Though occasionally blown off course, Yellowcard’s new album, Lift a Sail, elevates punchy rock ’n’ roll sound with melodic ballads. On their ninth studio album, they maintain allegiance to classic pop-punk and assume an understated style, culminating in a new alternative rock sound.
Best known for singles “Ocean Avenue” and “Lights and Sounds,” Yellowcard prides itself in its brisk, intricate drumming and powerful guitar licks. Thus, choosing to open with “Convocation,” an airy instrumental track, seems surprising and risky. Sean Mackin’s impeccable skill on violin, however, characteristic of the band since its formation, draws attention to its progressive sound.
The most impressive aspect of this album is its diversity. On “Transmission Home,” the album’s finest track, frontman Ryan Key exhibits a confident vocal range. He experiments with a falsetto that he has apparently hidden for ages, while stiff guitar chords and slick bass drums slash away in the background.
Even so, Lift a Sail is not without flaws. The band has difficulty achieving cohesion on inventive tracks. “Fragile and Dear,” for example, tries to combine an electric baseline, symphonic violin, and shredding guitar, making it great in its separate parts, but fragile as a whole.
Nevertheless, Yellowcard’s emotional spunk easily blows away its blemishes. In an interview with Absolute Punk, Key explains how personal challenges influenced the music. In “Madrid,” a gorgeous acoustic composition, Yellowcard uses well-crafted lyrics rather than their characteristic steady tempo and catchy chorus, to deliver the emotion of the song.
Lift a Sail’s beautifully introspective alt-rock features have an earned place at the helm of the band’s nine-album repertoire. Not only does Yellowcard stay afloat with this album, the band charts its trajectory with an emotional, reinvigorated sound.
Voice’s Choices: “Transmission Home,” “One Bedroom”
