Neufeld rallies another Comeback Kid

By Eric Jaen
Collegian Editor
February 21, 2007

After the release of a six-song demo in 2002, melodic hardcore punk outfit Comeback Kid quickly gained vast amounts of popularity simply through word of mouth. Originally founded by Andrew Neufeld and Jeremy Hiebert of Figure Four, the Canadian quintet soon released their debut album Turn It Around in 2003 on Facedown Records. Their message was simple, clear and easily relatable, focusing on day-to-day struggles and finding the positives within the negatives.

After inking a deal with Victory Records, the band released their sophomore effort in 2005, Wake The Dead, which was well-received by both fans and critics alike. However, in a surprising turn of events, March 2006 saw the departure of vocalist Scott Wade via MySpace bulletin, resulting in Neufeld taking over vocal duties full-time.

Now armed with a new frontman, 2007 will be the year for Comeback Kid to man up with the release of their highly anticipated album, Broadcasting..., recorded with Jason Livermore and Bill Stevenson.

Broadcasting... opens with “Defeated,” which features some nasty guitar riffs that could have fit somewhere on an old Botch album, matched with powerful gang vocals that sound like a group of 90 singing.

The album really begins to picks up with the title track, “Broadcasting,” which gives listeners an idea of what to expect with the following eight tracks. While receiving comparisons to the likes of Bane over the years, Comeback Kid has taken that formula for songwriting and incorporated a darker sound reminiscent of Modern Life is War with this release. Furthermore, whereas Wade’s lyrics could be labeled as “posi,” Neufeld compliments the band’s new direction with more introspective lyrics of uncertainty and desperation.

This can be heard in the track “Industry Standards,” as he sings, “It’s comforting to hear, but then there’s other agendas coming into play. Distractions, keeping us away.”

The track “The Blackstone” takes listeners on a powerful ride through skull-cracking heavy riffs, suitable for MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, only to be clotheslined by one of the most melodic parts on the album. Fans will find themselves singing along to the lyrics of “You always spoke of it, and that’s exactly what this is. But you’re in store for it soon dear, so savor what you got, while you’ve got it.”

Songs like “In Case Of Fire” and “Hailing On Me” are perfect for those looking for something along the lines of earlier material, with the latter being some of their best song writing to date. It is sure to become a staple of their live show, as it builds up to the epic sing-a-long of “All I’ve withheld coming to the surface, hailing on me.”

If you don’t feel a thing after listening to these tracks, then you may want to consider checking for a pulse, because they are sure to send chills down your spine. Not even an Ultimate Warrior promo can match up to this intensity.

After blowing fans away with a stellar stage presence and passionate vocals on tour last summer, some folks were curious to see if Neufeld could produce on tape. There is no denying Neufeld really stepped up his game on this effort, adopting a more melodic, cleaner vocal style that blends perfectly with Comeback Kid’s infectious sound, rather than resorting to his brutal Figure Four growl. In fact, everyone from the pounding rhythm section of drummer Kyle Profetta and bassist Kevin Call to the intricate guitar work of both Hiebert and Neufeld were nothing short of amazing.

Comeback Kid has created an album that is both edgy and beautiful with Broadcasting.... Fans expecting Wake The Dead Pt. II may initially be somewhat disappointed with Comeback Kid’s latest effort, but in due time will appreciate the effort, brilliance and musicianship put into the album.

Broadcasting... covers all bases, from bone-crushing mosh parts to catchy sing-a-longs, there will be something for everyone within these 33 minutes of rock-o-licious tunes. Comeback Kid definitely did not botch this one and are sure to be top contenders in hardcore this year. Be sure to catch Comeback Kid on tour this spring with It Dies Today, This Is Hell and Parkway Drive.

jaene1@lasalle.edu