By With a sound reminiscent of The Killers’, The Honorary Title’s second album “Scream & Light Up the Sky” is one with a refreshing sound. The New York-based band, founded in 2003, strikes a chord for emo fans and indie lovers.
The band consists of Jarrod Gorbel (lead vocals, guitar), Aaron Kamstra (bass, piano, vocals), Jon Wiley (guitar, vocals) and Adam Boyd (drums).
The album’s sound is hard to categorize. It features a taste of rock, indie, folk and a bit of emo, which makes it an interesting and diverse album to delve into.
At first listen, I wasn’t quite sure what to think of The Honorary Title. I found myself enjoying the well-written lyrics and upbeat guitar riffs, but I wasn’t too fond of a few of the more slow songs. Though with another listen to the album, I found myself growing close to the songs and relating to the lyrics.
My favorite song from “Scream & Light Up the Sky” is “Stay Away,” which was featured on an episode from the TV drama “One Tree Hill.” The song is emotionally powerful, and highlights the confusing issues put into relationships.
Most college students can relate to the message behind the lyrics: “Separate yourself from what compels you to relinquish us./ Push your way on to me, entirely./ Stay away from me, stay away from me now.” The song stands for those who have been more emotionally invested than the other person in the relationship. I really enjoy the intelligence and thought behind the words of the song because it’s not just another melodramatic emo song.
Another great song on the album is “Stuck at Sea” – a fun one to turn up and sing along in the car with the windows down and the wind in your hair.
Overall, “Scream & Light Up the Sky” is fresh, interesting, diverse and a move in the right direction for indie and emo fans. They have just the right amount of variety to appeal to different audiences. The Honorary Title bears the right note for a promising future with their memorable songs for listeners of all ages.
