In Your Head
In Your Head is the debut album of the New York indie outfit Playing Dead. The band, which formed in 2004, was signed by Saint Elsewhere Records. In addition, they were recently ranked #27 in Deli Magazines list of New York Citys top 300 bands.
The high ranking is no surprise, as the band opens their songs with catchy and powerful guitar melodies. Although the riffs initially capture the audiences attention, the vocals of Sam Hoyos ultimately make listeners excited about where the songs will head.
The band's style is similar to New Jersey-based punk group Saves the Day. Like Saves the Day, Playing Dead's songs often deal with depressing subjects. Interestingly, the catchy and motivating sounds of the guitar belie the gloomy lyrics.
"Bad Things," "House of Cards," "Architect of Hell," and "Apology Is The New Foreplay" paint relationships and the problems that often accompany them in a cynical light. However, Playing Dead visits the opposite end of the spectrum in songs like "Places," "If You Die," and "Dead And Gone," which examine the happiness couples in love experience. In fact, "If You Die" is a fun and silly song that deals with the death of a significant other; the singer is so broken up by the fact that his girlfriend has died that he wishes she could return from beyond the grave to haunt him.
Although a good portion of In Your Head centers on relationships, its best songs have little to do with them. The singles "Don't Wake Up," "On A Thursday," and "Day Of The Week" attempt to convey a single, but infinitely important message: seize the day. The songs implore listeners to cherish every moment, and to act upon every opportunity.
Ultimately, Playing Dead delivers a unique brand of indie-punk with In Your Head. Although the album is more likely to resonate with younger audiences, many songs will also strike a chord with mature listeners.