in my humble opinion, 'nothing feels good' is promise ring's best album.
there's so much going on in it, even though it may sound repetitive...they
use a lot of different tunings, textures, instruments and ideas on it. i
personally think it's incredible how it mixes meloncholy and upbeat feelings.
but that's just me.
their first full length, '30 degrees everywhere', is good as well. it's a
little more raw, the vocals are a little muddier, and it's not neccisarily as
catchy as nothing feels good. the louder moments are louder and the somber
moments are quieter. this one has my favorite lyrcis though. abstract but at
the same time make total sense.
there's an early singles compilation called 'the horse latitudes', which
is like the 30 degrees stuff, and just as good.
the most recent promise ring stuff, the last 2 eps and 'very emergency'
are way more pop (fountians of wayne-ish), but just as good in a different
way. good listening for happy times. i guess you could say that if that
others albums deal with the awkwardness of being young and in love and
awkward, the newest stuff is telling you it's all going to be alright.
on a side note...if anyone already really digs the promise ring, davy and
dan have a side band called Vermont. it's low key, mellow, mostly accoustic
and has all the same cool lyrical stuff as the older promise ring. kind of a
cross between american football and red house painters. check it out.
my two cents...i love the promise ring. they put on a very fun show.
brian
