Taking Back Sunday - Self-Titled Record Review

It's not easy to be Taking Back Sunday. Since releasing Tell All Your Friends back in 2002, the band have endured a staggering number of lineup changes, feuds with other notable acts and a sound that differed with almost every release. But regardless of the constant turmoil, the Long Island outfit have managed to gain a worldwide fan base that has been eagerly awaiting the release of the band's new Self-Titled album.

TBS reinstated guitarist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Copper (both of whom made up the original TBS lineup) in early 2010 after letting go of Matt Fazzi and Matt Rubano. And in the almost year-and-a-half since bringing the two originators back, the band have been touring and excessively working on the new album - one that was promised to be one of TBS' best pieces of work so far.

So how does it stack up to the band's 2009 release, New Again? Better yet, can it measure up to Tell All Your Friends - the only other record to be released featuring all five current TBS members.

Well, this album certainly feels nothing like New Again. In place of the almost slowed down and lighthearted structure found on that record, TBS have come back swinging with a much darker and resilient chunk of rock 'n' roll. It's not punk-rock, it's not hardcore and it's not alternative - it's somewhere in between all of that.

Nolan's familiar screams and backups only help to accentuate lead singer Adam Lazzara's emotionally sparked vocals. In that respect, the Self-Titled effort is on par with Tell All Your Friends. But lyrically, the new record comes across as a more mature sounding TBS. It's not necessarily as literal as some of the band's earlier work. The record wrestles with ideas of religion, happiness and the past, while at most times being open to interpretation. There's a lot going on throughout the album, and the message isn't always clear - a testament to Lazzara's heightened understanding of poetic license.

But musically, the Self-Titled release should please fans. Pair mosh-ready choruses like that found on "This All Now" with the many singalong breakdowns ("Sad Savior") and you're bound to get a record that will resonate with TBS followers. This album dances with the more technical side of the band. Look for a lot of lead guitars, overdriven amps and snare work.

Most of the songs on Self-Titled should translate well to the band's live show. TBS have tried out a number of new songs during their last few tours, and they come across as much more energetic and lively when compared to other recent works in the band's collection.

All in all, this release will mark another interesting chapter in the book of TBS.

While this new, but original, slice of the band is refreshing, it certainly won't define the them. They've managed to say goodbye to their emo-infused past while embracing a purely rock 'n' roll mindset. But let's face it, while a grownup sound might be the new face of TBS from now on, no one's ever going to forget those mic-swinging emo kids from Long Island.

Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

Well, it's 2011 and the economy still sucks, Christopher Drew is still making music and Steve Carell is leaving "The Office," but it's not all bad. The new year is bringing plenty of fresh tunes to get stoked on. Wanna know the best? Then keep reading and check out Backstage Press' Most Anticipated Albums of 2011.

Bayside - Killing Time

Release: February 22nd

Bayside spent most of 2010 recording Killing Time, their fifth studio album. Having already released two singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick" and "Already Gone" it's clear that the Long Island outfit are showing maturity in their sound. The songs are a natural progression from 2008's Shudder, but bring back the raw aggression and punk feel from their early work. This will certainly be the "can't miss" record of 2011.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

Release: March 22nd

It's been almost four years since we heard last heard from the Florida pop-rockers. But Yellowcard are back, and armed with a new record for your listening pleasure. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is creating quite a buzz online so far. And with the release of the album's first single, "For You, And Your Denial", Yellowcard are starting their climb to the top again. Look for this record to sell well this year.

D.R.U.G.S. - Abigail (Will Be Born With Four Friendly Eyes) **

Release : February 22nd

Craig Owens' newest supergroup are poised to be the reigning post-hardcore champs of 2011 with the release of their debut album. In the past few months, D.R.U.G.S. have released three songs off the record - "Sex Life", "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm". Each is seemingly as catchy as the next, and has led to an outpouring of support from fans nationwide. Plus, being a band comprised of members from other notable scene acts, it will be great to see whether or not this record holds up to the previous releases of each member.

Handguns - Don't Bite Your Tongue

Release: February 22nd

The Mid-Atlantic pop-punk quartet will be putting out their new EP, Don't Bite Your Tongue, on Pure Noise Records this year. The seven-song recording is their answer to 2010's Anywhere But Home - an album packed with as much honesty as you'd expect from The Wonder Years, and as memorable as the early work of The Starting Line. Handguns have released their first single off Don't Bite, "Scream Goodbye", which continues in ABH's footsteps of upbeat lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. If you miss when pop-punk was pop-punk, you're going to want to grab this record.

Rise Against - Endgame

Release: March 15th

Since we last heard from them on their 2010 DVD, Another Station, Another Mile, Chicago punks, Rise Against, have been hard at work on their sixth full-length album, Endgame. Recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, the band invested in the help of Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore for producing efforts. Having released the song, "Help Is On The Way", it's clear that the band have not left their roots. The song, as it's anticipated the rest of the album will be, is politically charged and driven by issues of humanity. This record will not disappoint loyal fans, and is sure to turn a few new heads.

