One thing I have learned since moving out here to Ohio is that kids here like their music. The likes of Circa Survive, UnderOATH, and Aiden are quite popular, but no one steals their hearts like Saosin. And who's to blame them? Saosin (pronounced SAY-OH-SIN) only has a few professional EPs under their belt, yet they have become one of the hottest commodities to hit the world since sliced bread. In 2003, we all fell in love with Anthony Green's voice in "Translating the Name." A few years later, current front man Cove Reber took the reins and they continued to build up their popularity with the "Saosin EP" better known as the Black EP. Once again, Saosin continues to redefine their genre with the release of their first highly acclaimed full-length work (self-titled "Saosin").


"It's Far Better to Learn" gets things moving. Reber spills his heart through the microphone ("What is my body worth? Was there a price set before?"…I will not let you go…"), as Burchell and Shekoski accompany him with guitar riffs that dance between post-hardcore and metal. It is a strong intro. I have never been so entranced.


In the track we have all come to know and love, "Voices," the best of Reber's vocal talents are exhibited, as he sings of a failed love attempt that ripped his heart at its core, something that definitely hits home. "I miss the part, when we were moving forward now (on our way down). But maybe someday, I'll be something more than love…"


Saosin also incorporates an old favorite for the listeners' enjoyment. An absolutely sick remake of "Bury Your Head" runs the anchor leg of the self-titled work. A harder edge is present, which is a result of the boys' almost divine vocals and rougher synths on the part of the guitars. A slight change in chorus also sets this remake apart. "I could never love the ion vein" becomes "I could never love, your eyes have changed." What the reasoning is behind this, I know not.


However, one thing I do know is that Saosin won me over with this cd. I thought I knew what post-hardcore sounded like before, I was wrong. Without a doubt, "Saosin" could very well be one of the best composed albums I have heard in a while, and is a must-buy for anyone who claims to <3 Saosin.

-Jeff Wu