spreading "the rumors"

After returning from a two year hiatus from normal life, a lot of catching up has had to be one. Mainly in the 'music' and 'movie' department. Multi-tasking media is always a little tricky, and so listen to everything I want to has been rough stuff. But about a week ago i came across an album I had been looking forward to, but seem to have forgotten for the past few months. So I'm just going to throw out a little something about Socratic's sophomore album "Spread the Rumors" from the Drive thru record label.
I like the sound of this album way more than "Lunch for the Sky," being more partial to a smoother sound. Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect, Lunch was sketchy for me, but I loved their EP "Just Turn" (probably in part because it was free...). I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. From the music to the lyrics I enjoyed the whole ride. A little more piano would be nice, but may have had a negative effect on the overall feel of album. A few highlights for me:
-A Boy in a Magazine. One of my favorite things about the album is Duane Okun's new vocal style. So smooth and rounded. Boy in a Magazine is the best example of this on the whole album. So much so, in fact, that I almost thought that the vocals were too quiet.
-Haven't Seen you in Years. This is probably my favorite song on the album right now. It makes me think back to my high school crush who I was just too scared to talk to. It's just like the version on their "Just Turn" EP.
-Diamond in the Coal. Here, towards the end of the album I finally find some amazing piano. The feeling that comes into me from the very first notes is an odd mix of numbness and excitement
The rest of the album is good as well. The music sticks like rice and makes me smile like an idiot. It's hard to find an album as of late that doesn't sound like every other album out there. And while the rest of the bands in the world dilute into one bland, generic sound Socratic and "Spread the Rumors" really is a diamond in the coal. Now I just hope they tour somewhere close enough for me to see them.

-namewithheld