Let's Go FLORIDA!

A Day To Remember

I've come to you today with a personal favorite of mine. Formed in 2003, A Day To Remember, ADTR, is a 'pop mosh' band hailing from Ocala, Florida. Pop mosh is a term devised from their fans to summarise their unique sound that blends pop, hardcore and emo. After financing their first EP themselves, vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, guitarists Neil Westfall and Tom Denney, bassist Joshua Woodard, and drummer Bobby Scruggs signed with Indianola Records and released their album "And Their Name Was Treason" in 2005.

A year later they signed to Victory Records. In 2007 they dropped their label debut "For Those Who Have Heart" with new drummer Alex Shellnutt. In Octrober 2009 the band released their second album, "Homesick", with Victory Records.

Homesick is an album that I cannot go without. I think its rare to find a vocalist whose screams and harmony are both on point. With this band everything is in tune. It seems like these musicians were born to play together. They have a versatility that is rare among artists. the most common critique of A Day To Remember is that their albums all sound the same, but I feel that is due to the broad spectrum of genres they cover. Critic Sean Reid of Alter The Press! reviewed this album and said:

If it's not broken, why bother changing it. That's what A Day To Remember have done on the follow-up to their Victory Records debut 'For Those Who Have Heart'. 'Homesick' has all the good characteristics of the last album but on a bigger level.

The blend of pop and hardcore can be heard in their first song "The Downfall Of Us All;" the song blends catchy choruses, hardcore guitar riffs, and fast drumming. Throughout it are songs that fluctuate between pop and hardcore until the ballad, "If It Means That Much to You" at the end that emphesizes their loving side. The song is a duet with the lead singer of VersaEmerge. The lyrics talk of the struggle and ultimate end of their relationship due to A Day To Remembers rise to fame and touring. Other songs to pay attention to on the album include "I'm Made of Wax Larry, What Are You Made Of?", "Homesick", and "My Life For Hire."

Obviously I'm a big fan. I strongly suggest you run out or log on and purchase both "Homesick" and "For Those Who Have Heart." If you like any type of hardcore or punk give them a try. They're insanely talented!

Early this year ADTR announced their 2010 American 'Toursick' Tour with August Burns Red, Silverstein, Enter Shikari, Veara, and Go Radio.

They hit Tampa, FL 4/1/10.