A review of The Scenic’s sophomore release.
Bipolaroid, the second album from American pop-rock band The Scenic, suggested itself (on its cover) to fans of Taking Back Sunday. This recommendation couldn’t be more accurate, considering how reminiscent of their pop-rock peers The Scenic are upon first experiencing them. Even the image of children on Bipolaroid’s cover art prompts recollection of the child on TBS’s 2004 album Where You Wanna Be. Delve deeper, however, and you will discover why the two acts are actually quite dissimilar.
Sure, when listening to each act you can draw many comparisons, but while TBS are sometimes known to deviate into heavier territory, The Scenic don’t follow. Though The Scenic fail to match TBS on-edge style of rock, they compensate with their well-refined pop sensibilities.
Whether it’s the inclusion of tuneful backing vocals full of “oh oohs” and “whoas,” the sing-along chorus of first track Sunday Morning or the hooky synth and guitar lines found on Uh Oh and The Lonely Side – The Scenic ensure to sprinkle some catchy pop over each and every one of the record’s rocky tunes. Magic, Pharmapseudokool and So Cal, So What? are well-paced tracks elevated by soaring, catchy choruses that climax with a melodic lead break from guitarist Zach Andresen. Godspeed Gravity delivers a deliciously crunchy guitar tone and a huge hooky chorus.
Vocalist Jeremy Menard’s voice shines on the emotional track Sparrow Song as he showcases a beautiful clear head voice, and again on the acoustic piece Halo as he utilizes strong, desperate vocals to heighten intensity at critical points in the song.
The last song on the album, Tonight We Live Forever begins slowly as reverb-tinged guitar and echoing vocals establish its darker mood.
Lyrically, the album is a wonderfully written, quirky analysis of life. Sunday Morning is an ode Menard’s discontent with everyday existence. Charts And Graphs critiques human nature and our apparent inability to learn from our mistakes, stating that “the more things change the more they stay the same, always looking for a face to blame.” The song also delivers such idiosyncratic lines as “I’ve got my gun in hand I clean it with my toothbrush.” The Lonely Side, presumably written about a break up, is laced with humour, including such comedic lines such as “I want my shirt – I want it back,” and “I’ll bring the brains girl and you bring your tits.”
Other than the few screams the band seemed to “throw in” that seem strangely uncalled for and out of place, The Scenic have produced an excellent sophomore record. With its addictive melodies and intelligent lyrics, Bipolaroid is a pop-rock release you’ll keep on repeat.
KIMBERLEY CROXFORD.
