The music on the first full-length album from this Minneapolis band can be described as melodic hardcore or emocore. It has leanings toward pop with its catchy hooks, but the guitar sound is still solidly hardcore. Singer Jeremy Jessen's lyrics are compelling and deeply emotional. They manage to be powerful without using profanity. Highlights include the title track, "At the Basement Door," "Weigh Me Down," and "B.A.M.," while "Worth Three Scene Points" features some strange and challenging syncopated rhythms. The whole album is solid from beginning to end. It grows on a listener with repeated playings. Overall, a striking debut that can appeal to fans of hardcore bands like
Helmet, while also resonating with fans of a more mainstream rock sound.
Align has managed to avoid definitive classification with its music. With this album, it established itself as a band to look out for in the future. ~ Steven Jacobetz