The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch

The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch
Studio album by Cute Is What We Aim For
Released June 20, 2006
Recorded February 2006
Studio Salad Days Studios, Beltsville, Maryland
Genre Power pop, pop punk
Length 41:58
Label Fueled by Ramen
Producer Matt Squire
Cute Is What We Aim For chronology
The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch
(2006)		 Rotation
(2008)
Singles from The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch
  1. "There's a Class for This"
    Released: September 4, 2006
  2. "Newport Living"
    Released: February 5, 2007
  3. "The Curse of Curves"
    Released: April 9, 2007

The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch is the debut studio album by American rock band Cute Is What We Aim For. Following the band's formation in early 2005, they posted demos on Myspace and PureVolume. These demos soon gained attention, guitarist Jeff Czum described: "Literally overnight we got like 10,000 fans on Myspace and started to get attention from labels."[1] After a period of time, the group received a call from Fueled by Ramen founder John Janick, who would sign the band in November. In February 2006, the band began recording The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch with producer Matt Squire at Salad Days Studios in Beltsville, Maryland. Several demos were re-recording during the album sessions. In March, "The Curse of Curves" was made available for streaming, following this the band went on a couple of tours in the U.S.

The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch was released on June 20 through Fueled by Ramen. The band went on multiple supporting tours following the album's release, and released "There's a Class for This" as a single in September. A mother later, bassist Fred Cimato left the group, being replaced by Jack Marin of October Fall. In early 2007, the band went on a UK tour, and released "Newport Living" as a single in February. Following this, the band went on a headlining tour across the U.S. in February and March. The group then co-headlined the Alternative Press tour with Circa Survive in March and April. In early April, Marin had left the band, and was replaced by Cimato temporarily. Also in April, "The Curse of Curves" was released as a single. The band appeared at the 2007 edition of Warped Tour, and support Fall Out Boy towards the end of the year.

The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch received mostly unfavourable reviews with several reviewers criticizing the album's lyrical content and giving the band negative comparisons to My Chemical Romance and Panic! at the Disco. The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch peaked at number 75 on the Billboard 200 upon its release. It became Fueled by Ramen's fastest selling debut album, eventually going on to sell over 28,000 copies. "The Curse of Curves" peaked at number 191 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2016, to celebrate the album's 10th anniversary, the band performed the album in full on tour.

Background

Shortly after forming in January 2005, Cute Is What We Aim For began releasing demos through Myspace and PureVolume, which helped the band gain initial exposure.[2] Guitarist Jeff Czum explained the success was due to another band's street team: "The street team leader from Hawthorne Heights reposted it on Myspace. Literally overnight we got like 10,000 fans on Myspace and started to get attention from labels."[1] In the months proceeding, the group continued to record and play shows, increasing their fan base while at the same time fending off advances from record labels.[2]

In summer 2005, the band received a phone call from Fueled by Ramen founder John Janick, who wished to see the group perform live. After this, the group and Janick had a meeting, which they left to record demos in New York City. Janick visited the group while they were recording, eager to hear the material.[3] On November 29, it was announced that the band had signed to Fueled by Ramen.[4] Vocalist Shaant Hacikyan said of the label: "There's such an amazing sense of community about the label. ... From the outside looking in, I just wanted to be a part of it so bad."[2]

Production

Despite a Alternative Press news report that the band was recording shortly after signing with Fueled by Ramen,[4] the group didn't begin recording for The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch until February 2006. Recording took place at Salad Days Studios in Beltsville, Maryland.[2] The group made a brief list of producers who they wished to work with, the first being Matt Squire. One of the band's main reasons for working with him was the label's rapport with him as a result of the success of Panic! at the Disco's debut, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005). Janick sent Squire a demo of "Teasing to Please (Left Side, Strong Side)", who was "really excited about it. I knew right away that that we could make a great record together."[3]

Working with Squire, Hacikyan described him as "a guiding light. He has this confidence that he inspires in others. This record wouldn't be what it is without him."[2] According to Squire, the group wanted to make a "very natural sounding record".[3] As such, the band and Squire spent a "lot of time" working in pre-production.[3] After finishing the pre-production process, drums were recorded. On previous records, Squire used "beat detective", a technique used to keep drums "perfectly in time".[3] However, for The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch Squire did not use it as he wished to "preserve the "groove"" of Tom Falcone's drumming.[3] Following this, bass and guitars were recorded during the day, and vocals during the night. Squire purposely staggered the instruments "so that every song can have a unique feel."[3]

