Without a doubt, 2006 was definitely a year of revival for many bands. Bands who were all but left for dead after their second release rose up from the ashes to wow the world once again with their gamma works. UnderOATH reasserted themselves as forces on the screamocore scene with “Define the Great Line.” The revamped A Static Lullaby got back to their grassroots with their self-titled release. And after releasing two mouth-watering EPs, Saosin finally gave fans a brilliant full-length to sink their teeth into.



I was surprised when I heard that Senses Fail was planning on releasing a third piece. It had been almost 2 years since “Let it Enfold You” was at the top, so it was safe to assume they had dropped off the face of the earth, right?



WRONG!!! Like aforementioned, 2006 was a year of resurrection for countless big names, especially Senses Fail.



Rebirth via epiphany, ironically enough, is a very prominent theme in “Still Searching”. One of the things that always set Senses Fail apart was the edgy lyrics that chastised failed loves and questioned the legitimacy of a higher power. Front man James “Buddy” Nielson takes this to another level throughout the cd, singing songs of his rebirth through abdication of all faith in a god. The opening track, “The Rapture” really sets the tone for this, as Nielson sings, “I am blind, my faith is gone. I’m finding out the good book was wrong. And I must face that I won’t be saved.”



And just like the Senses Fail of old, these lyrics of hopelessness and despair are paired with that edgy, energetic, up-beat punk rock feel, trademark of the days of old; seemingly counteractive, but not so at all. The short intro track quickly gives way to the first half of tracks, headed off by “Can’t be saved.” Progressive power chords and a mystical guitar presence are paired with lyrics of lost faith. “I’m stuck in a coma, stuck in a never-ending sleep. Someday I will wake up and realize I made up everything.” It is a sad realization that Nielson has brought himself too. His dark lyrics make it almost depressing to listen to at times, however the band does a good job of using the music to provide an uplifting feel.



For the first half of this album, the New Jersey quintet stays away from screaming much, aside from “Sick or Sane (Fifty for a Twenty)”. However, the rougher track “Shark Attack” marks the arrival of Senses Fail’s harder side. “Still Searching”, the headline track, really delves into the darker side of Nielson’s mind. Appropriately enough, more screams and a slight metal influence is apparent. “My best friend is a man, with a lab coat and a grin. I hold my shaking hand and he gives me medicine. It almost makes me feel at home. But they slowly steal my soul…” It is disheartening to listen to this cd sometimes, but it ironically enough, it is the torments of Nielson’s mind that have allowed Senses Fail to bring themselves back to glory with “Still Searching”. – Jeff Wu