Review by Amaya Del Rio
Crown the Empire have delivered once again. Their sophomore album, The Resistance: Rise of the Runaways, releasing on July 22nd, follows The Fallout which came out in 2012. Listening to this album, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the two full-length releases from Crown the Empire. For example, both albums have mellow opening tracks which then build up to a very aggressive, post-hardcore style. And my personal favorite similarity; the continuation of Johnny’s saga. The last track of The Fallout is titled “Johnny’s Revenge” and the last track on The Resistance: Rise of the Runways is titled “Johnny’s Rebellion.” It’s so cool to listen to certain songs and hear references to tracks off of a band’s debut album.
Hands down, this is my new favorite record. All of the songs have a completely different sound while still staying within the genre. There are some songs that remind me of All Time Low and others that sound like Motionless in White. There’s a song for everyone on this album and, not only that, but they all sound incredible.
Although the whole album is spectacular, there are obviously some tracks that stand out more than others. The title track, “Rise of the Runaways” starts with somewhat distorted, mellow vocals and quickly picks up with an aggressive beat and rebellious, powerful lyrics such as, “We were not born the enemy. And we will not stop for anything.” It sounds like a song that you want to listen to while on a high-speed chase or running through the neighborhood with your friends; it’s the rebel’s anthem. Another personal favorite of mine would have to be “Millennia” because of it’s quiet and emotional ending. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but the backing track sounds somewhat like a violin or viola and does an amazing job or complimenting the vocals. Don’t even get me started on the fast-paced guitar solo which comes right before the slow, piano-accompanied ending.
Crown the Empire could most definitely become the next Motionless in White with this kickass sophomore album, so make sure to pick it up when it’s released. And don’t forget to check them out at Warped this year!
Rating: 5/5
Listen to “Millennia”