Saosin: In Search Of Solid Ground Review

Saosin's first album was a hit everywhere with fans of the genre. Lead singer Cove Reber's incredible vocal talent, mixed with great guitar and bass from Justin Shekoski, Beau Burchell, and Chris Sorenson, and added in with Alex Rodriguez's phenomenal drumming took listeners by surprise with their self-entitled debut back in 2006. One would think a band like this with such great success in their debut effort would come back with a disappointing sophomore effort. This is nowhere near the case here. I define a great followup album as maintaining the greatness and originality of the premiere while branching into new areas and expanding upon the initial efforts' ideas without ruining the whole concept. Saosin delivers on all accounts here. This album is just as good as "Saosin" if not better.
1. I Keep My Secrets Safe- The leadoff track begins with solid drumming and guitar strumming that typifies Saosin. Cove's voice literally wavers throughout the song, but this is a positive thing because it establishes the drama of the song that is backed up by his incredible talent for singing/screaming at the same time. A striking first song that captures the mood for the whole album. A definite head-banger with some firm screaming near the end. Great start. 9.5/10
2. Deep Down- The beginning rhythm to the guitar of this song is amazing and the drums that follow are great as well, especially if you enjoy listening to songs and picture playing them yourself. This is one of my favorite songs on the album, Cove's vocals for the chorus and the lyrics along with the general pacing and rhythm of the song are appealing and dramatic. Great concept here. 9.5/10
3. Why Can't You See- At first this song was only good for me, but after a few listens, I changed from good to great. A slow start abruptly turns to an intense chorus with some of the best lyrics on the whole CD. This song makes me wonder how Cove manages to sing a whole concert like this, because it really must be a sight to behold. Another solid effort. 9/10
4. Changing- The rhythm and pacing of this song's verses are very alluring for listeners, and the chorus just rocks in general. There isn't much to say about this song because you just have to listen to it to know how cool it is. The splashy drums, great vocals, and awesome guitar/bass combo all contribute to the overall mood and theme of the album, making this the best song on the album. 10/10
5. On My Own- An odd start transitions into a headbanging chorus that definitely will make fans call to mind "Saosin", because if I was listenting to shuffle on my I-Pod, it could pass off as a song from their first album if I didn't know better. An absolutely awesome guitar and drum breakdown in the crescendo of the song that includes what I call a "stop and start". You'll have to listen to the song to know what I mean, but it will be blatantly obvious when you hear it. Great song with great lyrics that question life as only Saosin knows how. It also features an ending that transitions nicely into the next song. 9.5/10
6. The Alarming Sound Of A Still Small Voice- This is a great rock ballad. It is the weakest track we've seen thus far, but so far Saosin has been at a ridiculous level of rockitude. The chorus and vocals accompanied by intense instrumentals really epitomize the desperation and anguish shown in the lyrics, and it ends on a truly epic note. This is a song with feel that will speak to some and completely miss with others. 9/10
7. Say Goodbye- A slower start and slower verses are used with the intent of leading into an intense chorus. I could also see this song on "Saosin". At this point, it's hard to really go to far into detail without sounding repetitive; Saosin is delivering with a fervor comparable only to Moses, Jesus, and Dominos Pizza. 9.5/10
8. The Worst Of Me- A solid verse along with a brief pause builds up anticipation for a chorus that fulfills the hype. Cove's vocals for the chorus are backed with vocals that really lend to the tragic nature of the song. This is one of those songs that just stands out on an album and makes you look down the check the name of the song so you can remember to listen to it again. Later on in the song is a great breakdown that leads into the epic final chorus. 10/10
9. It's All Over- This song doesn't really fit in with the drama of the whole CD, but it still is a great track. This is a slower and less in-you-face song that confronts the difficulties of losing love. It is a beautiful song that talks about trying to pick up the pieces and move on. This is similar to "I Never Wanted To" mixed with "You're Not Alone". 9/10
10. What We Were Made For- This song has a pop-ish feel to it that may be disagreeable to some, and definitely does not fit in with the previously established mood, but it's not a bad attempt. This is Saosin's closest thing to mainstream, and it's definitely a good song, just not typical Saosin. This song will grow on you though. 8.5/10
11. Is This Real- Fast-paced verses that may be a little too fast-paced for my taste transition into a slower chorus that is extremely appeasing. Lyrically, many will be able to relate, and this makes the song even better. Leading into the crescendo is a great breakdown/slowdown that adds to the mystifying nature of the song, and it is nicely finished off as well. 9.5/10
12. Nothing Is What It Seems (Without You)- This is a very touching song about losing someone you love. It voices both the clarity and sureness of the singer's mindset and values as well as the obvious sadness and confusion that comes with losing someone that makes it all the more heartrending. A slower and less upbeat song that still has its share of intensity. It is lyrically simple, but it doesn't have to be that complex because the thoughts expressed here are valid and pertinent. Great song. 10/10
13. Fireflies (Light Messengers)- Not as epic of a finish to the album as I would have liked, but there are some great concepts here. The lyrics embody a notion of hope in the midst of desperation and darkness, and the shrill guitar in the background adds to this sense. This song is a little lengthy at 8.5 minutes, but it is definitely worth the listen. 9/10
Overall: 122/130
Fans of Saosin, rejoice! Saosin is back and better than ever. I hope I am not wrong in saying this, because this is a really great band, but this may be their crowning achievement. "Saosin" was a great album, but "In Search Of Solid Ground" expands and improves upon it in every way. I love albums that have their own mood to them throughout, and this album achieves this mark of near perfection. It will be interesting to see what is to come in the future for this band. Definitely worth the investment for Saosin fans and rock fans in general. Up next is Thousand Foot Krutch. Thanks for tuning in. Rock on.