The most apt description of this album, the third full-length by SoCal's Melodic Punk darlings, was stated earlier today by a local scene queen. "Just sounds like more Slick Shoes to me." Simplistic, but right on the nose.
If you are not familiar with the group, Slick Shoes is known for tight melodies, youthful yet smooth vocals, creative guitar work, and speedy deliveries; and to a certain degree that is what you will find on Wake Up Screaming. If you are familiar with the band, you know what's on this album, because nothing has changed. Maybe it is just a pre-transitional work, an album for the sake of releasing an album. Either way, you have heard it before, and probably with much more oomph.
The only noteworthy facet of this album is probably Ryan's vocals, at least some of the time. He continues to develop an even and pleasant delivery, maintaining enough snottiness to keep up with the pulsating rhythms. The lyrics are pabulum for the most part, but relatable. Track 8 tricks you into thinking that they want to be emo, too. Tracks 10 and 11 have some moving BGVs, but come way too little and too late to save the dance. Overall, if you are looking for some stylish pop-punk check out Burn Out and Rusty, their prior albums. If you just want more Slick Shoes, and don't care about the Law of Diminishing Returns, pick up Wake Up Screaming on sale, or with a coupon.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Travis PersaudTooth and Nail. This album was recorded and produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents/All) at his studio in Colorado. This is the Orange County, CA band's third full length release for Tooth and Nail Records. Disappointment is one word the comes to mind when I think of this album. Slick Shoes is a new school punk band, that is known for its extremely fast drumming, quick and intricate guitar solos…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Jesse N.Why wouldn't a person like punk rock music? Because of the monotony of the super-fast off-beats typical of that genre of music? Possibly because of the lack of cool guitar riffs and abundance of power chords? Or maybe they just expect punk rock to have bad vocals and lyrics full of angst and hatred. Many people have come to expect very little from punk bands, including myself, but occasionally a…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis is the fourth CD-release of this pop-punk band. I don't know their previous albums so I can't compare. The only Slick Shoes song I've heard before is Last which appeared on the first Songs Of The Penalty Box sampler. At that time I liked the song really much. On Wake Up Screaming this band plays punk rock in the vein of MxPx. Vocally the similarities are clear. But I wouldn't go as far as to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerSo what's the deal with Tooth and Nail Records and MxPx soundalikes lately? They've recently signed seemingly thousands of punk bands, and with a few exceptions (The Deadlines, Off the Record), all of them seem to be trying to sound just like Mike Herrera and company. And now Slick Shoes, a band that already has two fairly original albums under its belt, comes out with Wake Up Screaming, perhaps…Similar sounding releases
2000NOFXPump Up the Valuum
2000Ace TroubleshooterAce Troubleshooter
2000LogosWhen Life Seems Senseless
1999No Use For A NameMore Betterness!
2002Side Walk SlamGive Back
2003PennywiseFrom the Ashes
