Being a fan of alternative/hard rock can sometimes be disappointing because I find it difficult to truly find a band that stands above the rest, that doesn’t just use the same formula of hard riffs in every song. So you can imagine my excitement when I began listening to Plan Three’s debut album Screaming Our Sins. Do they pound away at heavy riffs and hard drumming? Yes, of course. But their sound is memorable, their melodies captivating, and their lyrics are honest. Like most artists, Plan Three turns painful memories and experiences into art. Misery makes the best music but Plan Three doesn’t wallow in their sorrows. It’s not an album that will make you want to weep in the bathroom with a bottle of aspirin, but you might feel a little twinge of pain in your heart.

The song “Triggers” has the double honor of being the first song on the album and my favorite song. There’s nothing better than a catchy rock tune that you can find yourself dancing to. “Triggers” is that “˜radio-friendly’ hit that gets stuck in your head, but in a good way. Lead singer Jake Loven’s voice reminds me of Benjamin Burnley of Breaking Benjamin. Both voices have the ability to sound warm and inviting, yet aggressive when needed. Their softer songs draw you in, but their heavier songs remind you they’re not screwing around. “Still Broken” hits a little too close to home for me and I think it will for a lot of people. The music is all rough edges but the center, the lyrics, are so raw and emotional. It’s one of those songs you might tear up over while still rocking out just as hard. It’s almost too painful to listen to sometimes, but I absolutely love it. It comes in a close second for favorite song.

From there, the album continues to meander between songs that evoke sensitive memories and others that are just letting out aggression. “Brush It Off” is the former and is filled with such warmth and pain all at the same time. The string arrangement that sweeps the chorus provides the gentleness, while the lyrics remind you of feelings long forgotten. However, songs like “Freak Show” and “Whatever the Reason” keep the album at that alternative rock pace.

I’ve become so used to the formula-driven album that contains one, maybe two heartfelt ballads that Screaming Our Sins took me by complete surprise. Plan Three isn’t afraid to “˜wear their heart of their sleeves’ (to be overly cliché about it). However, I’m not saying this is in any way, shape, or form is an emo album. This album represents a true palette of emotions. Screaming Our Sins is a musical journey that will stay with you. It’s an album I’ll listen to a year from now and say to myself, “Wow, I forgot how good this is. Why didn’t I listen to this more often?!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen You can read more about Kristen at her new website http://beerenlightenment.wordpress.com/

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