Goddammit.

Maybe it's because it's been a while since I've heard this band and I forgot what they sounded like. Maybe it's the fact that they just broke up. Maybe they just really got really good between albums. Regardless, I begrudgingly admit that I enjoy this album.

Now, don't get me wrong - CB's sound is still derivative as all hell. There's a lot of Texas Is The Reason here, as well as some old school Get Up Kids. The disc also reminds me of a lot of the early Hot Rod Circuit stuff [i.e. their first EP and CD].

If you dig the lyrics penned by Matt Skiba of the Alkaline Trio, then these verses are right up your alley: "You're setting fires inside my heart / I'd like to believe you / It's not arson, maybe just a warm goodbye for me" [from "Straightjacket Weather"] or "Wish I could see your face cold, lifeless, and blue / Your epitaph might say 'I was never there for you'" [from "True and Cold"]. Hell, there's even songs called "Empty Bottle Evening," "Three Week Wine Bender," and "Knee Deep In Pills." This band seems to be the Alkaline Trio's evil twin emo brother.

Musically, like I said before, there's nothing groundbreaking here. The band does do their emo-punk thing well, but once they slow down past midtempo they're shit outta luck. Take, for example, "Save Your Breath." The album's 5th song kills all momentum the CD had after 4 uptempo rockers all in a row. If I were the band, I'd stick to the faster stuff, it suits you better.

Of course, that doesn't matter too much since the band just broke up. This does honestly sadden me, as after listening to this album a whole bunch, I kinda want to check them out live again and give them a second chance. I still swear their first album sucked, but this one is by far an improvement. This is a sad day for me - Cadillac Suckside no longer exists in my mind. They've been replaced by Cadillac Blindside. Kudos to you kids for making me eat my words, and good luck on your future endeavors.

MP3
True And Cold