Review:

on 2008-03-13 joechuck_norris Said:

As this is the 5th LP from the name The New Amsterdams, its actually the 2nd as an independent band from Matt Pryor's previous Get Up Kids. That being said, Pryor has taken great strides to break out of that OG emo posterboy mold, and into that folk, weathered rocker image. "At the Foot of My Rival" gives listeners a good heaping of that, and more importantly establishes musical standards for the band. There are things that were present, almost nuances, on the previous album that have now become staple. Their work is very mature - borderlining easy-listening. This body of work seems to be framed around a clean and warm guitar lead with a lot of reverb and the walking standing bass (Gretchen). Interestingly, in my opinion, the draw of all these standardized folk songs is that the chorus sink in chord progressions. They are mainly major chords and upbeat for the verse, and the chorus is rooted in minor or flat notes. Pryor's voice is much more calm and controlled, but still high and raspy. This album is a step in the right direction towards growth and maturity for The New Amsterdams. Independence is everything in music.
Rating: 6/10