Say Hello to Sunshine

by

Finch

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Finch did the impossible. They started with a CD bursting with tracks just itching to be put on the radio, pop-punk everywhere with What It Is To Burn. The vast majority of it was an easy sell on the general public. But don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing it at all, I think it was a great CD. Then this rolls out. This is just my opinion, but I feel like this is a lot closer to what Finch really wants to sound like, as opposed to what they thought people wanted them to sound like. And I love it. I've worn out this CD and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Its a real shame they're now on hiatus.

I was kind of suspicious when Finch pretty much vaporized in 2003, after receiving some well deserved success with "What It Is To Burn." Instead of milking the success like they could have, Finch took the high road, disappeared, and have re-emerged two years later with a brand new album, "Say Hello To Sunshine" and a brand new sound. When "What It Is To Burn" (and the EP, "Falling Into Place") came out, Finch's sound was still fresh. Not many bands at the time were doing what these guys did. Now, three years later, and you can't get away from the scene. Just like rap-metal was oversaturated five years ago, the current "screamo" scene is overflowing as well. So, you know, things had to change. Whereas their contemporaries in The Used counteracted the trend by making their follow-up album a poppier, more accessible affair, Finch toughened up and created an angsty and loud new sound for themselves.

So how does it work? Well, on one hand, it's a breath of fresh air, really. I know I'm not alone in my feelings that there are just too many boring bands doing the same boring things, and it's great that one of the pioneers of that sound are doing something to change things up. On the other hand, I really dug "old" Finch. "What It Is To Burn" wasn't perfect, but it was still a solid album that displayed both sides of Finch, agressive and sensitive. Sadly, "Say Hello To Sunshine" bares very little resemblance to the Finch you knew before. If you are familiar with "Worms Of The Earth," the b-side that appeared on 2003's "Underworld" soundtrack (and the "Atticus II" compilation), then you have a pretty good idea of what kind of sound Finch are going for here. Aside from the fact that they end up sounding like a heavy Incubus on a few songs, Finch still manage to carve out their own sound, which you have to respect.

So, the album isn't exactly as good as it could have been. A bit disappointing, but still a good listen nevertheless. Perhaps if I had never known this group before, I would have a much higher opinion of this album. But to me, it seems like they are stuck in an identity crisis. They obviously don't want to be pigeon holed or associated with a scene that will go down in flames soon enough, so I understand why they made this move. Just try to listen with an open mind, and give it a few listens to sink in as well.