The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Album: “Don't You Fake It”

The Good

If you had to pick out two things that stand out when listening to "In Fates Hand" you'd most certainly mention the quick-fire drum beats and riot inducing vocals. Driving rhythms and harmonic vocals set the pace for "Waiting." Chugga-chugga riffage dominate "Face Down," while the storyline delves into domestic violence. An unexpected piano piece sets the ballad "Cat and Mouse" into motion. Smooth vocal melodies continue throughout the track, along with more piano enhancement. Monster riffs run rampant on "Damn Regret." Somehow in the onslaught of distortion, the group manages to pull of some great multi-part vocals. "Atrophy" walks the line between emo and punk rock with its charging progression and belting vocals. "Justify" has one of those memorable riffs that make you want to take guitar lessons.

The Bad

Nothing notable

The Verdict

I was quick to dismiss The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus as another whiney emo band after their first track, but the more I listened, the more they won me over. Sure, they do delve into that genre a bit here and there, but they add other elements of rock that help create their own sound. If you're itching for something new, fun, and energetic; then look no further.

I have to admit, when I first heard about this band and viewed their website, everything about them screamed 'cookie-cutter pop/punk/screamo band'. You know what, they might even be just that, but their album is still pretty good, and that's what really matters.

I was most impressed with the first five tracks In Fate's Hands, Waiting, False Pretense, Face Down, Misery Loves Its Company, as well as Atrophy, and Justify. The others are alright, and the extra track The Grim Goodbye is pretty good.

The only real disappointment is that a couple other tracks by RJA I had previewed online and liked, were not on this album. (Getting By, Kins & Carroll, and 20-Hour Drive come to mind). In fact, if they'd dropped 'Damn Regret', 'Cat and Mouse', and 'Seventeen Ain't So Sweet' and put those three on there, I would have given it 5 stars.

Another note is that for those wondering which version of 'Face Down' is on the album, it's the less "screamo" version. I sorta like the other version a bit more but they're both good. A couple other tracks are also different recordings or productions than the ones I'd heard before.

Either way, it's a solid album and can be purchased pretty cheap. In addition to simply listening pleasure, some of the tracks are good for background music while working out or playing videogames. Overall, a solid purchase.

I heard the radio release on Sirius of "Face Down." I took a risk in buying the CD based on that and some advice from a friend. I was NOT disappointed. Unpredicatble patterns and an extremely diverse composition and feel to alot of songs contribute to this being one of the best buys of 2006.

Yes, this CD rocks like many others have said, much more 'hardcore' than their latest release. I find it only fair to mention that the Amazon MP3 album is missing the song Grim Goodbye. I HIGHLY recommend you download this song in addition to the MP3 album. Grim Goodbye is 1 of the best songs on here, not sure why they would have left it off.

Hope this helps!

When it comes to music, I probably have the broadest taste compared to just about anyone. The past few years I have been listening to mainly punk, emo, hardcore, and every other rock genre you can think of. I never usually purchase cds, and this is one of the first ones I've purchased in a while. It was probably the best 12 bucks I have ever spent.

I like to pride myself on listening to alot of music that alot of people don't know or havent really heard before, so when I first saw facedown on MTV2, I didnt really pay much attention, but i went online and gave it a listen. I am not big on MTV sellout bands, but RJA had a sound that i really enjoyed, so i bought the cd the day it came out. I can't believe it hasn't melted yet, everytime i put it in it plays til its done. It is probably one of the best cds i have ever heard front to back. Every song is amazing and has its own good qualities to it. Their style is different from most bands you usually hear on TV or the radio...plus every song on there cd packs a different punch. You get every cent worth out of this CD. You would be dumb not to give The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus a chance, they will be a household name before we know it.