So They Say

Life In Surveillance

[3.5/5]

So They Say aren’t necessarily an Armor For Sleep clone, but one listen to the band’s sophomore full-length and it’s tough to deny Ben Jorgensen & Co.’s influence this time around. Life In Surveillance improves upon the problematic pop-punk practices of So They Say’s past with a heavier, more straight-laced modern emo-rock sound, stacking layers of guitars that often forge a moderately impressive atmosphere thanks to producer Matt Hyde (Hatebreed, Slayer). Unfortunately, the melodies the band concocted on Life In Surveillance, while mildly enjoyable at times, are entirely forgettable. So They Say have nearly 40 minutes to make a lasting impression, but for all the subtle mini-breakdowns and massive guitar hooks, nothing truly sticks. (FEARLESS; fearlessrecords.com) Brian Shultz