Three years, three months, three weeks and six days. That’s how long The Cab fans were waiting for new music from the beloved boys from Las Vegas. This past Tuesday the long wait came to an end when the band self-released their sophomore album, Symphony Soldier. By the end of the day the record had climbed to #6 on the overall iTunes charts, as well as #2 on the rock charts. As expected, of course, because this record is downright sexy.
The first song, Angel With A Shotgun, starts with the catchy line “get out your guns, battle’s begun,” summing up the entire record. As a whole, the album is about fighting for what you believe in, whether it is love, attention or just a chance to prove yourself. After struggling to get their new music out for years this is a completely appropriate theme. If you loved the band’s first album, Whisper War, you’ll adore Symphony Soldier. If you hated their debut, you may find yourself falling in love with the underdogs this time around.
This record is filled with co-writers, which is definitely not a bad thing. The already Top 40 hit “Bad” was penned with Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls, where the nostalgic rock jam “Grow Up and Be Kids” was crafted with Fall Out Boy/Black Cards’ Pete Wentz. Even pop-sensation Bruno Mars sat down with the boys to create the adorable and infectious ballad “Endlessly.” If this song doesn’t make your heart melt, I am not sure you have one.
Though he parted ways with the band in 2009, Ian Crawford returned to the studio to add his Hendrix-like guitar solos to the record. Most notably appearing on the edgy “Another Me,” which is bound to be a million teenager’s go to break-up song of 2011. The sexy, fast-paced track “Animal” will make you double take, questioning if the seventeen-year-old boys that penned Whisper War are the same men that let this baby loose. The slow, heartbreaking anthem “Lovesick Fool” highlights keyboardist Alex Marshall’s skills, whereas the clever love song “Intoxicated” proves how much Deleon’s voice has improved over the past few years.
Another standout track, “La La” is as catchy as a cold, with hooks and lines every pop diva is going to wish they thought of, and “Her Love Is My Religion” may contain Deleon’s best vocals to date. The musicianship displayed throughout the record is almost impossible to find anywhere else. It is hard to believe these kids are barely 22.
The guaranteed fan-favorite “Living Louder” is easily the best song I have heard in a long time. It ties the entire record together and will convince you to keep pressing repeat. As a whole, Symphony Soldier is an inspiration. Lyrically, The Cab stepped it up and not one song is any less than perfect. I am not ashamed to say I got pretty choked up listening through it the first time… and second time.
Since the moment they stepped onto the scene The Cab have been the underdogs, and this record proves that is not always a bad thing. The entire recording process was paid for by Deleon and Marshall, and after parting ways with Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance early this summer, Symphony Soldier was released independently. Within the first few hours of the release it was clear that the team of warriors that make up The Cab’s fanbase never put their guns down and are not leaving the war anytime soon. This band and this record represent everything that is right with the music industry; great musicians becoming successful because a group of people believes in them. There is a soldier in all of us, and Symphony Soldier is a reminder that every day is a second chance to fight your battle.
Rating: 10/10
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