4

"homesick" by a day to remember was one of the most anticipated hardcore albums to come out this year. it debuted on february 3rd and in its first week, it debuted at #21 on the charts and has sold 21, 538 copies. considering they're a hardcore, non-mainstream band, that's quite good for week one.

it's the first time a day to remember has utilized variety, with both lyrics and guest vocals. one song that stands out is "if it means a lot to you."(featuring sierra kusterbeck of versaemerge). the sweet lyrics and guitar in the song gives a break from the screaming, heavy beats/low pop feel from the rest of the album.

i hear hope in “have faith in me.” the song is very light on the screaming and very focused on the catchy chorus. true, it’s one of the simpler songs on "homesick", but at least it sounds a teensy bit different. the song is cheesy in an endearing way (“i said i’d never let you go/and i never did”). its gang chorus accents rather than overtakes, and we leave “amped” (or whatever) in a completely different way.

with this being the third studio album, listeners have a huge complaint. while shuffling on their itunes, they'll want to say they're listening to "homesick" but it really turns out that it's from a previous record, most notably "for those who have heart." even fans have to to say their sound is definitely something they've heard before.

vocalist jeremy mckinnon sounds improved most of the time, but it’s hard to critique any improvements for the other musicians due to the album’s “been there” feel. never taking any steps forward has finally crippled a day to remember, and a continued fear of the unknown will surely kill them.

for 2009, they have a lot to look forward to. march 14th is the kick-off of their tour with the devil wears prada, sky eats airplane and emarosa. warped tour begins june 26th and adtr is, finally, playing the main stage. also, by may new merch designs are expected.

new york dates:
irving plaza-april 1st and 2nd
nassau coliseum-july 18th

for fans of:
four year strong, red jumpsuit apparatus, a skylit drive, senses fail when they were decent.