Reviews

Classic Case all ready had a reputation before they began writing records.  With the ex-drummer of Glassjaw and the ex-guitar player of Beloved, the band inherited an instant fan base.  Since the band started four years ago, they have self-released an EP and a full length.  For this, their second full-length, the band had all ready earned a reputation all their own, separate from past bands and with this record they had the support of a much more well known label.
 
This rock/emo band has released a solid album featuring great melodies and catchy riff centered rock songs.  The first track, “Into A Nightmare,” is a great sampler which showcases the band and what the rest of the record sounds like.  Classic Case also isn’t afraid to indulge their softer side, which is evident in the title track, “Losing at Life,” and the acoustic track, “Living in a Dream,” which both feature an orchestra.  My favorite track on the record, “Scott Free,” has a great smash snare beat and the best guitar part on the record, not to mention some of the better singing.  There are several places on the record that you could easily point out, “hey, this sounds like Glassjaw” and “hey this sounds like Beloved.”  This is no surprise but the contrast of the two seems to work very well together.  The one comparison I can make to another band is Muse, especially on “Vampires,” which once again features an orchestra.  The most consistent thing about this band that I like is the vocals; they sound great throughout the whole record and they pull off some good harmonies.
 
Page Hamilton of Helmet produced the album and he does a pretty good job of keeping the levels clean and clear but, at the same time, it’s almost too clean.  It seems to be over-produced and unnecessarily so.  Even though the band is quite good and has written good songs, their sound is not that original.  They seem to be trying to achieve a production level that is larger than they are.  It feels like there are several parts where they want the listener to think that they have grown out of their past bands and have matured into something more respectable.  It just comes off as too much for guys from Beloved and Glassjaw.  The over-production and the band’s not so unique sound make this CD come up short for the average listener.