Baltimore pop-punks At Face Value (formerly Face Value) is back with the follow up to 2016’s Thick as Thieves. Upcoming EP Ivy & Echo marks the band’s first under the new moniker, and their most complete & mature offering to date.
At Face Value has continued to immerse themselves in the alternative music scene, taking their balance of youthful cheerfulness and unwavering energy to new heights with new EP Ivy & Echo.
The Maryland five-piece enlists the help of acclaimed producer Seth Henderson, (Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, Sleep on It) for Ivy & Echo; a seamless mix of the band’s raw punk tendencies and infectious pop melodies.
TRACK BY TRACK
“Know It All”
This track just felt like a really good opener for the EP. It sets the mood; it’s rowdy and fun and Parker would say it’s sexual because he likes to say that but it’s really not. We originally recorded it in New Jersey with Nick B. from Man Overboard and thought it had so much potential that we kept it in our glovebox of songs. That glove box is now smashed open. Lyrically the song is about “coming to grips” with the fact that a friend has left you in the dust, but you still are attempting to have the last word. It’s the process of asking yourself why you dealt with a non-romantic relationship in the first place, and realizing people may not feel the same way you do about them.
“Cinderella”
This song hits the ground running and you’re probably wondering why it’s named after a princess. The intro goes like “skibbity ba ba” and Alec, our lead singer, referred to the song one day as “bippitty boppity”. We thought it had a nice ring to it and we like Disney movies. Alec wears the hell out of many bath robes. It’s our first jab at a light-hearted party song. Alec looked introspectively and said “Hey! There are plenty of times that I’m having loads of fun with my friends, how can I pay homage to that idea, and to them.” This one goes out to all the fun times.
“24, Still Not Liked”
24 is a fun song. Our guitarist, Grayson thought about nobody liking you when you’re 23 (since everyone knows the smart pop punks who originally figured that out) but he also figured out you can be 24, still not liked. This song is about making the difficult recognition that things come and go, and at the end of the day, a relationship (specifically with a family member) isn’t always worth mending, at least for the time being.
“Overcast”
Our lead guitarist, Parker, loves complaining about Top 40 music and pop artists but then he goes and writes an acoustic, sappy, simplistic pop song that somehow brings a tear to our eyes and one that we now love. Damn you, Parker. It’s an acknowledgement that you want something but are too weak to go after it. It’s knowing that you are involved in a sort of mind “game,” and are trying so hard to be up front and to overcome the anxiety that it thrusts upon you.
“LOTR”
We’re huge fans of Lord of The Rings. We also wanted to write another song that was a little different from anything we’ve ever done. The guitars, the drums, the random pauses. It’s like a mix of rock, punk and a taste of nostalgia. Alec’s lyrics really hit home on this one. He is like a mix of Fergie and Jesus. The lyrics tell a story of having many wondrous experiences with someone growing up, which result in a sort of reliance on that person. Then, when they decide that they must move on, being left with the inherent feeling that you had something to do with it.
“Return The Slab”
Again, we wanted to push ourselves and write something different from the typical pop punk song. It starts off reserved and then BAM the chorus kicks and Parker’s leads and Jeremiah’s drums rip you a new one. It’s a call out for all those people trying to make a difference through mindless condemnation on social media. There is no wrong doing in the attempt to take a stance, but how about showing us some bite instead of just bark? Do your research, don’t spread yourself to thin, and try to formulate an intelligent argument rather than bashing what may be someone else’s passion. We wanted this song to end the EP and had some fun grooving with it… we pretty much created a new emotion. Like a mix of the happiest and saddest you could ever be. Just take a listen and we’ll prove it.
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