During the sessions, the band recorded "Finger Twist & Split", "Lyrical Lies" and "Teasing to Please (Left Side, Strong Side)" – all songs that the band had previously released in demo form. Hacikyan explained that the band initially wanted to "pull away" from the songs, but "at the same time, we understand that most people haven’t heard them yet."[2] While preparing a mix, Squire would typically "trigger" the drums, a technique he uses to give the drums a thicker sound.[3] However, the group was against the idea. Squire found it a "fun challenge" making the drums "sound punchy without them".[3] Squire spent a few days doing a mixing draft of the album,[3] with assistance from Paul Leavitt,[5] which he asked for feedback from both the label and the group. After incorporating feedback, he finalized the mixes and sent the album for mastering.[3] Ue Nastasi mastered the recordings at Sterling Sound.[5]

Composition

All of the music was written by Cute Is What We Aim For, while all of the lyrics were written by Hacikyan.[5] Typically, when Hacikyan writes lyrics he would have a melody in mind, which the band would fit the music around.[3] Hacikyan described the album as being about "the everyday ins-and-outs of social cliques. It’s about the pressure that they put on you, to live up to something that you’re not, to be somebody that someone else wants you to be."[2] The Academy Is... vocalist William Beckett provides guest vocals on "There's a Class for This", while All Time Low performed group vocals on "Teasing to Please (Left Side, Strong Side)" and "Sweet Talk 101".[5] Hacikyan described Beckett as "definitely an idol of mine".[2] Beckett was unable to come to the studio to record his part due to being on tour at the time. Instead, his part was recorded on the back of a tour bus and sent to the band.[2]

Release

On March 22, 2006, "The Curse of Curves" was made available for streaming via the band's PureVolume account.[6] In April, the band went on tour with Punchline, Valencia and New Atlantic.[7] In June, the band went on a brief U.S. tour with Anberlin, Jonezetta and Blackpool Lights.[8] The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch was released on June 20 through Fueled by Ramen.[9] The Japanese edition included an electric version of "Lyrical Lies" as a bonus track.[10] A music video for "There's a Class for This", directed by Jay Martin,[11] premiered on mtvU on July 17. In August and September, the band supported Paramore on their tour of the U.S.[12] On September 4, "There's a Class for This" was released as a single.[13] On October 18, it was announced that bassist Fred Cimato left the band to return to school. His position was filled by Jack Marin of October Fall.[14] In October and November, the band supported Hellogoodbye on their tour of the U.S.[15] In January and February 2007, the band toured the UK.[16] On February 5, "Newport Living" was released as a single.[17] From mid February to mid March, the band went on a headlining U.S. tour with support from This Providence and All Time Low.[18]

On February 26, a music video for "The Curse of Curves" premiered via AbsolutePunk,[19] directed by Lex Hallaby.[20] From mid March to late April, the band co-headlined the Alternative Press tour with Circa Survive, with support from As Tall as Lions and Envy on the Coast.[21] On April 4, it was announced that Marin had left the band and replaced by Cimato, who was filling in temporarily.[22] A day later, Marin revealed that he was "having some personal issues with another member. I've tried to just ignore the problems, but the truth is, I'm just not happy at all."[23] On April 9, "The Curse of Curves" was released as a single,[24] before being released to radio on April 30.[25] From late June to late August, the band went on the 2007 edition of Warped Tour.[26] From mid October to early December, the band supported Fall Out Boy on their U.S. tour.[27] A music video was released for "Newport Living" on October 31.[28] On November 20, a MVI version of the album was released containing karaoke tracks for every song on the album, live performances and bonus tracks.[29]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[30]
Drowned in Sound3/10[31]
FasterLouderFavorable[32]
Gigwise[33]
musicOMH[34]
PopMatters[35]
The Skinny[36]

Critical response

The reception of reviewers for the album was generally mixed. AllMusic reviewer Corey Apar wrote that the album "is basically a vapid product of the MySpace generation ... The whole album just seems so contrived and pointless that any sporadic moment of disposable hooky bliss is quickly overshadowed by annoying wordplay."[30] Apar concluded with calling the album the musical equivalent of "an ironic trucker hat: even if it catches on with the masses for a time, that doesn't make it right."[30] Ben Marwood of Drowned in Sound wrote that album contained "little substance of any kind – emotional or otherwise".[31] He went on further to call the band "a low-rent" My Chemical Romance or "a lesser" Panic! at the Disco due to Hacikyan's vocals.[31] FasterLouder writer Victoria Jack wrote that there were "some unique moments" on the record, noting the band's upbeat sound.[32] Despite mentioning that the group can be "more insightful", Jack said they "usually lack depth in their typical commentary on “scenes” and “cliques” and being a “sell out.”"[32] Kate Parkin of Gigwise listed "Newport Living" and "There's a Class for This" as being "songs built for The O.C.".[33] Adding in songs about "High School tribulations and illicit snogging ... something is lacking."[33] Parkin noted that the group were missing "the arrogant defiance" of My Chemical Romance and "the relentlessly catchy choruses" of Panic! at the Disco.[33]

