Artist: Alesana Album: Try This With Your Eyes Closed

Year: 2005
Duration: 0:0-1

Alesana's Try This With Your Eyes Closed: A Critic's Review

It's been over a decade since the release of Alesana's debut album, Try This With Your Eyes Closed. Known for their theatrics, storytelling, and post-hardcore sound, Alesana has made quite a name for themselves in the scene. As a listener and critic of their music, I've delved deep into this particular album and thought to share my thoughts on it. Join me as I give a full-on review of Try This With Your Eyes Closed, from the artist's brief history to the best songs and the most innovative parts of the album.

Brief History of Alesana:

Alesana's roots can be traced back to Raleigh, North Carolina, where the band formed in 2004. Composed of vocalists Dennis Lee and Shawn Milke, guitarists Patrick Thompson and Adam Ferguson, bassist Shane Crump, and drummer Jeremy Bryan, Alesana quickly earned a following for their energetic live performances. The band's first full-length album, On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax, dropped in 2006, leading to their signing with Fearless Records. Fast forward to 2007, Alesana released an EP containing acoustic versions of songs from their debut album called Try This With Your Eyes Closed. It's often seen as a bridge between On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax and their sophomore effort, Where Myth Fades to Legend, which featured bigger production and an even more theatrical vibe.

The Music Genre of the Album:

Try This With Your Eyes Closed fits into the post-hardcore subgenre of rock music, with elements of emo and screamo as well. There's an emphasis on melody and lyrics that paint a vivid picture, much like Alesana's other works. However, this EP is a bit rough around the edges, and it's hard to distinguish each song from one another. That being said, it's still a solid effort from the band and paved the way for their later releases.

The Best Songs of the Album:

Upon listening to this EP, two songs stood out to me: Pathetic, Ordinary and Ambrosia. Pathetic, Ordinary is an excellent opener for the album, with its explosive intro, melodic choruses, and raw screams. Ambrosia, on the other hand, has a darker and more ominous vibe, with lyrics that tell a story of forbidden love and betrayal. It's one of Alesana's most beloved tracks and a perfect example of their trademark storytelling and imagery.

The Most Innovative Parts of the Album:

The Most Innovative Parts of the Album:

Though Try This With Your Eyes Closed may not be as refined as their later works, there were still moments that showcased their potential. For instance, the acoustic version of Apology allowed Dennis Lee's vocals to shine through, adding a vulnerable touch to an otherwise heavy album. Meanwhile, Congratulations, I Hate You and Beautiful in Blue had some creative and intricate guitar work that showed Adam Ferguson and Patrick Thompson's skill as musicians.

A Critique to the Album:

As I've mentioned before, this EP has its flaws. One of which is the production quality, which sounds muddy and unpolished. Additionally, some songs can be forgettable, and without a proper background or knowledge of Alesana's themes, it might be challenging to follow the lyrics and narratives.
All in all, Try This With Your Eyes Closed is a strong start for Alesana's career, showcasing their potential as storytellers and musicians. Though it has its flaws, it's still worth a listen, especially for those who are fans of post-hardcore and emo music. As the band progressed and refined their sound in later albums, this EP serves as a reminder of their roots and the passion that made them stand out in the first place.