Somewhere In The Between Review

Release Date: Nov 13, 2007
Label: Victory Records
Genres: Third Wave Ska Revival, Ska-Punk
Number Of Tracks: 10
Although Somewhere in the Between is the third full-length release by Streetlight Manifesto, longtime fans are more likely to view it as the band's sophomore effort.

Sound:	9.5
Lyrics:	8.8
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	9.8
Comments:	27

overall: 9

Featured review by: UG Team, on november 15, 2007

Sound: After the release of their highly rated debut album “Everything Goes Numb”, Streetlight Manifesto were welcomed into the ska scene with arms wide open. It wasn’t long before fans were in demand of a sophomore release. This demand wasn’t met for years, until now, with the release of the highly anticipated “Somewhere In The Between”. Upon the first listen, it is hard to pick out the 'best’ track as every track on the album is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. “Down, Down, Down to Mephisto’s Café” is a perfect example of classic Streetlight Manifesto. An instant sing-along, the track is certain to tear your head apart with its catchy vocals, horns, and guitars. “The Blonde Lead The Blind” has by far the most upbeat horn tune ever heard on any ska song -- ever. That tune alone makes the song worth listening to, and promises to make the track a certain live favorite. Listening to the album, it is easy to pick out different influences the band may have used. For example, it seems that some of the songs give the impression of being slightly System of a Down-esque, but in a ska-y way. An example of this would be the fourth track “Watch It Crash”, which has a stunningly powerful ending. On ending track “What A Wicked Gang We Are”, the guitar can be said to be to some extent 'metal-ish’. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics for this album, in contrast to the instrumentals, are relatively menacing. Examples of such sinister lyrics range from death and the afterlife (Would You Be Impressed? and We Will Fall Together), abuse and self-harm (The Receiving End Of It All) and losing religious faith (The Blonde Lead The Blind). Although the lyrics may be of a satirical nature, they are incredibly interesting to listen to, and sometimes even funny. This is a good thing, of course, as it means that the album is thrilling not only because of the instrumentals, but also because of the lyrics. The unhealthily catchy title track “Somewhere In The Between” displays lyrics such as “So you were born, and that was a good day; Someday you'll die, and that is a shame; But somewhere in the between was a life of which we all dream; And nothing and no one will ever take that away” commenting on cherishing and living life to the fullest. One of the more satirical songs on the album, “Forty Days” talks about loneliness and rejection from heaven due to 'tasting’ the seven sins: “And nobody's going to hold your hand on the day you die; I've tasted seven sins, so they won't let me in; I knock knock knock until my knuckles are bruised and raw; Stuck in the middle with my blood in a puddle on the floor”. // 9

Impression: The second record release from the New Jersey seven-some meets all expectations and more. The bands exceedingly catchy brand of upbeat pop ska is once again perfectly executed on their sophomore release with a perfect mix of horns, guitars, bass, drums, and vocal melodies. This record is the perfect ska album and is a must have for any music fan. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on january 22, 2010

Sound: This album overall, was amazing. The music didn't seem verse, chorus, verse, so on. It had a lot of parts it seemed, or cool variations. It is definitly not an album that you would skip to the good song. Every song was great. I think the trumpets flowed perfect with the songs and had a lot complex parts. The bass is incredible. When I listen to some songs "Somewhere in the Between" "We Will Fall Together" and "Would you be Impressed" just sent shivers down my spine of how it flowed. Every musician knew what they were doing it seemed. Also DEFINITLY not repeatative in each song. As a ska fan, this is completely different then reel big fish or less than jake. It seems like a mix of NOFX and bosstones. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: I love the singer with a kinda scratchy voice. He sounds like NOFX or Rancid. Some find it annoying, but his fast but clear words are great. The lyrics have meaning it seems. I don't know a lot about how good lyrics are, though haha. He sings fast, and I think is perfect to the songs sound. // 8

