Artist Vs Poet – Favorite Fix

Band: Artist Vs Poet
Album: Favorite Fix
Year: 2010
Label: Fearless Records
Myspace

Best Song: Unconscious Reality
Score: 8/10
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Artist Vs Poet is a pop rock band that originates from Dallas, Texas. In fall of 2007, the lead singer, Tarcy Thomason, started seeking for new members to join his new pop punk band. Four individuals were interested and the result was the emergence of Artist Vs Poet. Once the band was formed, they played several rock shows and soon started to grab the attention of others due to their catchy music. About a year after the band was created, they were signed by the well-known record label, Fearless Records. Afterwards, Artist Vs Poet, released two EP’s that set in motion for the production of their debut full-length record “Favorite Fix”, which is set to release on March 2, 2010.

The record “Favorite Fix” was produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount (All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Cartel) and Mike Green (Paramore, Breathe Carolina). With these well-known producers and rock bands, it definitely sets the stage that this record is going to be loaded with twelve genuine pop rock songs that are filled with energetic, catchy and melodic tunes. Bearing this in mind, it is no surprise that their lead single was “Damn Rough Night”, which featured the vocals from the lead singer of Forever the The Sickest Kids, Austin Bello. This title track includes the theme of self-discovery in the way that it alludes to the most important moment of our lives, turning 21 years old. This part of our life is filled with a surge of self-autonomy and self-discovery, which is the reason why most people will agree that “turning 21 is a bitch to go through.” Besides being lyrically inspiring, the musical composition of this track was well organized in the way that it is undeniable catchy due to the infectious riffs and upbeat melodic tempo.

The opening track of the album titled “Car Crash” was produced in collaboration with the Maine’s lead singer, John O, which gave this track a new perspective. “Car Crash” sets the mood for the rest of the record in the way that it begins with a fast tempo and then gradually transit to a slower melody, even though the background is filled with catchy riffs. This track includes the theme of life in the way that it alludes to the notion that it only takes a “Car Crash” to get one’s “feet back on the ground.” This implies that in life, one has to experience certain struggles or situations in order to acknowledge the reality of one’s life.

The title track, “Favorite Fix” is one of those songs that make you want to tap your feet and dance due to the musical texture. From the beginning to the end of the track, it has a fast paced rhythm and tempo that is filled with an infectious surge of energetic feelings, which will inevitable make this track, your “Favorite Fix.” In this track, it speaks of a point in our lives where you find that special girl that you might feel like you cannot live without because she possess all of those qualities that you wish a girl would have, making you addicted to her and thus becoming your “Favorite Fix.”

The next track that follows is titled, “Unconscious Reality.” This is my favorite track because it elicits positive emotions and also it was well composed. The opening of the track begins with the playing of the violin, which sets the mood for relaxed state of mind. Afterwards, the track begins to have vigorous melodic rhythm with the violin strings playing in the background of the chorus, which will make you stay, hooked on it. So in other words, this track is an emotion roller coaster in the way that it has the ability to make you feel relaxed at one moment and then in the next, it will trigger you to have a surge of energy that is sufficient to make you dance. Moreover, this track depicts the theme of life in the way that at some point in our lives, we feel like we are “fading away” and we cannot distinguish between a dream and reality, but in the end we will “make it somehow.”

Artist Vs Poet’s debut full-length record has definitely proven that they have a unique and genuine sound that makes them distinguishable from other rock bands. They are determined to depart from the rest of the pack of rock bands that exist today, and become one of the most brightest, talented and successful new bands of the year. Although, many people might have the misconception that this record is similar or identical to other pop rock bands, this is not case because this record has its own unique personality. More specifically, the entire record is filled with a unique pattern of energetic upbeat songs that will inevitable become your new “Favorite Fix.” I highly recommend this record for fans of Every Avenue and Sing It Loud.

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