Jamie’s Elsewhere-They Said A Storm Was Coming

Jamies Elsewhere
They Said A Storm Was Coming
Victory Records
Release Date: Feburary 16, 2010

Jamies Elsewhere has been a hit and miss for me through their career. Their first release, an EP titled “GoodBye RocketMan, St. George Is Under Fire” is a very pleasurable release for me. It had alot of what I expected from a band when it came to debut EPs. Great production, making lyrical sense, and a very talented band. I really wish I could say the same about their follow up release “A Guide Book For  Sinners Turned Saints”. This album was a huge let down for me, with the re-hash of EP songs, which is very common for bands that get signed after releasing an EP. Another one of the personal things that bugged me, was the change of cadance on my favorite song in their library, “Sweet Carolina Honey”. Granted, the screaming was wayyyy better, I hated relearning to sing-along with it. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Taking out the country guitar intro out of their song “Play Me Something Country” was another let down for me. Personally, I felt thats the only element of the song that actually gave it that country feel. The rest of the album just felt like they didn’t try their hardest. It felt forced, and without effort.

With the depature of their lead vocalist Chris Paterson (Sea Of Treachery) and the induction of Aaron Pauley, I feel like this is a brand new band. As much as I enjoyed the talent of Chris Paterson, i’ve got to say that I am totally in favor of Aaron Pauley now. His personality and and the emotion in his writing all shine through his vocal performance. Which is something I feel the band lacked on their past release.

They Said A Storm Was Coming, they forgot to mention it was a Tsunami. This release is nothing short of epic. I can honestly say that there isn’t a song on here I couldn’t listen to a thousand times. It all starts with “Seasons” which is an explosive opening track to this masterpiece. The screaming is so unique, you wouldn’t hear this scream in any other band, its so dynamic and versatile and it really pulls you in and bobs your head for you.

Another stand-out track, and also my personal favorite from this album “Giants Among Common Men”. This is the song that made me craveeee this release more than any other demo they put out. I really can’t pin-point what it is about this song that im addicted to. It’s probably, the amazing song structure, I have always been a fan of singing, screaming, singing, screaming switch offs, and this song executes it perfectly. Maybe its the guitar melodys, the stomach shaking drums? I will go on record and say, this is the best song they have ever written.

Antithesis, the last song on the album, is an ear pleasing mix of synth, and natural talent. When i’m not listening to Giants Among Common Men, this is my song of choice. Not to leave any songs in the dust, as they are all as equally epic, Antithesis is like the frosting on top of the cupcake that you like to lick off before you actually bite into the rest.  I usually don’t talk about breakdowns, but this song has  probably the best breakdown of the album, no matter my mood, or if I was in a neck brace, I can’t help head banging to the breakdown.  It all ends with a very soothing mix of ocean waves and a symphony melody, I could fall asleep to it, its that soothing.

Jamie’s Elsewhere really gave it all they had with this release, I really hope they keep up the momentum. Nothing can stop them now.

-Written By: Ethan W.