The album opens with "The Boat Dreams From The Hill"; the intro is very bass heavy and the chorus is a very catchy one. Blake's voice is very unique, not many vocalists have a similar one, though they often draw comparisons to The Lawrence Arms and Hot Water Music. "Indictment", the next song, is much softer compared to the previous. The drums aren't as pounding and Blake is softer with his singing. The track shows the variety of ways the band can play. The third song, "Boxcar", is one of their most famous. Following a similar structure to "Indictment", the lyrics are very critical of the punk scene and shows off Blake's lyricism.
When "Outpatient" comes on, the album completely changes. It's verses are much slower than the previous offerings, thought the chorus speeds up. It's driven by a bass line from Chris and features an interesting bridge in the middle that seems to be a mess of noise before returning back to the bass line. For "Ashtray Monument", the band really seems to be working together really well. The instruments mesh perfectly, and Adam's drum fills just fit perfectly. "Condition Oakland" is the longest song on the whole album, and seems to be the most different too. The opening guitar has a very odd tone, and Blake's singing is unlike the rest of the album. The rest of the band also contributes vocals. The Kerouac in the middle of the song read over the bass and drums helps to show the bands influence. Blake is a well-read musician and in incorporating his influences into his songs, isn't afraid to show these influences. The next song is the true "slow song" on the album. It's a very mellow song, with dual vocals. "Ache" features some of the most heartfelt lyrics to any song (Lean your head on mine like you used to/I don't mind if you're faking it). "Do You Still Hate Me?" comes up next as the band continues to show the emotion in their songs. This is another one where all the instruments mesh together perfectly creating a sound that's distinctly their own.
The band slows things down a bit with "West Bay Invitational"; another track driven by the bass. The guitar seems a little quiet during the verses, however, it really picks up, along with the drumming, during the verses. "Jinx Removing" is another great song about relationships; Blake has a tendency to write songs about relationships that anyone can relate to. The album closes with "In Sadding Around". It's another depressing song by Blake, but it seems appropriate to close with album with.
24 Hour Revenge Therapy really shows what a band with emotion and talent can do. Blake's lyrics are intelligent, and the playing by all is done very well. You can really tell that the band took their time to right songs that sounded right and that mixed together well. The production really works for them, showing the raspy voice Blake has and mixing in the bass well. The album is one that can be listened to over and over again without skipping a single song. It's an excellent album.
10/10
10 bucks for the mp3s, 14 for a physical. Get it.
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