Review: In Pieces - Learning to Accept Silence

artist: in pieces album: learning to accept silence label: escape artist records released: 4/30/02 by: rob tatum This has to be the hardest band in the world to describe. They combine just about everything into one big ball and out comes one of the best records that I have heard. Yes, ever. There is a little of everything for anyone on this album. Emo, hardcore, punk, screams, singing. It’s all here on this album. And it’s not chaotic at all. It flows better than most of the other bands out there. Each song has such precise song writing that you barely notice what is really happening. You just hear kick ass music. The album opens with “The Anchor” and follows with “A Fitting Lie.” Both are emotional, and melodic pieces with excellent flow. “A Fitting Lie” (Ed’s mp3 of the week for 10/6-10/13) has some intricate string work and is a really nice work. Next up on the album are two songs that hit pretty hard in some parts. I really like “Like Angels on the Verge of Suicide.” The guitar work and drums on this song make this song what it is and the lyrics are really emotional. “I turn my head and shed a tear and for what seems like a thousand miles until I hit the cold cement floor beside your feet.” The next few songs are all good, but nothing stands out directly in the beauty until the eighth track, “Walking this fine line.” Both melodic and heavy at the beginning, this song transforms into a fast paced, sing along, and then proceeds into a breakdown before the halfway point of the song. I really like the diversity. The album ends with “Your Switch to the Sun.” This is one of the best songs on the album, but not the best, it was difficult to pick just one. It represents everything In Pieces can do. The end of this song is really moving with mellow guitar riffs and drum work that builds into a nice ending melody. I love this album. Bottom line. Diverse. Good lyrics. Everything you could ever want in a record musically. I foresee this album finding a nice little spot in my usual rotation. The only disappointing thing I found out is that the band has parted ways with their vocalist, Scott Gibson, since this recording. I hope that the new vocalist can fill the shoes of Scott. This is worth checking out to fans of everything as it combines everything into one of the best records I have purchased this year. rating: 93%/100% favorite song: “walking this fine line” listen to in pieces