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Ryan's Review: "Proper" by Into It. Over It.

By Ryan Rutledge

On October 14, 2011

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Score: 9.5/10

Into it. Over it is a band that seems to be all about concepts. Or should I say a man all about concepts, seeing as it only truly has one sole member, a man by the name of Evan Weiss. Over the past 4 or so years there has been few people with his drive for writing concept albums. The first was the very ambitious 52 Weeks. Each week Weiss would write and record a completely original song until his next birthday. This is an extremely hard task as it is, and even harder to do right, but he accomplished it with flying colors. His next 2 projects was an album of 12 songs about 12 different towns and the experiences he had while in them and another album with 5 songs about 5 different neighborhoods in Chicago. In July of 2011 Weiss announced his first "proper" album appropriately titled, well, Proper. Right away this album distinguishes itself apart from Weiss' other efforts for Into it. Over it seeing as this album is truly a full band affair. But does it hold up to Weiss' standard of quality, or is this just an effort that should be forgotten as another project?

The first two songs, "Embracing Facts" and "Discretion and Depressing People" immediately sets the tone for the album, this isn't the same Into it. Over it you've grown to know. This is something new. "Embracing Facts" is a short cymbal crashing filled song with great fuzzy guitars and Evan yelling his words over it all. It shows a nice new bite that Evan had touched upon only so much before and he doesn't hold back. The best song on this album is a 3 way tie for me though. The reason why is because they perfectly showcase the different tones and influences put into this album.

The first showing roots from the early emo movement of the late 90's,the next another masterful pop punk track, and the last an acoustic indie rock ballad. Lets start off with the emotional "Where Your Nights Often End". This song's lyrics are so solemn and beautiful, and the pounding bass drum and dream like guitars compliment them so perfectly, it's fantastic.

The next track, which is the title track,"P R O P E R" is a catchy, fast paced, pop punk song.Weiss is picking himself apart in this song, he wants to better himself, but whenever he gets close to it, he just seems to push it off to the side and fall back into depression. He wants help, he wants to "be proper for a change".

The last of these tracks, and the last song on the album, "The Frames that Used to Greet Me" is the almost obligatory acoustic track for the album. It's Weiss doing what he does best, writing a touching acoustic ballad, what more could you ask for, especially for the album's send off.

Overall the album is, honestly, one of my favorite albums of the year. All of the songs on the album are beautifully written, and the different styles that Weiss blends together work perfectly together. This is a debut that is not to be missed, do yourself a favor and pick Proper up. There are far bigger things that will happen in this band's future.

Songs you'll love: "P R O P E R" "Discretion and Depressing People" "Where Your Nights Often End" "The Frames that Used to Greet Me"

Songs you should skip: None. Seriously.

Single of the Week: "Second Time Around" by Briana Grace.

I'll be honest, on this single of the week, I will be a bit biased seeing as I know the artist and she is a close friend. Now, I'm not one to listen to country music, ask anyone I know and they can easily confirm this with you. But lately, there has been a wave of "country pop" that has been coming out that is, actually, pretty listenable to someone like me. Brianna is continuing this style of country and she does it really well, and I'm not just saying that. Also, for an 18 year old, she writes a solid song. She also has a fantastic voice, and, personally, after hearing it develop over the years it's amazing the amount of talent she has. So please go to briannagracemusic.com or go on iTunes (just search Brianna Grace) and pick up "Second Time Around," I guarantee you'll love it.