Album Review: A Will Away – Here Again

A Will Away
Here Again
(Triple Crown Records)

The wonderful debut from Connecticut group A Will Away is the perfect record for a Friday at 5pm or that road trip back to see old friends. It’s comfortable, wistful, introspective, and just a tad nostalgic. The band plays an out-of-style-that-is-sort-of-back-in-style form of alternative rock that’s part pop-punk, part emo, and part fireside acoustic rock. They sound sort of like Have Mercy or Sorority Noise, or like a calmer version of latter-era The Starting Line. In fact, Matt Carlson’s voice sounds a little like Kenny Vasoli, in its ability to break at its loudest without losing its chram; his vocal melodies are sneaky great, and the relaxed yet driving music create a fantastic and carefree vibe.

The record discusses life’s problems but views them like you would at 5pm on a Friday: with a measured sense of acceptance and comfort. Issues are easier to figure out when you’re able to step away from them and tackle them with fresh eyes, and that sense of realism imbues Here Again with a nice thematic touch. The songs can be a bit too relaxed at times, and they do run together by the album’s end, but it’s still a short enough listen that it’s not a big hurdle to enjoying Here Again. A Will Away have crafted a really nice little debut that should appeal to those who like their emo/punk on the softer side.

Purchase the album here.