There is solid musicianship throughout Life, Scars, Apologies; as well as mainly Christ-centered lyrical content that focuses on the experiences of the members' lives. The biggest issue with Since October is that they seem uncomfortable in themselves. Instead, they seem like carbon copies of other bands. You spend more time thinking, "Who does this song sound like?" instead of enjoying the music. If you're a fan of the same stuff they play on rock radio in constant rotation, these guys might be right up your alley, but if you want to hear something new in the world or rock, even solely in the world of Christian rock, you might want to stay away.
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
Leave My Mark (3:34)
Life of Mine (Acoustic) (3:07)
Guilty (Acoustic) (4:04)
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Since October| Posted July 19, 2010
Florida-based nu-metal act, Since October continues to bring aggressive vocals, honest lyrics, and rhythmic anthems on its sophomore release, Life, Scars, Apologies. Stylistically, it’s not much different from the band’s debut and avoids pushing any musical boundaries (the biggest chance taken is the use of a harmonica on the closing track).
The rhythm section is really the heart of the album, but many of Since October’s riffs and rhythmic elements seem to be drawn from the band’s industry peers, namely P.O.D., Disciple, and Thousand Foot Krutch. It shouldn’t be any band’s goal for its audience to think, “Hey, this sounds exactly like that Disciple song, (insert song name here).” With that being said, listeners may be willing to grant the band a pass on the similarities because of the band’s sheer passion and authentic lyrics.
“The Show” aptly demonstrates raw passion with Ben Graham spitting fighting words throughout the chorus- “Boom, boom, bang, don’t pull no punches/’Til the clock reach zero.” Gang vocals also add a nice touch on the verses. While the power ballads are over-produced and quite generic, Graham again injects life into these songs with vocal texture (i.e. trembling, straining) evoking vulnerability.
Heart-on-sleeve lyrics are also one of the better features of Since October, be it power ballads or rock anthems. “Life Of Mine” finds Graham desperately searching for something more than his current life. Groove-driven “Other Side Of Me” is similar in theme, regretting past mistakes and wanting change- “I’m so sick of my mistakes. Will I change?”
Since October has at least two things going for it, passion and authentic lyrics. And the latter is something that most bands struggle to produce. Unfortunately, these aspects are overshadowed by music that sounds all too familiar.
3.5/5| Posted May 18, 2011
While it's very easy to assume that the sound of Since October copies other bands in the genre, what makes this band unique is their honest and passionate lyrics. It was evident on their debut album and is still evident here on their sophomore effort, Life, Scars, Apologies. The album manages to maintain a good blend of hard rock songs and slower ballad songs. Lyrically, the album deals with the band member's lives and situations they experienced. It's very personal and open and I really like it.
The cover of Alice In Chains' "Don't Follow" was probably not the best way to close out the album. It's not bad but it just feels unnecessary.
Aside from that, Life, Scars, Apologies is a good rock album. While it may sound the same as other bands like Decyfer Down, what makes this album stand out is its open and honest lyrics.
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