Artist: Cursive Album: The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song

Year: 1998
Duration: 0:0-1

The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song - A Critical Review of Cursive's Album

In the world of music, we witness talented artists who continue to evolve and create unique sounds that capture our ears, hearts, and minds. One such artist is Cursive, an American indie rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. In this blog post, we will be taking a critical look at their album: The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song. We will also give you a brief history of the band, the genre of their music, the standout songs from the album, the innovative parts, and our overall critique of the album.

Cursive was formed in 1995 by Tim Kasher (vocals, guitar), Matt Maginn (bass), Steve Pedersen (guitar), and Clint Schnase (drums). They are known for their emotionally charged lyrics, angular melodies, and Kasher's distinctive vocals. Their sound has been described as emo, post-hardcore, and indie rock.

The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song was released in 1998 under Saddle Creek Records. This album showcases Cursive's early work, and it is fittingly raw and emotionally charged, especially for a band that has enduringly kept its emotional impact throughout its career.

The album kicks off with the song Opening the Hymnal/Babies which echoes the sounds of a church choir mixed with a progressive rock beat. The standout tracks, in my opinion, are The Rhyme Scheme, A Career in Transcendence, and The Road to Financial Stability. These songs feature Kasher's signature vocals, cutting lyrics, and a combination of guitar riffs and drumbeats that make you want to jump up and mosh.

The most innovative part of the album is arguably its lyricism. The album takes a critical look at the concepts of love, mortality, capitalism, and art. The lyrics are poetic, raw, and unfiltered, perfectly capturing the band's emotional intensity. The combination of Kasher's lyrics and the band's sound proudly display their punk attitude.

While The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song is critically acclaimed, there are some drawbacks. The album can get a bit monotonous at times, and some parts of the songs feel like they are dragging on for too long. The album's youthful aggression can also be overwhelming, especially for listeners who prefer more subdued music.

In conclusion, Cursive's album The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song showcases the band's signature sound and lyricism. The album may be raw and unpolished, but its emotional intensity resonates with its listeners even after all these years. The innovative parts of the album are its poetic lyrics and the band's punk attitude. However, the album can be monotonous and overwhelming for some listeners. Overall, I recommend giving this album a listen, especially if you are a fan of emo and indie rock music.