Indie-Punk
With comparisons drawn to Cursive, Jawbreaker and Hot Water Music this punk edged melodic indie-rock album sounded like it could be an interesting prospect (especially for a huge Cursive fan) and as it turns out, while the similarity to that bad is slight this is still a great album, better in fact for not drawing too many direct comparisons. With the melodic sweetness of indie and the harder punk edge this is a record that hits so many right notes it's a real pleasure to listen to.
Opener 'The Running Song' is a perfect start, setting you up but not giving away everything the band has to offer straight away; what hits you first is the lovely distorted fuzz of the guitars, then you get a hit of sweetly melodic vocal along with great sing along shouts. Up next is 'Folding Up' which is still, after repeated listens, (along with 'Greener Pastures') one of the standout tunes on the album; punchy, fast paced and punk edged with a brilliant melody.
'Salt In The Wounds' has an emotive quality that sends shivers walking up and down your arms, this is mostly due to the great vocal delivery; the on the edge of desperate tone is reminiscent of Tim Kasher at times. 'Lost Son' has a cracking bass line and rousing gang vocals, and like 'The Road Home' it has one of those beats that's perfect for walking to; when you take it out with your head phones pumped up to full volume you can't help striding along with a dance in your step.
Short of giving a blow by blow account of the whole album, which would no doubt be less than exciting, it's safe to say that we've been impressed by the combination of punk and indie melody and structure from Build Us Airplanes; "At The End Of The Day" slots into your regular playlist so easily it's like its been there all along.