Count the Stars

Count the Stars - Never Be Taken Alive

"This air is contagious, no one can save us / nothing this good could ever last," is what Count the Stars vocalist Chris Kasarjian sings in "All Good Things." Change the word "air" to the word "music" and you've got today's trend in music. Now it's more than pop-punk, it's "bubblegum-punk" and it's sticking to everyone's shoes.

This brand of bubblegum punk is extremely contagious and if it could kill us, we would all be wearing masks. Bands know what sell and Count the Stars seem to be on top of creating an easy to chew mixture of Blink 182 pop and Taking Back Sunday emo.

Never Be Taken Alive has more spin-in-circles hooks and jump-up-and-down choruses than gut wrenching screams, but the emotion is evident. "Understanding" and "The Difference defines the emo side, while "Brand New Skin" and "My Best Mistake (No More Chances)" exemplify the magnetic pop-punk.

The vocals illustrate yet another parallel in terms of the punk-emo relationship. High tones, quick verses and singing mixed with heartfelt feelings portray both ends of this combo meal.

As if the world hasn't had enough albums written about relationships and girls, Count the Stars put another one at our feet. Overall, the music is more impressive than the lyrics, but it's still a CD we will find ourselves singing along with. If a band can get someone to know its words then its accomplished something.

I give Never Be Taken Alive a 7 out of 10. Count the Stars has not been bleed into regular radio rotation and that is what keeps its bubblegum-punk tolerable. If you like the Ataris, Midtown or the Starting Line then you will love Count the Stars.

By: Adam K Zakroczymski III - Senior Editor / CEO

May 4, 2003