Writing for musicOMH, Tom Woods wrote that the album would "attract swarms of internet love, but this unstable foundation, built upon the fleeting dreams of thirteen year-olds" would restrict the band's lifetime.[34] Woods compared the band to Panic! at the Disco "without the bounce or the creativity, takes the bastardisation of honest musical forms to new heights."[34] Dan MacIntosh of PopMatters considered the songs as "sound[ing] like high school gossip".[35] He went on further to note: "Over-the-top drama" combined with "stripped-down, pop-rock hooks", which for the most part "prevent overbearing emotional mood swings."[35] He concluded with mentioning how the band have "much to say, but lacks the right words to say it all."[35] The Skinny reviewer Billy Hamilton noted how the album was "Brimming with slickly produced pre-pubescent punk-pop" that made "Blink 182 seem like nihilists."[36] He considered the sound as being "faux-guitar music for a generation yet to move on from the tweeny-rock of Busted."[36] In an artist spotlight for Spin, writer Alyssa Rashbaum described the album as "energetic, youthful power-pop about high school cliques, drama-loving girls, and fake IDs."[37]

Commercial performance and legacy

The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch debuted at number 75 on the Billboard 200 upon its release,[38] become the fastest-selling debut in Fueled by Ramen's history.[20] A month after its release, the album had sold over 28,000 copies.[39] "The Curse of Curves" reached number 191 on the UK Singles Chart.[40]

In December 2014, the album was released on vinyl for the first time through Enjoy the Ride.[41] To celebrate the album's 10 year anniversary in 2016, the band went on tour performing the album in full. Hacikyan explained: "Growing up, none of us thought we'd ever release a full length album, let alone have the chance to fly across the earth to headline a 10 year anniversary tour."[42] The band initially went on an Australian tour in August, which they hoped would lead to interest in a U.S. tour. Following contact with promoter Chris Ring, the band was hired by Ring as the first partner for his company Fanbassador. Fanbassador allowed the band to map out cities they could play based on audience demand.[43] Eventually, the band performed the album across the U.S. in October.[44]

Track listing

All music by Cute Is What We Aim For, all words by Shaant Hacikyan.[5]

No. Title Length
1. "Newport Living"   3:28
2. "There's a Class for This"   3:36
3. "Finger Twist & Split"   3:21
4. "Risqué"   3:42
5. "Sweat the Battle Before the Battle Sweats You"   2:52
6. "The Fourth Drink Instinct"   4:09
7. "Sweet Talk 101"   3:30
8. "The Curse of Curves"   3:23
9. "I Put the "Metro" in Metronome"   3:26
10. "Lyrical Lies"   3:33
11. "Moan"   3:09
12. "Teasing to Please (Left Side, Strong Side)"   3:44
Total length:
 41:58

Personnel

Personnel per booklet.[5]

Cute Is What We Aim For
  • Jeff Czum – guitar, piano, MIDI
  • Tom Falcone – drums
  • Fred Cimato – bass, guitar
  • Shaant Hacikyan – vocals
Additional musicians
  • William Beckett – guest vocals on "There's a Class for This"
  • All Time Low – group vocals on "Teasing to Please (Left Side, Strong Side)" and "Sweet Talk 101"
Production
  • Matt Squire – producer, mixing, engineer
  • Paul Leavitt – assistant engineer
  • Ue Nastasi – mastering
  • Pale Bird Design Studio – art, layout

