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Yellowcard
As a general rule any group with a classically trained guitarist (Ben Harper) and a violinist should be viewed with trepidation. Add to that Yellowcard formed at a Jacksonville, FL, performing arts school and you have a recipe for disaster. However, taking your name from a drinking game is always a good move.
Despite their performing arts background - Mackin played in the school's orchestra - Yellowcard was attracted to Punk. In '01 they released "One For The Kids" and hit the '02 Warped Tour. The EP, "The Underdog," rolled out as the group re-located to southern California. At that point, bassist Warren Cooke was replaced by Peter Mosley, a long time friend of band members. In SoCal, Yellowcard got first rate help from producer Neal Avron (New Found Glory, Everclear) for their '03 "Ocean Avenue" album, led by the infectious "Way Away." Another trip on the Warped Tour followed the LP's release with Alex Lewis taking over on bass. Mosley then approached the group about re-joining and soon he was back in. Also, Yellowcard contributed to the Spiderman 2 soundtrack and "Rock Against Bush Vol. II" CD.
The Yellowcard line-up changed once again in '05 with the departure of Harper who decided to focus his attentions on his indie imprint Takeover Records. That's when Mendez arrived. The following year, "Lights And Sounds" was released.
"Lights And Sounds" wants to be an epic record. It's not that but it's pretty good. The group's distaste for southern California is obvious in the recurring "Holly" metaphor (short for Hollywood). She makes an appearance in several songs, including the girlfriend of a soldier killed in Iraq, before dying herself on the album's closer.
While the title track, "Down On My Head" and the melodic "How I Go" are energetic and appealing, it's the down tempo material that resonates emotionally. "Two Weeks From Twenty" tells the tale of a soldier killed just prior to his twentieth birthday and asks "why?" The song pointedly notes there's no guilt or shame from those who sent the kid over there in the first place. "Holly Wood Died" is another moving ballad revolving around regret, a misspent life and loss. While these are intimate songs, Yellowcard shows they can still play to the house with their power ballad "Waiting Game."
"Ocean Avenue" is a strong collection of songs where, surprisingly, the violin is an integral part and not just an add-on or after thought. "Way Away" is a power pop Punk track that gets the album off to an excellent start. The title track provides lots of energy - enough to detract from the sedentary lyrics ("there's a piece of you that's here with me"). "Life Of A Salesman" is another highlight thanks to Mackin's sharp lead.
"One For The Kids" and "The Underdog" seem to have been cranked out of the Blink 182 School of Rock. Off "One For The Kids" the track "Rock Star Land" comes across the best.