Two Tongues starts off somber, with a quiet, almost innocent, guitar solo. Then there’s a lurching stop, a screaming “Wait!” and a massive power chord followed by the crash of cymbals. The high intensity continues through the entirety of this self-titled debut album from newly formed supergroup, Two Tongues. Lead by Max Bemis (Say Anything) and Chris Conley (Saves the Day) and backed by Coby Linder on the drums and Dave Soloway on bass (Say Anything and Saves the Day, respectively), the band has laid a strong foundation for success, even if that just means a prime spot in the Warped Tour lineup.
Unfortunately, Conley is one of the worst vocalists in rock music today and he sings solo for a portion of almost every track. “Try Not To Save Me,” his sole composition on the album, is an attempt at emo-shoegaze that falls flat in comparison to the Bemis-penned songs. Bemis’ songs, powerful in their simplicity, begin with delicate introductions but give way to heavier, pounding choruses. Lyrically, the angst-ridden verses are unlike those he wrote for Say Anything, which almost begged listeners to diagnose his psychological problems. “Dead Lizard” is built around a single metal guitar riff, while Bemis’ stuttered strumming in “Silly Game” evokes trademark Say Anything. Later in the album, particularly in “Back Against The Wall,” he draws on ’80s dance rock influences to darken the mood. He adds to his own yearning with tight harmonies arranged for Conley, whose voice works better in the background, where maybe it should stay.
Hometown: LA/Princeton Release Date: Feb. 3 Label: Vagrant Sounds Like: Donny Osmond fronting All-American Rejects Sounds Best When: You’re shopping in Hot Topic 99-Cent Budget Choice: “Tremors”