Chart positions

Chart (2005) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[38] 75

References

  1. 1 2 Firestine, Kimberly (October 26, 2016). "Cute is What We Aim For celebrates 10 years in Pittsburgh". Edinboro Now. Edinboro Campus Media. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Cute Is What We Aim For Biography". Artistdirect. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Pascarella, Tony. "Cute Is What We Aim For / Matt Squire". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on April 6, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Fueled By Ramen signs Cute Is What We Aim For, Forgive Durden". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. November 29, 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch (Booklet). Cute Is What We Aim For. Fueled by Ramen. 2006. 4513-12087-2/FBR087.
  6. ↑ Paul, Aubin (March 22, 2006). "New song from Cute Is What We Aim For". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  7. ↑ Paul, Aubin (March 22, 2006). "Punchline / Cute Is What We Aim For / Valencia / New Atlantic". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  8. ↑ August, Austin (June 2, 2006). "Blackpool Lights e-card for "This Town's Disaster"". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  9. ↑ Apar, Corey. "The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch - Cute Is What We Aim For | Release Info". AllMusic. All Media Network, LLC. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  10. ↑ The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch (Booklet). Cute Is What We Aim For. Warner Music. 2006. WPCR-12592.
  11. ↑ "Cute Is What We Aim For | There's a Class for This | Music Video". MTV. Viacom. May 14, 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Paramore postpone two U.S. shows, drop off Reading/Leeds". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. August 22, 2006. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  13. ↑ "There's a Class for This - Single by Cute Is What We Aim For". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Cute Is What We Aim For part ways with bassist". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. October 18, 2006. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Hellogoodbye touring with Reggie And The Full Effect, Ozma". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. August 16, 2006. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  16. ↑ Newport Living (Sleeve). Cute Is What We Aim For. Fueled by Ramen. 2007. none.
  17. ↑ "Newport Living - Single by Cute Is What We Aim For". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  18. ↑ SPIN Staff (January 10, 2007). "Cute Is What We Aim For Set for Epic Tour". Spin. SpinMedia. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  19. ↑ DeAndrea, Joe (February 25, 2007). "Cute Is What We Aim For Video". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on August 17, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  20. 1 2 "Cute Is What We Aim for Targets 2007 for Major Tour: Power-Pop Sensation Unveils Debut Headlining Trek, Followed by Co-Headlining Stint on Alternative Press' First-Ever "The Bands You Need To". Marketwired. Nasdaq, Inc. January 10, 2007. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  21. ↑ Reinecker, Meg (January 5, 2007). "Cute Is What We Aim For Set for Epic Tour". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Cute Is What We Aim For lose new bassist, get back old bassist". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. April 4, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Cute Is What We Aim For bassist speaks about departure". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. April 5, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  24. ↑ "The Curse of Curves - Single by Cute Is What We Aim For". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  25. ↑ The Curse of Curves (Sleeve). Cute Is What We Aim For. Fueled by Ramen. 2007. SAM01224.
  26. ↑ "Throwdown added to Warped 07; Madina Lake drop off". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. April 26, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Gym Class Heroes Snag "Best New Artist" at MTV VMAs; Gear Up for Cross- Country Trek With Fall Out Boy". Marketwired. Nasdaq, Inc. September 10, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  28. ↑ DeAndrea, Joe (October 31, 2007). "New Cute Is What We Aim For Video". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  29. ↑ DeAndrea, Joe (October 21, 2007). "Fueled by Ramen to Re-Release Albums". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  30. 1 2 3 Apar, Corey. "The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch - Cute Is What We Aim For | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. All Media Network, LLC. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  31. 1 2 3 Marwood, Ben (October 19, 2006). "Album Review: Cute Is What We Aim For - The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch / Releases / Releases". Drowned in Sound. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  32. 1 2 3 Jack, Victoria (September 20, 2006). "Cute Is What We Aim For - The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch". FasterLouder. Junkee Media. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  33. 1 2 3 4 Parkin, Kate (September 20, 2006). "Cute Is What We Aim For - 'The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch' (Fueled By Ramen) Released 18/09/06". Gigwise. Giant Digital. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  34. 1 2 3 Woods, Tom (September 18, 2006). "Cute Is What We Aim For – The Same Old Blood Rush With a New Touch". musicOMH. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  35. 1 2 3 4 Macintosh, Dan (November 29, 2006). "Cute Is What We Aim For: The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch". PopMatters. PopMatters Media, Inc. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  36. 1 2 3 Hamilton, Billy (October 13, 2006). "Cute Is What We Aim For - The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch". The Skinny. Radge Media. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  37. ↑ Rashbaum, Alyssa (June 21, 2006). "Cute Is What We Aim For". Spin. SpinMedia. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  38. 1 2 "Cute Is What We Aim For - Chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Lynne Segall. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  39. ↑ Kohli, Rohan (July 19, 2006). "Soundscan Results: Week Ending July 16th, 2006". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Chart Log UK". Zobbel.de. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  41. ↑ DiVincenzo, Alex (December 26, 2014). "Cute Is What We Aim For "The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch" on Vinyl". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  42. ↑ Staff (April 1, 2016). "Cute Is What We Aim For Announce 10 Year Anniversary Tour Of Debut Album". themusic. Street Press Australia. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Cute Is What We Aim For Start Anniversary Tour With Old Music, but New Friendships". Buffalo Rising. Buffalo Rising, Inc. October 14, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  44. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (July 13, 2016). "Cute Is What We Aim For announce U.S. 'Same Old Blood Rush' 10-year anniversary tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
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