Album Notes

"LATE NIGHTS/ EARLY FLIGHTS" CD REVIEW

In terms of “emo,” Young American, the band formerly known as July, merits more comparisons to Dashboard Confessional than Rites of Spring, but this local four-piece manages to talk about their hurt feelings while keeping most of their self respect. “I’ll be coming back for you/ I just want inside your head” vocalist Jason Harari threatens the hopefully fictional Girl Who Broke His Heart in “Ready.” It’s angry and maybe grounds for a restraining order, but the guitar work is surprisingly intricate, and Harari makes a more-than-serviceable hook from “Oh, yeah, I am ready.” The lyrics on Late Nights are bitter for sure, but more mopey than violent, and unexpectedly sexually charged. This is both very good (highlight “11:11,” a mature and gorgeous track that recalls a moment of post-coital bliss through a filter of future heartbreak), and very bad (slap-
worthy putdown “Did you feel guilty wearing that white dress at your wedding?”). If it’s not a concept album — good Texas boy loses girl to the bright lights and big city — it may as well be, but Late Nights features some truly creative and catchy variations on pouty faces and kicked-puppy-dog eyes.
-BY JEREMY MARTIN SACURRENT.COM 9/2/09


The Panic Division, Young American, Westbound Departure, The Night Timers, The Cinderleaf at Scout Bar Here's a bunch of rock with alternative/indie rock leanings. Pay attention to Young American. The S.A.-based quartet, Jason Harari (vocals, guitar), James Perez (guitar), Alex Kosub (bass) and Kevin Diaz De Leon (drums), are celebrating the release of their debut CD, "Late Nights/Early Flights." The band's music runs the gamut from arena-style rock anthems to pop-rock ballads all held together by smart lyrics.

-mysanantonio.com 8/28/09