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Surviving
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Barnes and Noble
Surviving
Current price: $14.99
Barnes and Noble
Surviving
Current price: $14.99
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Size: CD
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Hitting a career milestone with album number ten, Arizona emo-rock stalwarts
defy late-era stagnation with the balanced, advanced
. Like 2016's
,
continues the band's sonic evolution with maturity and confidence, taking the glimmers of moody experimentation from its predecessor and cranking up the urgency. Dealing with depression, alcohol abuse recovery, and self-acceptance, the cleverly titled set isn't just about getting through this life, but about truly living. As frontman
sings on the title track, "You can still survive/But not exactly live" and, with
and his bandmates --
, and
-- make a case for taking control of life and leaving troubles behind to fully grasp what's to come. As a self-help session for the almost-middle-aged,
is straightforward and relatable, cycling through highs and lows as powerfully as anything on
or
with highlights such as the poetic beauty "Delivery" and the inspirational gem "Diamond." Along with returning producer
(
), the quartet does what they do best, combining yearning, journal-worthy lyrics with passionate delivery that steadies their course after an uneven run in the late 2000s and early 2010s. From its heaviest blasts ("Criminal Energy," "Love Never") to its most anthemic singalongs ("One Mil," "Surviving"), there are plenty of similar moments that recall beloved catalog touchstones from their breakthrough era. Lead single "All the Way (Stay)" even brings back vocalist
, an integral part of 2001's
. However, without leaning completely on past glories,
also showcases fresh directions for the band, which pushes them into the future as they approach three decades as a unit. In addition to a rousing saxophone solo on "All the Way (Stay)," the album's biggest surprise is "555," an '80s electro-inspired standout that adds 808s and heartbreak to the
repertoire. They also take steps into heavier territory with the
-featuring closer "Congratulations," a slap in the face from reality that packs dread atop thrilling rock force as
sardonically concludes, "Congratulations, you're on your own!" At a lean ten tracks,
quickly makes its point, pushing through years of pain and emotional turmoil by setting sights on a stronger, more confident future. ~ Neil Z. Yeung