Dead Sara – S/T (2012)
Any time a new band catapults onto the scene with loads of hype and praise, I am skeptical. Are the critics all desperately searching for the next darlings of rock? Is the music really as good as everyone claims, or is everyone just drinking the Kool-Aid? Needless to say, when the self-titled debut album from Dead Sara came across my desk, my skepticism was at an all time high. I had heard a lot of great things about this band from critics. It made me wonder if Dead Sara could live up to the hype. I am happy to report that not only can they handle the hype, Dead Sara is even better than any of the praise they have received.
The last time I heard a debut record this fantastic, it was by a little known band named Guns N Roses. We know their story and the fame that they went on to, the question is will Dead Sara do the same? What is most amazing about the debut album from Dead Sara is how every single song is a monster track. There is absolutely zero filler on this record. From “Whispers & Ashes” to “Sorry For It All” every song on this album is intense, rocking, and needs to be listened to multiple times.
If you can imagine the offspring of Evanescence and Flyleaf on steroids, then you have a good idea of what Dead Sara sounds like. The throaty, sultry vocals of Emily Armstrong are what help set Dead Sara apart. A hard rock band that performs incredible music, merged with a blues style powerful female lead singer is hard to come by, but Dead Sara fit that description. From the opening notes of lead track “Whispers & Ashes” it is apparent that something special is being heard. Dead Sara continues to serve mesmerizing songs with “We Are What You Say,” an ode to youth, and the hard hitting first single, “Weatherman.”
Guitarist Siouxsie Medley sets the pace on the harder tracks from Dead Sara. Her guitar playing is a blistering mix of Kurt Cobain, Keith Richards, and Slash, which is fitting when noting that Dead Sara’s influences range from the blues and classic rock to modern punk. Medley is as talented with the ax as Armstrong is with her vocals. Together these two are the most exciting front duo since Tyler/Perry. For anyone that yearns for their music to deliver more, there is now a solution—Dead Sara.
The ballads of the album “Dear Love,” “Face To Face,” and album closer “Sorry For It All,” draw heavy on the blues influence while staying grounded in modern rock. Dead Sara takes the classic power ballad and adds their own twists and turns, creating masterpieces. While the heavier tracks will find many fans banging their heads or jumping around like madmen, the ballads will no doubt find lighters a-plenty, and contain thought provoking lyrics to let the fans linger on the poetic beauty of Armstrong’s highly talented writing.
There is not one negative thing that can be said about Dead Sara. Not one constructive criticism can be made. Dead Sara is about as perfect as an album can be, and the fact that it is a rookie effort, only helps to confirm the fact that Dead Sara is the real deal. If there is only one record that you purchase this year, it needs to be the self titled debut from Dead Sara. You will not hear a better album in 2012.
For more information on Dead Sara and their debut album, visit the band’s website: www.deadsara.com. You can purchase a copy of the CD here!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
Whispers & Ashes
We Are What You Say
Weatherman
Dear Love
Monumental Holiday
I Said You Were Lucky
Face To Face
Test On My Patience
Timed Blues
Lemon Scent
Sorry For It All
Dead Sara Is:
Emily Armstrong – Vocals
Siouxsie Medley – Guitar
Chris Null – Bass
Sean Friday – Drums
Reviewed By Ryo Vie
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Well, this is why music is such a subjective thing. although I acknowledge Dead Sara’s talent, and respect their commitment to their craft, I don’t really care for their music.