For the uninitiated Fred Mascherino is that guy in Taking Back Sunday. You know the one who does the guitar and vocals, a bit like Dallas Green in Alexisonfire.  Well,  actually that description would demean the role that both Mascherino and Green bring to their respective musical collectives as it doesn't give them anywhere near the credence and gravitas they deserve. What's closer to the truth is that both men underpin the sound of their bands to the extent that, for example, when Mascherino couldn't play the Newcastle “Taste Of Chaos” gig last year (due to a family emergency) members of Underoath, Saosin and Anti Flag tried to fill Fred's' shoes and, whilst an admirable effort was made by all concerned, there was a palpable shortfall that couldn't be overcome. 

With this solo project Mascherino has delivered a record that brims with melody and intelligence. In fact the biggest clue to its overall sound could come from choice of producer with Lou Giordano, the man who has been behind the desk for the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate, Sugar and Paul Westerberg. What this all means, in real terms, is pop/post/alt/punk of the highest order. 

Apparently the idea for a Mascherino solo record has been kicking around since before Fred helped Taking Back Sunday to achieve their two biggest records to date and, in the sheer quality of the songs, this shows. With the utmost care and attention being paid to arrangements that could only come over time, check out the delicate acoustic strings of “I'll Never Know” or the acoustic led dynamic of closer “Don't Pretend” for example. 

Aside from the more introspective moments there are nuggets of pure pop/punk gold to be found here as well. A definite sense of good fun can be found in the likes  of  “If I Surrender” or opener “Get Out” and it's only when Fred strays into 30 Seconds To Mars power ballad territory with “Hate To See You Go” that there's any criticism to be levelled at this excellent and refreshing collection of songs.

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Track Listing

Get Out
If I Surrender
Hate To See You Go
It Isn't Me
Complaintor
The Tragedy
I Didn't See
Empty House
Minnesota
I'll Never Know
Don't Pretend

Line Up

Fred Mascherino – Guitars/Vocals/Bass/Keys
Steve Curtiss – Drums
P J Bond – Backing Vocals/Bass on “Get Out”
Clint Stelfox – Keys