“Under the Boards” follows a path of self-discovery for pop/punk band Saves the Day, which began with last year’s “Sound The Alarm,” and will commence with next year’s release of “Daybreak.”
Day’s first full-length album, “Through Being Cool,” reinforced its hardcore sound. The 2001 release of “Stay What You Are” moved away from the band’s hardcore punk roots, transitioning and fine-tuning its new pop-music feel, while incorporating more intricate guitar work rather than basic chord progressions. This album strengthens feelings of inner turmoil that this transitional chapter represents.
With this is the band’s attempt to move forward, the album unfortunately takes a few steps back from “Sound The Alarm.” Its familiar style is kept throughout “Boards”; however, its sound has not evolved.
Conley’s easily recognizable high-pitch voice – a trademark of the band – has since matured. However, at times, it is intentionally and wrenchingly whinny, especially in what is thought to be the group’s heaviest song yet, “Woe,” which contains repetitive, aggravating screams.
The introductory title track provides insight into the rest of the album with a dark opening, pairing Conley’s infected lyrics with creeping guitar lines. Several of the 13 tracks are sown together with dark undertones, such as in Can’t Stay The Same.”
“Boards,” and acoustic ballad “Stay” both overflow with true emotion. Other songs, however, like “Get F**ked Up” and “Bye Bye Baby,” lack purpose and are musically monotonous, failing to properly showcase Conley’s unique vocal range. While not every song on “Boards” will grab or impress audiences, the album does perform a decent job conveying the band’s intentional message of remorse. To be blunt, this second chapter reaches musical mediocrity at best.
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