In 2005, Chicago’s own, The Audition released their first full-length album entitled, “Controversy Loves Company.” Selling roughly 50,000 copies on Victory Records, the album was deemed by most people as yet another Victory Records’ “cookie cutter” album, desperately trying to mimic the ever-popular catchy emo-punk style of their city compadres, Fall Out Boy.
Now, nearly three years later, The Audition has released their sophomore album entitled, “Champion.” Sticking with the same producer, John Naclerio; (My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail, Brand New) “Champion” shows a definite maturation of the band concerning its style, lyrics, and instrumentals.
“Champion” reflects a refined sound, drummer Ryan O’Connor explains it best; “We made the rock parts harder, the dance parts ‘dancier’ and the hooks catchier.” Picture a basic pop-punk album with a plethora of catchy sing-a-long’s and heartbroken choruses, then amp up the rock parts, dance parts and hooks; the outcome is quite menacing.
If you grow disgruntled when you hear screaming in music, don’t worry there’s none of that here. The Audition isn’t as hard as you may infer, the “rock parts” that drummer Ryan O’Connor refer to are more groovy then heavy.
Finally over the legal drinking age, The Audition packs “Champion” with a much more soulful and sexual vibe then its previous album, urging more mature listeners to give them a listen.
“Champion’s” sound is much more mature, refined and disciplined. The instrumentals and evolved style do a great job to carve out a mood unique to The Audition.
release date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008
