Album Details

• Artist: Dear And The Headlights
• Album: Drunk Like Bible Times
• Label: Equal Vision
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2008-10-14

I should've listened when Ian (Metzger) spoke the night these four broke my re-called tailgate cable. "The lyrics have never mattered to me", or something towards that effect. I think I get their purpose, I'm certain I understand the point to their rhythms. Though, Dear and the Headlights has the ability to be poppy and quickly understandable, they prefer the sound that doesn't quite figure in without at least half a dozen listens from first to last. Like throwing one of those things designed to stick to a wall that takes several strong moments of attention span, then shazam it sticks. Drunk Like Bible Times is growing on me like a good buzz in pure music times.

Bouncy, recordable echoed times of energetic rhythmic writing has always been the approach for DATH it seems. The only negative with this record is not knowing the rhythms and lyrics to sing along to. The question is, will this record imprint on my brain so that I can bounce with it down the road. Not as used on their debut, these Arizona natives used a more constant guitar writing melody, often the chords are overlaying with the vocals blending in nicely only leading to a vocal explosion and meeting of all sounds. Look to track two Bad News, which is a terrific example of this childish fit like style. Enjoyable, and confusing as you're trying to grasp onto a segment of the song to reflect the next time around. Of course theres a chorus, and that may be it for you, but I'm still stuck feeling unattached.

A song that sticks out immediately these few listens into it is, Talk About. Seemingly an ode to journalists who ask too many questions about lyrical content (laughs). Whatever Ian is up to, his fast paced and tasteful tongue (no pun) is at his best. "But first you're dropping off the kid and sticking me with the feedings. I said Oh God Damn you're so mean. You say I'll loose the Christian crowd if I say things like these, but I've already lost them, I couldn't care less. I guess my path it just got wide, so I'll just wish you all my narrow best". Another great track that immediately enters the brain as memmorable is If Not For My Glasses. Terrifically upbeat, and strategically written, lyrical content, may seemingly be distraught, still has a positive feel. For all Metzger's (lead vocals) complaints about everyone over-analyzing his lyrics, his writing will never allow for a loosening of that microscope. His lyrical content, though beautiful and rhythmic without meaning make the authenticity of a signature album, like it or not. For those out there who look to Brandon Boyd for inspiration, you may be missing out on your verbal god. The lead track I'm Not Crying, You're Not Crying, Are You? has that playful dramedy noted pace, so fantastic, but stop for a second, "Yeah That Sounds About Right".

Not much has changed for what was a great formation in 2007. Look for guitar solo's, and a few other instrumental suprises here. The melodies, instrumentation and vocalist range is still top notch either way. Is this album better than Dear And The Headlights' last? Only time will tell for me...definitely worth the cost of a new CD...

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-07-01 mountaloha Said:

This is a damn good album, caught me by surprise.
Rating: 8/10

on 2008-10-26 Alotofnothing Said:

this album is ridiculously awesome. I completely agree with the lyrics and singing along issues - I'm still trying to figure it all out so I can sing along.
Not Rated

on 2008-10-22 Symphony Said:

Amazing album. Buy this.
Not Rated