When I first learned that members of Saves the Day and Say Anything were getting together to release a full-length, I admit, I had my doubts. I mean, practically every other mash-up/collaboration has gone awry, so why would this one be different? (Okay, Aerosmith and Run-DMC weren’t that bad.) Luckily enough, Two Tongues surprised me. Pulling together the efforts of Say Anything's Max Bemis and Saves The Day's Chris Conley and Dave Soloway, Two Tongues (the album and name of this side-project) packs quite a punch. It's caked with quirky phrases, steeped in sassy emotion, and sprinkled with an array of pleasing sounds that only these four guys could create, together.
"Crawl" creaks open Two Tongues with a soft, acoustic melody. If Bemis and Conley's vocals didn’t drown in a tidal wave of sound, I might have been serenaded to sleep! Luckily, Conley and his cohorts bring forth something memorable on "Crawl". Without a doubt, fans will be dancing and singing along to this song, which is sure to be a Two Tongues classic.
"If I Could Make You Do Things" reminds me so much of Silversun Pickups’ beloved "Lazy Eye" that I was completely floored that an entirely different band could create something that sounded so similar. But, don't be fooled: "...Things" is peppered and seasoned well with Two Tongues' own unique style.
Speaking of style, I think of Chris Conley as a younger Dean Marino (under the moniker of EX~PO); while something in his voice is evidently nasal, his style is strikingly different. While Marino sounds softer, Conley's voice is louder and bursting with a broad range of emotions. Combined with Max Bemis's thrashing, fist-pumping vocals, Conley's endeavors are raised to a higher level, which is evident throughout Two Tongues.
Conley’s vocal work truly shines on "Dead Lizard". While he vocally supports and works with Bemis on the rest of Two Tongues, he takes the lead on this track; what with astounding lyrics and a killer guitar sound, you really can't find much to argue with! Aside from Conley's contribution, Linder's abilities as a drummer are also put to the test, but he proves himself on "Dead Lizard" by keeping a strong, pounding rhythm to accompany Soloway's thick, heavy bass.As with "Dead Lizard", be prepared for a full-scale exploration of Chris Conley's vocals on "Try Not To Save Me". But this time, bring the tissues; his velvety voice is smooth and bursting with melancholy emotions. Aside from vocals, "...Save Me" is one of the more adagio, lighter-ready songs on Two Tongues. It reminds me a bit of Thrice-meets-Brand New-meets-Armor For Sleep, with its mellow guitars, soothing drums, and definitive bass.
With its undoubtedly sweet melody, you might be conned into thinking of "Even If You Don't" as a happy-go-lucky track. Of course, if you give the lyrics a good listen, you’ll change your mind rather quickly. Sure, the track opens with a happy, bouncy guitar and a colorful patchwork of drums, but did you really take in what Conley and Bemis are feeding you? Think twice, and give "...Don't" a second chance. The song tells the tale about the lengths to which someone goes to save the one they love.. (Come on, the narrator's love interest eats raw bacon and has their knife up to his throat? That just screams true love to me.) And, did I mention that this song is a Ween cover?
While on the subject of covers and unexpected additions, keep your ears ready for “Interlude”, the fourth track. It features the welcomed vocal addition of Sherri DuPree, and is really quite beautiful.
Initially, the intro hook of "Come On" had me thinking I was listening to "Medicating", by the temperate Boys Night Out. But, within a few short seconds, "Come On" explodes and pushes you, full-throttle, into a whirlpool of sound. "Come on, come on/ get up, get up, get up! (I won't let you down again)" cry Bemis and Conley. If Two Tongues ever tours and doesn't open with this track, the mood for the show will be completely jilted, it's just so damn catchy and energetic! Conley and Bemis clash cohesively on this track, to say the least. In fact, it seems like that the two are a true tag team; where Bemis ends a lyric or crunching riff, Conley is always there to pick up the beat and rhyme. Always. Speaking of beats, Soloway and Linder's additions are baffling. It's almost mind-boggling how well the bassist and drummer mesh?
"Wowee Zowee" is quite fresh and unexpected. Conley and Bemis really spread their wings on this track, both musically and vocally. The guitars are so warm and playful, I am sure this one will be a kick-ass summer song for people with all sorts of musical tastes. As per usual Conley and Bemis's vocal tag team is undeniable on "Wowee Zowee" with Bemis's brusque "well, you shut me out!" and Conley's reply, "I won't let you go". Did I mention how cool Soloway sounds on this song? It's always a treat when the bassist, of any band, can be heard apart from all other musical elements. Lucky for Soloway, "Wowee Zowee" works to his advantage. Likewise, Linder pummels and pounds on the drums in such a tight, secure way, he proves that he's cut out for this band.
Like "Wowee Zowee" and a few other tracks on Two Tongues, "Tremors" reminds me a bit of Cartel. With lyrics that read like a story, it's hard not to follow along with "Tremors", let alone get caught up in the story behind the song. Likewise, "Silly Game" is, musically, similar to "Tremors" with its endearing drums and short riffs. But, be warned: Bemis's boyish cries at the beginning of the song might set you up for an unexpected flood of emotion. By the end of this song, you'll be wondering what lovely (yet, apparently elusive) lady is behind this song. At least I know I am.
"Back Against The Wall" is tricky, in its own right. On one hand, it sounds like it's laced with short, disco riffs and samples. On the other hand, it's got this modern, indie edge to it.. Lyrically, this song might become the trademark of any couple's romance, or even just a sweet track to sing along to. Of course, that seems to be Two Tongues' style, so why argue with it?
Make no mistake: this side-project is sure to satisfy fans of both Saves the Day and Say Anything, and will also definitely win the boys of Two Tongues outside support. With the vocal and guitar talents of Chris Conley and Max Bemis at the forefront of Two Tongues, Soloway on bass, and Linder on drums, indie rock better make way for these talented guys.
Two Tongues' self-titled debut was also self-recorded and released on February 3, 2009 through Vagrant Records.
Track List
1. Crawl (3:03)
2. If I Could Make You Do Things (3:00)
3. Dead Lizard (2:32)
4. Interlude (1:05)
5. Tremors (2:37)
6. Silly Game (2:54)
7. Don’t You Want to Come Home (2:45)
8. Wowee Zowee (2:29)
9. Come On (1:44)
10. Alice (3:10)
11. Try Not to Save Me (4:11)
12. Back Against the Wall (3:03)
13. Even If You Don’t (2:43)
