This Sure As Hell A’int Deja Vu

“I hope this song starts a craze–the kind of song that ignites the airwaves. The kind of song that makes people glad to be where they are, with whoever they’re there with.”

If Jesse Lacey, singer of Brand New, had any idea what kind of masterpiece his band was about to produce, he could have been much more sure of himself before scratching down those words just minutes before walking into a studio to record them as Track 4 of Deja Entendu. Brand New’s latest release is a far cry from their debut full-length album. In trading the poppy teenage-style punk for a heavier and much more mellow sound, they have created an album that is completely unique in style; an emotional cannon hitting so hard that you’ll ride out the entire 11 tracks glued to the bouncing lights on the equalizer, transfixed on the lyrics, and simply just enjoying the music. This isn’t noise for the background. This is a motion picture of music.
Though this writer hasn’t been able to figure out if Deja tells a single story, there is definitely a progression in the songs. If their first album was a reflection of teenage musical aggression, then this album is a flawless example of growing talent, experience, and maturity. The music is tight and the lyrics are phenomenal, echoed perfectly in the vocals. Don’t go in to Deja expecting the speed and flare of Your Favorite Weapon, for it will catch you off guard. Once it has you however, it’s not going to let you go.