Impression: I love absolutely everything about this album. It was definitly different from other ska punk. The wind instrument solos make up the songs and the bass is great. The best songs were "Somewhere in the Between" "We Will Fall Together" "Would you be Impressed" "Forty Days" amd "Down Down Down to Mephisto's Cafe" I think this album is only for people with a taste like mine. If you don't mind rancid and love ska punk, this is a great artist for you. If someone stole this, after I was done crying, I would track down the robber and kill him. // 10

overall: 9

Reviewed by: RCT2head, on november 15, 2007

Sound: After an extremely long wait to fans of Streetlight, complete with many promises by the band at shows that "The album will be out next week!" Somewhere In The Between follows up on the success of their debut album, Everything Goes Numb. There is a bunch of small changes to their sound, especially in the solos and styles of the songs (could be possibly described as a cross between Salsa, Ska, and hints of European music), but maintains the originality that is Streetlight Manifesto and Tomas Kalnoky. According to the leaked album cover, most of the songs were in the process of creation for years, never finalized until they're recorded and edited. This allowed for many changes to the songs between live performances and the final cut on the album. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics were just as hard hitting as they were in EGN, although the alleged "Keasbey Trio" song has not yet presented itself as obviously as the Point/Keasbey/Counterpoint mix-up has. As with the style of other albums under Kalnoky's guidance, the lyrics all come from reflections on life and it's ultimate end; although this time more in celebration of life than in death and the causes of it. They flow extremely well with the music, so much so that sometimes it's hard to distinguish between what's sung through a voice or an instrument. Tomas has increased his vocal range while still maintaining his characteristic sound. Jim Conti, who also fills some of the sax spots in the band, also improved in his vocal abilities enough that he's able to provide a nice doubling of sound. (This is better than the Keasbey Nights remake where Tomas' voice was simply overdubbed, providing a much less comprehensive sound). // 9

Impression: Somewhere In The Between is much more mature in sound compared to Everything Goes Numb and the remake of Keasbey Nights, probably coming from the 3-5 years it took to develop each song on the album as opposed to the other albums' 1-3 years. However, no matter what the real reason behind the sound is, the album is definitely a must-get for any Streetlight Manifesto fan, or anyone that's willing to try new music. Although it's a personal preference that varies by person, the songs Down, Down, Down to Mephisto's Cafe, Watch It Crash, and We Will Fall together are some of the best songs on the album, each providing catchy music and lyrics with impressive horn hooks to come up with almost epic songs. some good things about the album besides the afforementioned maturity and richer sound could be that solos get more importance, as well as more focused on overall weaving horn patterns. The only problem with Somewhere In The Between is that there's not more songs on it. As mentioned earlier, you should definitely buy a copy as soon as possible, and hunt down any crazy dumbass that even tries to steal it from you to get it back. // 9

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: kalnoky7, on january 14, 2008

Sound: What can I say? This album is one of the best I've seen in many years. And that's sayin something. Many years is basically my whole life. You can clearly hear the exhaustion with which this masterpiece was done. Every single detail counts to perfection so crank it up, and turn up the volume or you may miss them. Recomended to ska and punk fans (mostly ska. Awaited for so long, SM fans were already conjuring preposterous (in my opinion) theories as to what it would sound like. there was even a time that people believed it would be "Everything went numb II". What a stupid thing to think There was only a Keasbey nights II beacause of the band change. Listen to the whole end of 1234, 1234 from SM to understand. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Tomas, as good as ever in the lyrics of every song. If you're reading this review, you already know how they'll be. However, the lyrics as as good as ever. Not better as the sound is. I actually don't see how they could be better anyway
The theme is heaven, hell, lack of faith, religion. Very well developed I would say "We made our beds, we'll judge ourselves, and only there and then will we disappear to our final resting place." "I won't claim to believe the things I read, Black books or agenda magazine, I'd rather see in shades of gray." "So f--k the flocks of sheep that keep amassing masses, asses being led so far astray." // 9

Impression: So, you know know my opinion on the album. All that's left is a comparison with other works. This one is the best, in the overall, however, it has no Dear Sergio or Here's to life. Those remain the best songs. What else? // 10

Comments

[clashclash]

just amazin album nothing else to say ,pure class. and i get 2 c them live soon , bring it on

[SkAsupafly]

i coulda saw em live aug. 20th... damnit. this is a great album every song on it is amazing.... i need to see these guys live

[AVApunk18239]

i love streetlight and ill probly check the new album out soon.i wish i could see them in orlando

[Rokkstar64]

I love this album.
Enough said.

[tvic14]

one of my favorite cds by far. every song is worth listening to. buy it. support streetlight. chyeah.

[sumguitar41]

great band! definatly gonna listen to this album

[bob1991]

the first album left me shellshocked!! and i've heard that this one is even better. Everything Goes Numb pretty much changed my perspective on song writing, the album is packed with inspiration and I hope Somewhere In The Between will leave me with the same fulfilled feeling

[cecil69]

absolutely amazing album

[turbo474]

tomas kalnoky is god.

