New York group We Are the In Crowd wows fans with catchy pop-punk album
Giving a debut album the title "Best Intentions" is a bold move, but it seems like a fitting name for We Are the In Crowd's (WATIC) first studio effort.
The Poughkeepsie, N.Y., natives of We Are the In Crowd released its debut album "Best Intentions" on Oct. 4. The album consists of 10 pop-punk songs, and the deluxe version contains three extra songs, including a cover of Bruno Mars' "Grenade."
We Are the In Crowd is an alternative band that consists of five members: Taylor Jardine on vocals, Jordan Eckes on guitar and vocals, Cameron Hurley on guitar, Mike Ferri on bass and Rob Chianelli on drums. The band released six singles and one EP before releasing "Best Intentions."
The band got its start when its MySpace page was hacked and all of the music and friends were deleted from the page. An article was posted on absolutepunk.net about the incident, which got the attention of Hopeless Records, a label known for giving bands such as All Time Low and Yellowcard record deals.
WATIC has been touring since June 2011 when it hit the road with All Time Low on its Gimme Summer Ya Love tour, sharing the opening slot with Mayday Parade and The Starting Line. WATIC is currently on The Noise Tour with bands Mayday Parade, You Me at Six, There for Tomorrow and The Make.
"Best Intentions" gives a long-awaited look at WATIC. While all of the singles released have been catchy, upbeat pop-punk songs, "Best Intentions" allows WATIC to show its softer side, revealing slower songs with deeper meanings behind them on tracks like "You've Got It Made," "All or Nothing" and, on the deluxe version, "On My Way."
The slower songs are somewhat of a relief. While Jardine's raspy voice can belt out a tune better than almost any female lead in pop-punk, the album is almost so upbeat that you find yourself wanting to stop the roller coaster ride for a moment to relax. The band made a smart move in placing fast and upbeat songs one after the other on the track list until the second to last song.
The vocal harmonies provided by Jardine and Eckes are also stellar. Though some may be skeptical of having two lead singers, Jardine and Eckes manage to make it work perfectly. Neither overshadows the other; they are given an equal amount of singing time on each track. This brings a unique perspective to the songs, showing both sides to every track — the girl's view and the guy's view.
The album is a perfect debut for WATIC; it gives old fans the same sound they've enjoyed in previous singles and in the EP "Guaranteed to Disagree," while providing some new material and sound for the old fans to listen to. It introduces new fans to what WATIC is and what its sound is like.
The sound is a wonderful blend of alternative, shouty pop-punk music. Jardine's soulful vocals keep the songs sounding angsty enough to keep the music in the punk genre, while the loud, ever-present drums in songs such as "The Worst Thing About Me" and "Exits and Entrances" make it seem as though all the anger that was felt while writing the songs is being taken out on the instruments.
"Best Intentions" is everything the members of WATIC have been introducing themselves as, and fans will not be disappointed. Even if you are not an alternative or pop-punk fan, give "Best Intentions" a listen. The constantly relatable lyrics and fantastic talent displayed throughout the album will make anyone a fan immediately.
WATIC has made the right moves so far, and it will be exciting to see how it does in the future.