[4/5] There's been plenty of drama in the Black Maria camp since the release of their 2004 debut, Lead Us To Reason. If the message boards are to be believed, guitarist Kyle Bishop (formerly of screamo pioneers Grade) was unceremoniously sacked from the band he helped found, along with drummer Derek Petrella. That hasn't slowed down the newly reconfigured Toronto-based five-piece on A Shared History Of Tragedy, a sophomore release that follows the same adventurous blueprint as its predecessor. Those looking for straightforward Marshall-powered confessionals won't be disappointed with "The Perilous Curse" and "Nothing Comes Easy But You," both charging hard enough for the most demanding of Warped Tour disciples. Ultimately, though, it's the group's ambitiousness that impresses. "The Concubine" is a first-listen anthem spiked with eerily atmospheric ghost-world synths. "A Thief In The Ranks (Your Bike)" morphs from a wounded ballad into a symphonic dreamscape, and the closing "11:11" does sensitive-guy mope-pop every bit as dramatically as Coldplay. Purists will probably cry sell-out, but that's all right. Given everything that's transpired over the past year, the Black Maria are no doubt prepared for such drama. (VICTORY) Mike Usinger
 Official Website: http://www.victoryrecords.com
|
