Artist: Sent By Ravens
Album: Mean What You Say
Release Date: February, 28th 2012
Label: Tooth & Nail Records


Sent By Ravens first album Our Graceful Words was not a big hit with me. It was a very unbalanced album, in which the first half of the album was a lot stronger in many ways than the last half. With that being said, I really wasn't anticipating a great sophomore album from the Tooth & Nail rock band. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised.

Mean What You Say starts out with a killer opening track in 'Prudence'. You can already get a feel for the album with the first couple tracks as they are aggressive, and catchy and really do a great job of getting you pulled in. As I said before their first album was a bit of a let down after the first half of the album. However, this was never the case with Mean What You Say. The album really never gives up on it's overall sound, and when the album does slow down a bit, like on the track 'Never Be Enough' it still fits with the rest of the album.

When I first heard 'We're All Liars' I was a bit nervous about the rest of the lyrics on the full album. But, since then I have grown to really enjoy the more straight forwardness of the lyrics, and not just the metaphorical lyrics. Another thing I really noticed about this album was the vocals. The vocals I believe can either make or break an album of this style, and Zach Riner does not lack in that area. Musically this album is probably my favorite area. The guitars are top notch, and keep the album flowing, and never really letting up.

Overall: Sent By Ravens have really shown what they can bring to the table with their aggressive "radio rock" sound by adding some post-hardcore elements to keep it interesting, and relevant. Honestly, this album sounds like it should be chock-full of screams, and breakdowns, and though I am a fan of those, I'm glad it's not. It's a great mixture of melody and aggressiveness, and is a breath of fresh air in the "radio rock" music world.

Score: 8/10

Reviewed by: Tabor Brown

Tracklisting:

1. Prudence
2. Listen
3. Rebuild, Release
4. Learn From The Night
5. Mean What You Say
6. However Long It Takes
7. Need It Today
8. Never Be Enough
9. We're All Liars
10. Best In Me

(buy here)

TOOTH & NAIL’S SENT BY RAVENS WILL RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM
MEAN WHAT YOU SAY ON FEBRUARY 28th


SEATTLE, WA –January 24, 2012 –Tooth & Nail Records’ Sent By Ravens is ready to release their sophomore label album, Mean What You Say, on February 28.  This album is a follow-up to their 2010 breakout hit, Our Graceful Words, which debuted at No. 34 on Billboard Heatseekers Chart. In anticipation of their release, the band has posted a new song, “We’re All Liars,” up now on their Facebook and YouTube.

With their sophomore effort Mean What You Say, Sent By Ravens have taken their driving modern rock sound and rounded it out, expanded its diversity while staying true to a base of powerful vocals and soaring guitar tones. The new album was produced in Nashville with Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Disciple) and mixed by Ainslie Grosser.  Mean What You Say is a polished collection of songs that contain moments that are sometimes delicate and sometimes raw.

Frontman Zach Riner’s lyrics and their meaning’s are the heart behind Mean What You Say.  He does not mince words as he speaks to the hunger for spiritual authenticity in each of us. On the song “Listen” he addresses the idea that transparency, rather than preaching, produces lasting impact.  And on the debut Rock radio single, “Learn From the Night,” he reminds the listener that we must let go of pride and admit our own mistakes if we want to find healing in relationships.

“I want to be true to what I believe,” adds Riner.  “I’m fine if someone is offended or disagrees with me, but not if it was because I lacked passion. I am no preacher, I only feel qualified to write songs and speak about what I believe and talk sincerely with people - that’s what I’ll stick with.”

Stay tuned for more information on this release and the band’s touring schedule.  Sent By Ravens hails from South Carolina and is composed of Zach Riner, Vocals, Andy O'neal, Guitar, JJ Leonard, Guitar, Jon Arena, Bass and Dane Andersen, Drums.

Mean What You Say Track Listing:
1.  Prudence
2.  Listen
3.  Rebuild, Release
4.  Learn From The Night
5.  Mean What You Say
6.  However Long It Takes
7.  Need It Today
8.  Never Be Enough
9.  We're All Liars
10. Best In Me

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