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Thee Armada's The New You shows how easy it has become to write catchy -- in the most clichéd sense of the word -- pop punk. The group gives listeners the sound they have come to know and love. However, the formula laid by their heartbroken forefathers -- Saves The Day, Midtown, Taking Back Sunday -- is one too easily followed. The structure is set and all that's left to do for bands like Thee Armada to succeed is to insert clever-guitar parts, a short-but-sweet breakdown or some idea of poetic lyrics in the appropriate places. Thee Armada has the formula down, but still comes up short in comparison to their predecessors. Save the Day's Chris Conley is surely one of the genre's greatest wordsmiths, and Armada's Joshua Caddy will never best him with the likes of "Hotels and Heroin," a song about two adulterous, drug-addicted lovers with a chorus hinting that the track is a pointed statement: "Don't sit tight / Don't pretend this song's not about you / You're not invincible, you're not invincible." Although the words are delivered in a made-for-sing-along format, it's too literal and nothing any of the other bands haven't already done. That could be said of Thee Armada's entire effort on The New You. It's not bad, but they're about seven years too late to join the fleet of memorable pop punk outfits.

Write Your Comment show comments (4)

  1. I feel as if you hurriedly turned this in for a deadline instead of actually paying attention to what you were listening to before passing judgement. I do not agree that they fit into the "pop-punk" genre and I think you should learn the "basic structure" you accuse them of using before writing about it, as I'm pretty sure "dont sit tight.." is the pre-chorus. Oh well, I guess you're too indie and cultured to like good music. That just means you're missing out on one of the best things Houston has going for it!

    Comment by Ryan — April 16, 2007 @ 11:04PM

  2. As the first Ryan said, i GREATLY disagree with this article. If you put Thee Armada as Pop punk...then you are absolutly wrong from the start. It frustrates me to read this article. I like Midtown, Saves the day, and TBS...but i am sorry to inform you that you are greatly mistaken if u compare Thee Armada to those bands. Thee Armada is a complete style of their own. Period. Nowhere near the pop-punk that u compare them to. My band is more or less pop-punk. And i know for a fact that we are not the same style as the great Thee Armada. And this "basic structure" u speak of, once again...Thee Armada is not guilty at all of using this so called structure. Music can't get much more unique. They are a great band, with their own great style of music. I almost guaruntee they will very soon be another great Houston band to get signed by a record label.

    Comment by Ryan *yes another* — April 19, 2007 @ 09:26PM

  3. duuuuddeeee. wtf are you talking about? pop punk? that would be a negative. re-think what pop-punk actually means and maybeee you will get it right next time. i agree with BOTH ryans, you have no idea what you are talking about. before you try and label something, figure out what label you are actually gonna give it for it to make sense.

    Comment by Jennifer — April 20, 2007 @ 10:32AM

  4. Let's face it America, if you give people what they want they will give it back. Plus, most people dont care if it's not up to par with its lyrics or whatever, they mostly care about the people (HOTT LEAD SINGER) and some nice lyrics that they can easily memorize and sing to. I know, I'm just a teen. But anyways, the people have to be really nice too! I met Josh last night after the Jingle Jam concert as they were handing out fliers to thier next show this Saturday at 7pm at Fitzergales. (Dec 15) They were EXTREMLEY nice and they gave me free gum. Plus, they are funny! Anyways, I'm rambling, I'll stop... all I know is that they totally rock my socks just becuase they said hi too me. I

    Comment by It's MEEEE! — December 10, 2007 @ 07:32AM

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