We Are The In Crowd -Best Intentions

Tue 15th Nov, 2011 in Music Reviews

We Are The In Crowd have ambition, their best intentions are laid bare on this record, catering to a competitive market of pop rock. Their drive is highlighted as a defining quote on their album, stating “We dropped out of school, quit our jobs, started a band, left everyone we know behind, travelled across the country with no money…with the best intentions”.

For the most part, their lyrics hinge on stories concerning broken relationships while remaining very pop laden and with alternating vocals between male and female leads Jordan Eckes and Taylor Jardine. Track one, Rumor Mill showcases We Are The In Crowd’s pop rock stylings, and particularly Jardine’s wonderful vocals. Eckes isn’t far behind her, adding some of his own flavour. For fans, or potentials, it’s advisable to turn these guys up for maximum pop rock pleasure.

Kiss Me Again is melodically beautiful from the outset, creating an affecting and sentimental song that’s quite pleasant. The alternating vocal duet by Eckes and Jardine complements the song, though the lyrics can seem tacky and cliched, it creates a feeling of nostalgia. On Your Own sees Jardine lead the song while Eckes chimes in to complement. All in all, this song is another relationship themed production, with an uplifting essence that is brought home with conviction. Jardine again brings the goods to begin All Or Nothing, a toned down track largely carried with female vocals, with Eckes contributing in some parts. Exits And Entrances, has Eckes kick off this track, and Jardine follows on. This catchy and upbeat song is similar to Paramore, aside from some added flavour from Eckes who propels it to different and sparse pop rock territory.

See You Around is another duet, offering differing sentiments on romance; “Say goodbye, for the last time…I’m closer than you realise” they echo. Jardine’s vocals are soaring and altogether brilliant on this track, essentially, both their vocals carry these songs to new heights as strings kick in, forming a quality tune resting on a nice melody.

The final track Better Luck Next Time begins with a very pop rock riff, as Jardine leads the vocals while Eckes is close behind. Oddly, though it is the final track, this song has much to offer. One could argue that it’s the best song on the entire record with its upbeat tune and engaging melody. If not for Eckes, you could be forgiven for confusing this song for being produced by Paramore. That said, We Are The In Crowd have proven that ambition pays off, and their popularity is testament to this, having produced a solid and upbeat album.