Mayday Parade: Anywhere But Here
Autumn Busbee
October 9, 2009
Filed under A & E
On October 6, Mayday Parade released it’s sophomore album “Anywhere But Here.” After the departure of lead singer Jason Lancaster, the band now consist of lead singer/pianist Derek Sanders, bassist Jeremy Lenzo, lead guitarist Alex Garcia, rythm guitarist Brooks Betts, and drummer Jake Bundrick. “Anywhere But Here” is a huge change for Mayday Parade, mainly because Sanders wrote most the lyrics to their previous songs.
Kids in Love
To be the first song on the album, “Kids in Love” begins with a simple beat and rhythm that easily captivates the listener’s attention. Throughout the entire song, the guitar, drums, and piano maintain a lightness that has the same appeal as a summer at the beach. Depending on what you grew up listening to, the melody during the chorus sounds blatantly similar to a has-been boy band’s “Shape of My Heart.” The message of the song is easily expressed in the lyrics (and title) “We were just kids in love; the summer was full of mistakes we wouldn’t learn from.” Although this song isn’t the best on the album, it definitely displays the changes Mayday Parade made after Jason Lancaster left.
Anywhere But Here
As like most Mayday Parade songs, “Anywhere But Here” is about a girl; but more specifically, about a guy falling apart because he’s no longer with her. The album is aptly named after this song, because the new musical and vocal styles in this song are reflected in all of the other songs. But this song stands out from the others by not sounding anything like older Mayday Parade and by having clear guitar riffs and drums that seem to only enhance that. This song also introduces Mayday Parade’s new tendency to drastically shift constantly (and appropriately) change tempos and the intensity level between instruments, lyrics, and vocals.
The Silence
Compared to older Mayday Parade, “The Silence” is different due to its lyrics from a girl’s perspective and continuously changing music. It begins with a bold riff and a beat that compels you to nod your head, even if it makes you look slightly ridiculous. You then hear the smooth voice of Derek Sanders fill the speakers, which gradually intensifies as the song progress until the chorus. At the chorus, his voice reaches near maximum intensity while the music remains just a sound in the background. At the second verse, his voice resumes its normal strength, until he gets back to the chorus, where he takes on its previous strength. At the end of the chorus, the song takes a dramatic turn, with Sander’s vocals temporarily becoming soft spoken, and the guitar acoustic. The verse “I don’t know if I’ll ever make this right, cause I am just so broken by the bitterness of loneliness” is then reiterated, but with more intense vocals and electric guitar. The song then draws toward closure with the guitar riff from the beginning making an appearance again before the end.
Still Breathing
A positive remark that can be made from Jason Lancaster leaving Mayday Parade would definitely be that the band has included more piano in the songs and experimented with different styles of guitar. “Still Breathing,” the guitar has a similar to Cold’s “Cure My Tragedy” without making the listener want to shed a tear or two (that’s what the lyrics are for.) The lyrics of “Still Breathing” compel the listener to have a bitter-sweet sympathy for the singer, who is trying to over-come emotion obstacles, but is having some difficulties.
Bruised and Scarred
“Bruise and Scarred” is possibly the only song on “Anywhere but Here” that sounds closely similar (musically-wise) to old Mayday Parade. The music in combination with the lyrics make this song a hopeful request, instead of a heart-wrenching plea. Personally, “Bruised and Scarred” sounds like a mash-up of “Just Say You’re Not Into It” and Step’s “Tragedy.” (If you aren’t familiar with this song, become acquainted. It’s sure to brighten your darkest day with all its ridiculousness.)
If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead Yet?
A main contrast from Mayday Parade’s previous releases and their new one is the interaction of music in lyrics. In their older releases, if the lyrics were saddening, then the music was as well. But in their newer ones, the lyrics and music don’t necessarily play upon each other; and this song is a perfect example of that. The lyrics of “If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead Yet?” are about thoughts and effects of an ended relationship. The music of this song, however, is light and ambient.
Save Your Heart
Possibly the most empowering and endearing song on the album, “Save Your Heart” has lyrics that will instantly make any girl grin. The lyrics urge you to “save your heart for someone that’s worth dying for; don’t give it away.” Although this is somewhat cliché, its message is powerful: don’t waste your time or love on someone who’s undeserving.
Get Up
If you’re a fan of Steve Fee, then you’re sure to like this song. Its music is similar to Fee’s and is energizing like his. Sander’s vocals are to be noted in this song because he emphasizes the beat with his words and syncopation. “Get Up” is definitely a song to be sung in the car due to this, the fact that it’s entertaining to sing, and its catchy lyrics. The lyrics, “I spill my heart from coast to coast; fall in love with everyone I know; sometimes it isn’t where you’re going, it’s who you’re with” holds a truth of Mayday Parade. In several interviews, Derek has admitted that their lyrics are based on experience.
Center of Attention
Generally, if a song has a specific person’s name in it, it’s either highly relatable to or not at all; but “Center of Attention” seems to fall between the two. It addresses a “Jennifer” in the first line (and several other lines,) and then goes on two describe her. “Jennifer” is the type of girl (as described in the song title) who has all eyes on her and likes to party. The narrator goes on to tell her to “keep her heart open wide” and don’t “make believe that we could just be friends.” Most girls can easily to any of these scenarios, which makes it had to place this song in a “relatable/non-relatable” category.
I Swear This Time I Mean It
Analogy time! “I Swear This Time I Mean It”: “Anywhere But Here”:: “Miserable At Best” : “A Lesson In Romantics.” For those who never really understood analogies, “I Swear This Time I Mean It” is basically the “Miserable At Best” for “Anywhere But Here.” It is comparable to “Miserable At Best” due to its slower tempo, soft music and vocals, and sincerity. The lyrics, however, are not about being depressed. Instead they are sweet and about making memories.
The End
Instead of “The End” being about the end of a romantic relationship, its lyrics hint at the letting go of former lead singer Jason Lancaster. Lancaster claims it was mainly the band’s fault not his, while Mayday Parade claims Lancaster wanted to settle down and start a family. Lancaster and Mayday Parade do not consider themselves as friends, but Lancaster says the “door is open.” Mayday Parade seems to be taking the more mature route, by admitting they “all play a part in it,” but that they’ll ultimately “be there in the end” for one another.
