“Only Every Time” must be a satisfying accomplishment for The Graduate. In 2006 the Springfield, IL quintet found themselves virtual overnight college radio darlings. Their 2007 debut full-length “Anhedonia” was well-received in indie circles. Then their label (Icon Mes) folded. For about three years they’ve remained mighty quiet, probably through no fault of their own. Today, August 31, 2010, Razor & Tie Records releases “Only Every Time,” the eagerly awaited follow-up to “Anhedonia.” For those who have been following the band, consider “Only Every Time” an improvement and the long wait somewhat justified.
“Only Every Time” is more technically advanced than “Anhedonia.” I have travelled the blogospheriverse thoroughly and “atmospheric” is the word I’ve come across the most to describe the sound. It fits. The album is more about the creation and interplay of alternating somber and exultant moods than the composition of any single story or the advancement of any one theme. Musically, think the dark and energetic mood and atmosphere of the Killers meets the bubbly electronic experimentation of Head Automatica.
One surprising strength The Graduate shows off is the ability to take this somber atmosphere and build it up slowly and somewhat counter-intuitively to a choral sing-along, seemingly out of nowhere, out of place, but completely captivating. See Pull Me In and For the Missing, as well as End of the World as a slower and darker example of this ability. Another recurring style on “Only Every Time” is the electro-pop buildup to a harder, choppier finish such as on All at Once and the lead-off track Don’t Die Digging.
The composition and execution of the album exhibit very few weaknesses. I could nitpick Corey Warning’s vocals, but it would be purely a matter of personal taste. I thought his voice could use a little depth — at times he sounds adolescent to the point of distraction. But again, that’s just personal taste.
Again, if you were one of those who have been holding your breath since “Anhedonia,” let it out. “Only Every Time” won’t disappoint. It’s a compelling mixture of styles, moods, and textures. It shows that The Graduate have grown over the past 3 years. I’m sure “Only Every Time” will cement the indie/college radio darling role that The Graduate deserves.
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