Taking Back Sunday - TBA

Release: TBA

Having just finished recording in December, Taking Back Sunday are putting the finishing touches on what will be their first release since 2009's New Again. They've gone back to the Tell All Your Friends-era band lineup, leading many to speculate that 2011's record will harken back to classic TBS both lyrically and musically. Late last year, TBS released a completed song with the working title, "Best Places To Be A Mom". Listen to it here, and check back for more info on the 2011 TBS release.

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A number of other bands will be releasing records or getting back into the studio this year. Check 'em below.

blink-182 - Currently in the studio

The Wonder Years - Currently in the studio; record release slated for summer 2011

The Get Up Kids - New album out 1/25

This Time Next Year - Currently in the studio with Chad Gilbert of NFG

Emery - New album out 3/22

Set Your Goals - Currently in the studio

Vanna - Currently in the studio

Dance Gavin Dance - New album out 3/8

** - No formal name has been given for this record. Various sites list it as Abigail, while others leave it untitled.

Summer 2010 Music Tours

With summer right around the corner it's time to gear up for this year's slew of shows in the sunshine. If you're not up to date on who's playing when, just take a look below for some of the best shows/festivals that summer 2010 has to offer.

Anberlin

May 28th - Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT

May 29th - Northshore Mall, Peabody, MA (FREE SHOW!)

June 1st - Toad's Place, New Haven, CT

Even though Florida-based rockers Anberlin are busy working on their new album, they've decided to do a small tour to welcome in the summer months. They'll start off their New England run in Vermont before heading to Mass. as part of the Journey's Backyard BBQ Tour, a five city skate/BMX tour featuring both athletes and bands from across the country. Anberlin will be sharing the stage (at the Northshore Mall of all places) with Mayday Parade for the free show. Three days later the quintet will be in Connecticut alongside Story Of The Year and Terrible Things. These are some shows you don't want to miss!

Taking Back Sunday

June 25th - House of Blues, Boston, MA

As part of one of the shortest tours ever, only six shows nationwide, TBS are setting out for their first round of shows with original members John Nolan and Shaun Cooper back in the lineup. Lucky for New England, they're hitting Boston's House of Blues. No word on openers just yet. Tickets are still available, though the special VIP packages are all sold out. This will be a must see for any TBS fan.

Paramore

July 27th - Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, CT

July 28th - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA

Aug 3rd - Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion, Gilford, NH

The Honda Civic Tour has built itself on solid pop-punk lineups year after year, and 2010 is no different. Paramore are headlining this summer's tour alongside scene staples New Found Glory and Tegan and Sara for what's set to be one of the best shows all season. With three chances to see this tour in New England, you've got no excuses for missing it.

Green Day

Aug 12th - Comcast Theater, Hartford, CT

Aug 16th - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA

Still busy touring to support their latest release, 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day are bringing out fellow punk rock lifers AFI for a late summer romp through the US. With both bands developing massive followings that carried over from the 90s, these shows will definitely draw out an eclectic crowd that will be as fun to watch as the bands.

Vans Warped Tour

July 11th - Comcast Theater, Hartford, CT

July 13th - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA

Who could forget about the best tour of every summer? Warped is back for its 16th year, and has two stops in New England. With a lineup to suit anyone's tastes, tickets should go fast. Where else can you see The All-American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, Four Year Strong, Bring Me The Horizon and The Rocket Summer in the same day?

I Used To Be In Taking Back Sunday

"Sometimes it takes some time to remember where you were headed in the first place and the people you intended to go there with. There's no hard feelings, just the future." -Taking Back Sunday, March 31, 2010

Apparently a monumental record release, an opening slot on blink-182's reunion tour, multiple headlining US and

international tours, and being named Band of the Year by a certain blog doesn't exactly mean you're heading in the right direction with your band. Or maybe the dudes in TBS just don't like guys named Matt.

Whatever the case, it came as a surprise to thousands of fans worldwide earlier this week when TBS bassist Matt Rubano and guitarist Matt Fazzi both called it quits from the band within hours of each other. Of course, there was mass confusion over the announcement. Hell, we don't even really know what's going on now. The band have yet to go on record in any great detail about the situation.

Just today they released the following video, showing current TBS members Adam Lazzara, Eddie Reyes and Mark O'Connell shooting guns with Shaun Cooper and John Nolan (both ex-members of TBS who may be reinstated).

Honestly, as if the rumors weren't weird enough, why are they shooting guns? Don't bother trying to answer that.

Anyway, a lot of us were hoping this was an early April Fool's joke or some dumb way to make Matt Rubano a trending topic on Twitter. But, it looks like the guys were serious.

Rubano's bio on his Twitter page recently changed from "I slappa da bass for Taking Back Sunday" to "I slappa da bass. hard." He even went so far as to tweet, "As soon as I know what Im doing next, you'll know. Definitely music, possibly other things as well."

Fazzi has yet to tweet anything after his original announcement.

Though it will be cool to have the old old TBS back, it's safe to say we're gonna miss Faz and the little guy. I can't say I'm ready for another lineup change, but who cares? I don't play in the band... yet.

So what do you think? Is this the right move or not?