Band envy of them all

By Lindsey Beach
Collegian Reporter
September 19, 2007

If you haven’t heard them yet, don’t worry, you will. Envy on the Coast is an up-and-coming alternative quintet with a new, raw energy that has yet to be found in other bands that claim themselves as “alternative.” Lucy Gray, the new album by the Long Island act, offers a blend of instruments with four guitars, a piano, drums and, of course, dynamic vocals.

Envy’s songs are extremely catchy and totally original, with a Senses Fail meets Story of the Year vibe. In comparison to Story of the Year, Envy has some songs with light melodies, but also burst in with songs with intense energy. Lyrically, Envy could compare to Senses Fail’s most recent album Still Searching. Although not as hardcore as Senses Fail, the band does have a light screamo vibe.

These guys are not your typical boy band singing about heartbreaks or drunken nights; Envy on the Coast takes lyrics to a whole new level. They question and challenge ideas of faith, as well as integrating personal trials and tribulations.

From beginning to end, each track on Lucy Gray brings something new and slightly different, leaving you begging for more. Top tracks on the album include “Mirrors,” “Sugar Skulls” and “Tell Them She’s Not Scared.” “Mirrors” is introduced with piano and soft lyrics and then breaks in with a grand entrance of guitars and powerful lyrics. It’s a catchy song that is difficult to get out of your head once it’s over. “Sugar Skulls” is a fan favorite that gives raw energy throughout the entire song and leaves you wanting more. “Tell Them She’s Not Scared” is one of the slower songs on the album, no less intense.

Envy on the Coast is a refreshing band with a promising sound.

beachl1@lasalle.edu