Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Spoken
Last Chance To Breathe



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 42 minutes, 16 seconds
Street Date: August 30, 2005


Spoken has been making music for nearly ten years now. And it was only two years ago that they signed to Tooth & Nail and released a A Moment of Imperfect Clarity. For many, it was the first time being exposed to this brand of emocore. For others, it was the first time their band was getting any respect. Newbies fell in love with the melodic emo/rock, while some diehards wondered where the hardcore edge of yesteryear had gone. Regardless, all parties are in anticipation for the band's fifth studio album Last Chance to Breathe, which is ready for release.

It would not be a Spoken album review without making note of the fact that Matt Baird's vocals are, have been, and always will be an acquired taste. If you are able to digest them, great; if not, there is certainly nothing wrong with you. At times they are low and melodic, at others, they are high and whiny, in an attempt to be epic. It seems Baird tries to stretch his vocal capabilities to their limits on Last Chance to Breathe, with success at certain points, and the opposite at others.

His vocal abilities are their best when the band goes back to the basics with their hardcore edge. Severely lacking on A Moment of Imperfect Clarity, this latest release brings back some of the aggression of previous work from Spoken. Baird's screams are intense and in your face, and the music perfectly compliments them. Tracks like "Bitter Taste" (Featuring Cory Brandan of Norma Jean) and "Everything Is Burning" make blatant use of the return to hardcore, while other tracks use it to varying degrees.

Also returning are Spoken's lyrical depth and integrity. Always emotionally intense, they almost make up for the few awkward moments in Baird's voice. Most are blatantly God-centered, while others are based on earthly relationships that should reflect the Father. Especially fun is the cover of the Cyndi Lauper track "Time after Time."

Spoken has put together another fine project. Maybe not their best, but still one of their better. Baird needs to restrict his vocals, without compromising lyrical integrity. Regardless, this is a great emocore release that none should be reluctant in giving a spin. It is a bit tough to sink your teeth into; but, if you can, Last Time to Breathe is one tasty treat.

- Review date: 08/29/05, written by Josh Taylor



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
. Album length: 12 tracks, 42 minutes and 16 seconds
. Street Date: August 30, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. September
  2. Wind in My Sails
  3. Love in Return
  4. Everything Is Burning
  5. 1992
  6. Last Time to Breathe
  7. Bitter Taste
  8. From the Inside
  9. Home
  10. 4th Street
  11. Time after Time
  12. You're Still Waiting
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images