La Bella Charade - All Friends, No Fans

La Bella Charade is a pop-punk band from St. Louis.  They released their full length debut album, All Friends, No Fans, in early January.  Prior to this record, the band had put out a five song EP.  The EP introduced this quintet as the group that had the potential to overthrow the once reigning kings of the genre, Fall Out Boy.  Their debut album has a similar sound as the EP, and contains the standout track "I'm The Choir, Quit Preaching To It".  With this release, La Bella Charade will most likely find themselves with an overwhelming amount of both friends, and fans.

All Friends, No Fans opens with "When, Not If".  I found myself humming along to the chorus the first time I listened to it.  That's a big accomplishment for any artist.  The track, like most of the album, is high on energy.  From start to finish, there really isn't a rest.  The band plows through every song as if it was their first.

Produced by Bryan Beeler, the album feels technically sleek and smooth without losing every bit of raw energy.  It's a balanced improvement from the band's previous releases and just sounds tighter.

Unfortunately, a few of the songs do blend into each other.  Towards the middle of the record, you may get weary from the vocal melodies.  The breakdown-like bridges, found in songs such as "In It To Win It", help pump some variety into the usual song formula.

The final track, "End Of Story", clocks in at over thirteen minutes.  This song proves that La Bella Charade may be a lot more than just your average pop band.  While it ends in a humorous conversation, the progression of the song is one of the album's highlights.  The guitar solo that slowly transforms into piano completely took me by surprise, and I loved every minute of it.

All Friends, No Fans throws La Bella Charade into the spotlight of the pop-punk genre.  It's a catchy ride that packs a punch.  You'll also find a surprise or two along the way,  If you're a fan of bands along the line of All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, and Jimmy Eat World, then you should give the record a listen.

Download All Friends, No Fans

La Bella Charade - Self Titled EP

Pop-punk music is usually made up of big sing-along choruses and overly emotional vocalists.  The songs are short and fast, little bits of uncontrollable energy.  Not often do you find an album of the genre that flows together as one piece.  La Bella Charade's debut self titled EP does just that.  From the beginning to the end, the EP sounds, and feels, like a complete album.

The five song EP is a great intro for the St. Louis based quartet.  They establish themselves in a crowd among well known names such as Fall Out Boy and Paramore.  The album is actually very reminiscent of Fall Out Boy's debut, Take This To Your Grave.  It's exciting and raw.  If they keep this style instead of transitioning into a pop-rock band, then they could gain a following of listeners who are striving for this musical style.

In many of the songs, harmonizing is key.  This technique is something the band has utilized to it's potential.  While the vocals could use some fine tuning, they're strong enough to stand out among other similar bands.

I would check out La Bella Charade if you enjoy bands such as Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, and Paramore.  Pop-punk fans should be prepared for this band.  They have the potential to rise above the masses.  To find more info on this band, check out their website, here.