This Providence Breaks The Mold With New Album

Zach Fraser

Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Record label Fueled By Ramen is home to some of the biggest names in music today, but still manages to house one of the industry’s most under-appreciated acts, This Providence.

The Seattle natives are looking to finally gain the notary they deserve and make a name for themselves on a label that is home to bands such as: Paramore, Panic at the Disco and Gym Class Heroes.

The third studio album from This Providence, “Who Are You Now,” is a collection of 13 songs that feature lightly-distorted guitars, falsetto choruses and longing-for-love, yet redeeming lyrics.

“Nothing Matters, I’m just chasing the wind,” hums lead singer Daniel Young. “If I can’t have you, darling.”

“Who Are You Now?” doesn’t break musical boundaries by any means, but serves strictly as ear candy, making it as contagious and entertaining as it is simple.

“Sure As Hell,” opens up the album with echoing and almost even eerie guitars as the band pronounces, “And as long as there’s a God in Heaven, I will want you.”
While the opening track fades away, the next song and single from the album, “Letdown,” jolts into your system and sets the pace for the next half of the album.
“My Beautiful Rescue (Renovated)” as the name explains, is ultimately a renovation of This Providence’s most famous song from their self-titled sophomore release.

To many fans surprise, the song fits in perfectly to the album and even gives the original a run for its money. More upbeat and lively than the mostly acoustic first version, “My Beautiful Rescue (Renovated)” is one of the highest moments on, “Who Are You Now?”

As the album begins to wind down, tracks such as “Sand In Your Shoes” change the pace of the LP and really showcase lead singer Daniel Young’s vocal range and abilities.
“Falling in love is easy to do with the wind in your hair and the sand in your shoes” Young sings. “And though it may hurt to have your heart broken in two, that didn’t stop me from falling for you.”

This Providence always seems to be the unsung heroes of the powerhouse record label that they are on. The fame and fortune of the other artists makes it very easy for smaller bands like This Providence to be lost in their shadows.

Only time will tell if This Providence and their third release “Who Are You Now?” will be the album that propels them into the limelight and gives them the credit they deserve.

Although the songs may not press the means of musical progression, the band has surely provided its audience with one of the best albums of 2009, containing songs that just sound great and are fun to listen to.

-The Minaret