Together since 2006, Breathe Carolina achieved mainstream success with their platinum-selling single “Blackout” in 2011. The song reached 17th on Billboard Mainstream Top 40 and launched the group into the forefront of popular music with their unique blend of rock and electro-pop. Previously having two vocalists, Kyle Evans and David Schmitt, in 2013 that was cut down to just Schmitt, with Evans departing to be a father. This setback has not slowed the band down as they continue to grow and gain exposure in pop culture. As if the exposure they have already received was not enough, the group has toured with some of the biggest names currently in the scene. Their touring credits including shows with Sleeping with Sirens, Memphis May Fire, The Ready Set, We the Kings, Mayday Parade, and will be returning to Vans Warped Tour in 2014 to perform on the main stage.
With so many positive events in the past, present, and near future, Breathe Carolina released their fourth studio album titled Savages earlier this month. This being the first album since the departure of Evan’s, the band was left with the question of where to go artistically. Fans of the unclean vocals previously featured in the group’s albums need not worry as there is still plenty of screams to keep you satisfied. While the sound which made Breathe Carolina a force is still strong, Savages showcases lead vocalist Schmitt’s singing on a much larger scale. The album also features collaborations with a few very talented individuals and groups in music today including Danny Worsnop (frontman Asking Alexandria), American pop duo Karmin, and Tyler Carter (clean vocalist of Issues).
Catchy choruses are sure to have fans singing along from the moment they hear them. This begins early on Savages with the second track titled “Bang it Out”. The song features Karmin and leans more on the electro-pop side of the group’s sound. It is sure to be played at house parties and raves around the country for its EDM feel combined with catchy lyrics throughout. The first single off the album titled “Sellouts” features Worsnop who is known for his skilled singing and thick growls. The song pairs Worsnop’s rough sound with Schmidt’s smooth, clean vocals; making it the perfect single as it assures fans that Breathe Carolina is as strong as ever. Lyrics such as, “I didn’t do it just to make you happy/ I do it for the ones still clapping” illustrate the band’s continued dedication to their fans.
“Collide” is another track that emphasizes the electro-pop style of the group. Fast-paced heart-pounding beats, addictive lyrics, and the silky textures of Schmitt’s voice are sure to make this song a fan favorite. The title track is a nice mix between past and new Breathe Carolina styles, featuring more of the rock sound than the majority of the album. The song has an emphatic chorus with the electro-pop rock mix that the group has built their name on.
Later in the album the song “Chasing Hearts” plays up the strong clean vocal combination of Schmitt and Carter. Carter displays a wonderful vocal range that mixes phenomenally with Schmitt’s calm even singing. The eleven track album closes out with “Mistakes”, which embodies the EDM culture, even making reference to the rave drug Molly and drinking until you’re “faded”. For television junkies, there is also a reference to comedic show How I Met Your Mother. The fast-paced beat is sure to have fans dancing along until its last note.
Savages, overall, is a fantastic album though it is certainly different than past albums the band has put together. Without vocalist Evans, the group had to take their sound in a new direction, but they did not lose their identity. They have acclimated their sound seamlessly to fit their new lineup structure. Seasoned fans will appreciate Schmitt’s consistently solid vocals throughout Savages. Their ability to move on so strongly, with minimal unclean vocals, will undoubtedly gain the band more mainstream attention, new fans outside of the genre, and they will continue to gain exposure with popular networks and media outlets. CrypticRock gives Savages 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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