[killsPEACHES]

love it

[rebelmidget]

neither review mentioned the lyrical commentary on war. but w/e THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM I HAVE EVER HEARD, PERIOD. buy it, and if you can't afford it pirate it and buy it at a later date. i'd give up a kidney if thats what it cost for this cd (luckily i only paid 12 dollars and got a nifty patch and button)

[RCT2head]

updated: through some stroke of luck, streetlight's van was not robbed this tour, however, unfortunately, suburban legends was... did the the thieves get confused?

[lintkingofska]

This is probably the greatest thing i have ever spent money on. No lies. Well after my car this. It has all that any streetlight fan could want. The only thing i don't like is that it has 10 songs. To me thats fine, but to some that may be too few. JUST BUY IT.

[BucketheadRules]

"The Blonde Lead the Blind" Is about education, not religion...

Anyway this album is the ****ing greatest thing ever.

[dsrtdude93]

When i first heard "We Will Fall Forever" i sat there and almost fell forever in shock!. I didnt know that people could make such music masterpieces! We Will Fall Forever is the Best song that i have ever heard! one word... WOW

[Adam_Harrison9]

BucketheadRules wrote:

"The Blonde Lead the Blind" Is about education, not religion...

No it's about both.
Anyway this album is the ****ing greatest thing ever.

[coolschrank]

amazing album!!!!

[Tedrick]

Incredible. Just incredible.

[Keenan111]

First off, if you have not purchased this album yet do it now. Secondly, wow. There is not a single bad thing I can say about this album. Streetlight has surpassed the bar set by Everything Goes Numb ten-fold. Musically, it is brilliant (the writing and arranging is better than any other band out there, bar none) and lyrically it is spectacular. Matt Stewart (SM's new trumpet player) is easily the star of this album. It seems his middle-C is an octave higher than your average trumpet player... and if you aren't musically inclined, I mean he can play HIGH and still keep beautiful tone.

I can't recommend this album enough. I've given it to people who have otherwise disliked and hated ska and got nothing but, "This is great!"

[SkaBassist]

First off, this is one of the best albums of all time.
My question is why you said nothing but good things in the review... but gave it solid nines?

[gdrocks2230]

wow... so there's nothing i can say that anybody else hasn't already said. this album is simply amazing. this is ska at it's best.


***this album's only weakness is that it only has 10 tracks.***
now, they happen to be 10 really f*ucking amazing tracks! but i'd like some more.

[Lydian_Mode]

I disagree with everyone on here. I found this album to be only mediocre. All the songs sounded too similar and a few had weird riff sequences. That aside, the song(s) on the album were really cool and made a good impression on me. So I would probably only give it a 5 or 6 because by the 5th song I was already tired of the same feel over and over again.

[bucketned]

Im not going to lie, I was a bit dissapointed the first time I had heard it
But the second time i listened to it stuck better

and now I think I listen to the album at least once a day XD
highly addictive!

[Thom Hale]

I disagree with this review entirely on the lyrics. The lyrics on this album are not sinister or menacing in any way. The lyrics are emploring listeners to enjoy life.

Even in "Receiving End of It All," the lyrics are apologetic at best, not upset or frustrated. This album is the happiest album I've ever heard.

The entire CD is about being happy, even when things go wrong. That's why they named this song after "Somewhere in the Between," which is about enjoying your life for being your life, no matter what your life entails.


A complete miss on the lyrical review. I'm disappointed.


Also, an album that needs at least two listens before it's completely appreciated.

[Thom Hale]

Thom Hale
The entire CD is about being happy, even when things go wrong. That's why they named this song after "Somewhere in the Between," which is about enjoying your life for being your life, no matter what your life entails.

Whoops, I meant "this cd after the song."

Late nights, early mornings, what can you do?

[Cannibalhell666]

Great cd listen to it every day what can I say I'm an ska-ahulic

[ruker]

I must say, prior to getting into SM's first release, I wasn't really into Ska. I got little snippets in bands like Sublime, but nothing full-fledged Ska. The band really opened my eyes to the music. After spinning Everything Goes Numb about 5 million times, I decided to see if the band had any other material and to my surprise they had just released Somewhere In The Between. Such good, happy music. SITB really pushed me further into a SM coma. I swear about 5 times a week when I wake up, I've got some SM lyrics stuck in my head and HAVE to listen to them.