At the Foot of My Rival

At the Foot of My Rival, from The New Amsterdams, is an album that melds rock, indie tones and thoughtful lyrics into a collection of tracks that will surely speak to listeners. Some of the songs have a lively rhythm, but the lyrics allow listeners a peek into the group's innermost emotions.

"Revenge" has biting lyrics and an intimate beat. The band goes on about that sensation that can boil up inside of someone after they have been wronged and they are now seeking retribution. "Don't leave any details out. Come clean/Revenge, once you feel it. I'll be back again/How do you sleep at night?...I'll take your hints it's all I have." The acoustic guitar strumming is rhythmic in its speed, making the song hypnotic.

On "Wait" the guitar and drum play is brisk. The band sings about the force of living and being content with what they have. "Wait/Maybe we don't need anything concrete. You say hold on to little securities. Hope that the world won't carry me away away."

With "Fountain of Youth" a rock vibe comes into play, as the band harmonizes about actions that one can only fantasize about -- some of which are benign, others dangerous. The pace of the song is incredibly fast, as the band expounds such lines as, "Come if you can, call if you must. Then you drink what you bring, share it with us/drink if u drive. Save you the best and take what you like/.Do what you want and laugh like a fool. The secret to this to tell you the truth. Maybe this is the fountain of youth. Maybe this is the fountain of youth. Maybe this is the fountain of youth."

The New Amsterdams' "At the Foot of My Rival" has songs that will attract any music lover, whether they prefer joyful cadences or more pensive musings.