🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: We All Die Anyway
Track 2: Spineless
Track 3: Permanent Dark
Track 4: Invisible Rain
Track 5: Severed Forever
Track 6: More Than a Witness
Track 7: Keep Planting Flowers
Track 8: Eats Me Up
Track 9: Who Needs Who
Track 10: H84U
🎸 Album Review:
Stick To Your Guns’ latest album ‘Keep Planting Flowers’ is a powerful and introspective offering that showcases the band’s growth both musically and thematically. Known for their blend of hardcore and melodic punk, Stick To Your Guns have always been a band unafraid to tackle important social and personal issues in their lyrics, and this album is no exception.
The album kicks off with the explosive track “We All Die Anyway”, setting the tone for the rest of the record with its aggressive riffs and impassioned vocals. This track serves as a reminder of the band’s hardcore roots while also hinting at the more melodic elements to come. “Spineless” follows, with its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, showcasing the band’s ability to write catchy yet powerful songs.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Permanent Dark”, a haunting and atmospheric ballad that sees the band exploring new sonic territory. The emotional depth of the lyrics combined with the stripped-down instrumentation creates a truly impactful listening experience. Another standout track is “Keep Planting Flowers”, the title track of the album. This song is a powerful anthem about resilience and hope in the face of adversity, with its soaring chorus and uplifting message leaving a lasting impression.
“Severed Forever” is another track that stands out for its raw emotion and intense energy. The aggressive guitars and fierce vocals drive home the song’s message of defiance and self-empowerment. “More Than a Witness” continues this theme, with its urgent pacing and fierce delivery making it one of the most dynamic tracks on the album.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Eats Me Up” and “Who Needs Who” showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend melody with aggression, creating a sound that is both accessible and undeniably heavy. The album closes with “H84U”, a poignant and reflective track that serves as a fitting conclusion to the emotional journey the album takes listeners on.
In comparison to Stick To Your Guns’ previous albums, ‘Keep Planting Flowers’ represents a more mature and refined sound for the band. While still retaining their signature hardcore punk edge, the band has expanded their musical palette to include more melodic elements and atmospheric textures. This evolution in sound is complemented by a lyrical depth that delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.
Overall, ‘Keep Planting Flowers’ is a deeply personal and cathartic album that showcases Stick To Your Guns at the height of their musical powers. The band’s ability to combine raw aggression with heartfelt emotion results in a listening experience that is both intense and cathartic. With this album, Stick To Your Guns have solidified their status as one of the most important bands in the hardcore scene today.
In conclusion, ‘Keep Planting Flowers’ is a powerful and emotionally resonant album that solidifies Stick To Your Guns’ place as a force to be reckoned with in the hardcore punk scene. The band’s ability to blend aggression with melody and explore complex themes sets them apart from their peers, making this album a must-listen for fans of heavy music with a message.