!!!

[TakingBakMonday]

Still Searching is the best song on the album I think... The chorus with the double bass and the guitar OWNS!! =)

[Nerdicle]

Right, I Gotta Say.
I Really Like ths album, Its Good that they've turned down on the screamo coz, i might be the only one, but i think their lyrics are Nice stuff.

I Like The Rapture, although its short, its - unsure if its the right word - Catchy. As well as All the best cowboys have daddy Issues, Cant Be Saved (Coma?) And The Priest And the Matador.
Last of which, i think the lyrics are Well, Wow.

A Lot of people disagree with me on this but Oh well, It is my opinion.