Say Anything’s self-titled new album is most accurately described as remarkably relatable. It is the familiar story of an underdog growing up in today’s society, drawing from the experiences we’ve all dealt with: being angry with the authoritative figures in your life, feeling like a total failure and seeking solace in the deepest despairs of heartbreak. These are themes interwoven throughout the album in the form of melodic tunes like “Do Better” and unforgettably angsty refrains proclaiming “Hate Everyone.” It’s my story. It’s your story. It’s our story.
This album is different than anything Say Anything has done up to this point. The band itself is comprised of frontman/singer-songwriter/guitarist Max Bemis, drummer Coby Linder, bassist Alex Kent, guitarists Jake Turner and Jeff Turner, and keyboardist Parker Case. With the help of notable producer Neal Avron, who has worked with such bands as Weezer and Fall Out Boy, Say Anything has created an album that is something we can all relate to. Say Anything’s debut album, …Is A Real Boy, was full of angst, riddled with themes of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll; while frontman Max Bemis has been quoted as saying In Defense of the Genre, the band’s second album, was more a homage to their fans than anything else. Say Anything, in contrast, reflects Bemis’ newfound vigor for life.
Say Anything has had their fair share of ups and downs. Bemis has had numerous health problems over the years. Among his most severe issues were drug addiction and bi-polar disorder. After a major meltdown in 2005, he admitted himself into rehabilitation and has not relapsed since. Say Anything is proof that though it’s hard, it’s possible to overcome the hardest obstacles in life. Bemis himself probably states it best:
“The record is about becoming the hero of your own story by fighting against what opposes you, both within yourself and from other people and society. There is a deep spiritual unity that all people possess and once you let go of the sort of mind control you and others can place on yourself, you can tap into it, and it’s like having superpowers. It can lead you through an adventure no matter who you are, how dark your past is, or how messed up of a person you think you are.”
Say Anything’s third and most highly anticipated album to date, Say Anything, is to be released on November 3rd in stores everywhere.
