This review covers the punk rock track Yellowcard – Breathing.
This track was released in 2003 on the album Ocean Avenue. This track also made an appearance on the game Burnout 3: Takedown.
The track starts with a guitar element. Suddenly, the lead guitars and drum kit comes in. After that, the vocals come in for a first verse. The guitars to pull back a bit for the first part of the verse.
From there, the vocals take the track into the main chorus with the guitars becoming more full again. This is capped off with an instrumental section.
After that, the vocals take the track into the next verse with the guitars pulling back again. They gradually become more full as the verse progresses. What follows is another round in the main chorus. This main chorus is extended with higher guitar notes. At the end, there is a quieter instrumental section. A snare roll comes in and all of the instrumental elements come in more full.
In the next verse, all that backs the vocals is some strumming and some string elements. Right after is another round in the main chorus with everything back in full. This main chorus is also extended. This is capped off with a short instrumental section which leads the track out.
One thing I am impressed by is the fact that this track does switch quickly from quiet and loud, yet this isn’t really a problem in this track. It is likely the drum kit work that helps make these quick transitions quite successful, so, thumbs up on that.
The main chorus where everything comes together is a real highlight for this track. Everything comes together so well that it is definitely a delight to hear it.
I also like the addition of the string elements part way through. Though brief, they have a very nice impact on the overall track, adding a bit of dimension to the track.
Finally, the vocals are nicely done. They really do a great job encapsulating what makes for a great punk rock track. Not a single complaint here.
Overall, this is a great track. It has great vocals, great guitars, interesting transitions, and even some nice string elements thrown into the mix. With a nice flow throughout, it’s hard to find anything to really complain about in this track. So, a great track worth listening to.
Score
8/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
