A Day To Remember are one of the more notoriously marmite-like bands on the current metal scene, you either love them or you hate them. They're also a tad schizophrenic leaping from pop-punk ballads to meaty metalcore barrages. But take away the ever so slight poser-boy image of the band and you have one of the hardest working groups today. Much like Bring Me The Horizon, they aren't taken anywhere near seriously enough and after their new release, Common Courtesy, recognition is more than deserved.
The hailing Florida post-harcore quintet have surprised many across the globe with their latest outing. From the largely adored Homesick and anthemic What Separates Me From You, where could they possibly go? Common Courtesy sees ADTR maturing, taking their musical experience and making it an expertise. The tightness of musicianship and flow of the album is just too incredible to ignore. City of Ocala seamlessly gliding through into Right Back At It Again is one of the best transitions to be heard on a record, not to mention the tracks are absolute bangers too.
Jeremy McKinnon's vocals, as usual, are perfect. From dirty wolf-like howls to soft harmonies he is vastly overlooked as a leading vocalist in the metal community. His lyrics are deep, personal and rhythmic. And more often than not, despite the instrumentals of the songs being very well executed, you'll find it's his voice that carries the melody. A true representation of what it means to sing.
Although labelled as being a post-hardcore group, A Day To Remember are just as genre-binding as say Enter Shikari. They do heavy well. They do pop-punk well. Even their intricate and sweet acoustic tracks alone are enough to make you well up. And yet, underneath all that overwhelming music, the production levels are spot on. With short spells of the band sharing jokes and smiles, even a dog barking in the studio, makes the whole experience filled with intimacy and surety that this band will not go lightly. They are the best of friends and you feel a part of that.
A Day To Remember are hugely under-rated despite being so big (massively due to screaming 15 year old scene girls). But don't that let put you off, and allow yourself to be open-minded to the genre-hopping. Common Courtesy is their best material thus far. A gathering of their perfected sound, maturation and intimacy. Engross yourself. They cater all moods. Brilliant. 9/10
Check Out: Right Back At It Again
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