Everything is bigger in Texas, they say. This cliche saying still holds true as 2013 appears to be an extremely big year for Houston's Fingers Crossed. With the refreshing release of a brand-spanking-new full-length, titled Dedos Crusados , along with a supporting tour for this release, the band brings to the table a unique variety of songs that blend together elements of traditional pop punk mixed with an old-school emo vibe.
These Kids Are Weird is an exciting build-up track that preludes into powerful introduction that immediately kicks into a fast-core sounding tune that comes together in full circle. Away From You is a song that proves to be rally cry for adventure and the comfort of escaping from the woes of frustrated nights at home being surrounded by an unappreciative family stuck in a desolate town. These are two opening tracks that definitely reflect influence from the traditional easycore style.
Speaking of which, one standalone track to keep an eye as we hit the halfway mark of the album is Voice Of Reason. In vein of the signature Drive-Thru Records sound that was championed by bands like The Movielife and New Found Glory, Voice Of Reason is an anxious anthem for the hopeless romantics. With a memorable verse like "I'd like to admit how I feel, but I am nevrous/choking and choking and choking/who will make the first move, you or me?", listening to this song definitely brings back memorable flashbacks of the overwhelming feeling of anxiety from making the first moves on that girl you crushed forever, but was always too shy to talk to.
It is very unique to hear certain songs transition from Dedos Crusados from one essential pop punk style to another. Just like opening a box of chocolates, you're definitely in for a treat for of many unexpected surprises along away. For instance, as we roam through the first half of this album with a handful of songs that convey a toe-tapping easycore vibe, we transition into a more essential punk with songs like Tree Of Life or Raft, for instance that give listeners the sense as if they're listening an early pop punk innovator like the Descendents. After that, we waltz right into the next track Nightmare, which incorporates a blissful horn section that can normally be traced back to the possible influence of Summertime ska bands or even newer contemporary emo acts. With a variety of blended pop punk influence in this album, it proves that Fingers Crossed is not just a one-trick pony, but an innovative group that not only embraces the mass variety of their influences, but is not afraid to spice things up.
Dedos Crusados is an album that provides a comforting sense of solace for the anxious and the awkward. It is guaranteed that each song on this album will give a you an extra pep to your step with every listen and a new tune to get stuck in your head. With every spontaneous twist that has been presented as you dive into this album for the first time, you'll begin to decipher Dedos Crusados along the way as an album that approaches each song differently from beginning to end. There is no doubt that each song on this album provides listeners with diverse influences ranging from contemporary emo, classic punk rock and melodic pop punk. Overall, Fingers Crossed definitely gives us a taste of the signature sounds that have inspired them to craft their own style in a unique manner.
Tracklist:
1. These Kids Are Weird
2. Away From You
3. Turqoise
4. Voice Of Reason
5. It Won't Stick To The Walls
6. Coincident Lines
7. Nightmare
8. Tree Of Life
9. Raft
10. 100,000 MG
11. Wallet Chain
12. Welcome To Mexico
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Written by Ryan McGrath
