Yellowcard - Lift a Sail

Yellowcard
Lift a Sail
2014

Yellowcard's latest album Lift a Sail is not a total departure from their pop punk history, but it might as well be. This album feels like exactly what they are, grown up. The soaring choruses, simple guitar rifts and cymbal rides are for the most part gone and replaced with solid production and great song structure. From the first listen I was singing along with songs like "Crash the Gates" and "Make me So", both tracks are super catchy and super fun. Lyrics have never been an issue for Yellowcard, their writing has always been quire heartfelt and that extends in this record but in a new more sophisticated way. Also gone is the heavy use of the punk rock violin, it comes in and out but in a much more understated way.

The issue I have with the album is the ballads. There are only a couple piano driven slow songs on the record towards the final third, but they seem really forced. Channeling their inner Something Corporate (think of the track Konstantine) on the song "California" it just seems kind of trite and unnecessary on an otherwise awesome group of songs. In no way does this take away from what is in my opinion a really good album. Give Yellowcard a chance on this one and I don't think you'll regret it.

7.8 out of 10 Stars