New Years Day are a female fronted rock band formed in 2005 from Chino Hills California. Their first album My Dear (2007) was a solid debut of pop punk rock, but unfortunately did not receive adequate promotion to reach the ears of a larger audience. Since then, the band has matured and learned some things along the way.
Releasing a 6 track EP The Mechanical Heart in 2011 you already saw a band in transition with their sound. 2013 is becoming a big year for New Years Day. With a darker visually appealing image the band is already turning heads. Having secured themselves a spot on the Warped Tour all summer long, and now the release of sophomore album Victim To Villain.
Victim To Villain is an album much different than what the band has done before. It’s obvious the band has shed their pop punk wings and become something much darker and deeper. From the image of the band straight to the core of the sound. Right from the start when you hear the opening track “Do Your Worst” you hear a heavier band. Followed by “I’m No Good” with a catchy beat and punk influenced sound. Front woman Ash Costello really expands her vocal range on this track and all those to follow. Bloody Mary is an interesting track of rock, with lyrics guaranteed and a solid guitar solo, this track stands out. Possibly the most emotional and dynamic track on the album is “Victims”. A melodic dark song with powerful lyrics. Costello holds nothing back in the soul screaming chorus.
“Death Of The Party” is another unique track on the album. With a dance-like beat, dark melodic guitars, and goth lyrics. This song is bound to be a hit on hard rock radio. “The Arsonist” is a melancholy track. With a soothing chorus and atmosphere created by melodic guitars and keyboards it’s a perfect dynamic midway through the album. On the track “Angel Eyes” the band recruited Chris Motionless of Motionless In White to make a guest appearance. Already a wonderful track with dark keyboards and heavy guitars Chris Motionless makes this a flawless track. Costello and Motionless complement each other with their vocal abilities. Overall, it is possibly the best track on the album.
There is also “Any Last Words?” which is definitely a party track with its dance-like beat. A much more pop punk track like the band’s older material. Lastly, “Last Great Love Story” closes out the album with a solid heavy rock track of melody, atmosphere and emotion.
New Years Day has taken a big step forward with Victim to Villain. A mature cohesive piece of dark goth influenced hard rock. The entire album flows and there are no filler tracks here. In a scene saturated with many female fronted rock bands, New Years Day has majored to separate themselves from the pack with Victim to Villain. Costello has enough edge and range in her voice that she can please all listeners. Cryptic Rock gives this album 5 out of 5 stars.
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