Breaking Even - Sadder But Wiser
New Jersey pop-punk outfit Breaking Even dropped a new album just a few minutes ago. It’s called Sadder But Wiser. And it slaps!
Breaking Even
I discovered the album after wading through oodles of really, really atrocious music on Bandcamp, a masochistic endeavor I frequently perform in quest of new music.
Breaking Even is made up of L.J. Goity (vocals, guitar), Justin Alpert (vocals, guitar), Andrew Ruggiero (bass), and Nick Cardona (drums). Guest vocals on “Dead Weight” and “Lavender” are courtesy of the voice box of Lou Inelis.
Comprising seven-tracks, Sadder But Wiser begins with “Ignorance Isn’t Bliss,” opening on gentle guitar riffs, followed by rumbling drums and swelling resonance. The track functions as a short and sweet intro to the rest of the album.
“Dead Weight” opens on a supercharged drum fill and shimmering jangly-flavored guitars flowing into a fast tempo that slows a bit, but still maintains beau coup brawny flavors. Goity’s voice, a tasty tenor, fills the song with tight skater-punk-inflected tones. The breakdown features radiant background vocals and stellar percussion that ramps up to resounding vocals.
“Narcolepsy” is my favorite track because of glistening guitars and Goity’s voice, which really takes off and struts its stuff, infusing the tune with brilliant timbres. A scrumptious guitar solo switches on with electrifying, searing tones.
I love the drums on this track, as Cardona demonstrates dazzling finesse.
“Icarus” rides dark throbbing low-slung colors topped by Goity’s subdued vocals, which gather energy, scintillance, and tension as the song progresses. I love the drums on this track, as Cardona demonstrates dazzling finesse.
“Lavender” is another showcase track, full of outstanding drum fills and accents, as the guitars punch out sonic waves of thick, pulsing hues. Goity lets his voice loose on this track, providing potent textures rife with urgency.
“Good Luck Goodbye” travels on quasi-blast beat percussion driving the rhythm, while the guitars push out hefty levels of sound. Goity delivers the lyrics with snarling gusto.
“It wasn't / A goodbye / When I said / I'm leaving / Now you act / Like I'm dead / So fuck you / We're even.”
The last track, “A Drafted Text (Never Sent), is unplugged and slows things down.
On Sadder But Wiser, Breaking Even supplies cap-a-pie delicious pop-punk, with masses of sonic impact. This band is definitely a live wire and worth your time.
