{"id":623,"date":"2013-03-20T14:10:44","date_gmt":"2013-03-20T18:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~reviewing\/?page_id=623"},"modified":"2013-03-20T14:13:04","modified_gmt":"2013-03-20T18:13:04","slug":"honor-society-sound-continues-to-evolve","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/reviewing\/?page_id=623","title":{"rendered":"Honor Society sound continues to evolve"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted March 20, 2013<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By NICKY DIAZ<\/p>\n

A lot has changed for pop rock band Honor Society since the recent release of its third EP \u201cSerendipity.\u201d The new album shows that the band\u2019s sound has once again evolved; from R&B and pop to rock and electronic, the trio \u2013 originally from New York \u2013 isn\u2019t afraid to push the limits.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The new EP\u2019s release also marks Honor Society\u2019s last record with keyboardist and guitarist Jason Rosen, who announced his departure from the band in mid-February. Fans were shocked and upset.<\/p>\n

But just because one man is down doesn\u2019t mean the band is disappearing; there are still three talented musicians in the band fighting their way up, which they\u2019ve made clear while they prep for their upcoming concerts for Serendipity The Tour. They have not replaced Rosen.<\/p>\n

Since leaving Hollywood Records in 2011 in order to gain creative freedom, Honor Society has proved to critics and listeners that it means business. And there\u2019s no doubt that \u201cSerendipity\u201d is the band\u2019s most mature and impressive album yet.<\/p>\n

The opening track, \u201cObsession,\u201d had been released earlier through the Honor System \u2013 a program in which the band would release free tracks to fans as it recorded and prepped for \u201cSerendipity\u2019s\u201d release. However, drummer Alex Noyes, singer-guitarist Michael Bruno and bassist Andrew Lee revamped the track, giving it a completely new feel.<\/p>\n

The lyrics are catchy: <\/b>\u201cA moment alone\/a crack in the stone\/I\u2019m breaking down\/But her smile weighs too much.\u201d The music itself will draw listeners in as well; the incredible guitar riffs, the nostalgic 1980s vibe and powerful bass line are irresistible.<\/p>\n

Following \u201cObsession\u201d is the band\u2019s latest single, \u201cSerendipity.\u201d These first two tracks couldn\u2019t be more different, showcasing Honor Society\u2019s range in genres and sounds. The title track has a lighter sound \u2013 more acoustic than \u201cObsession\u2019s\u201d heavier rock sound \u2013 paired with comedic lyrics: \u201cMy Kim to her Kanye\/My Jay to her Beyonce\/I want to be her guy.\u201d <\/b>It\u2019s definitely a summer tune; you\u2019ll be craving a pina colada and a poolside hammock by the end of it.<\/p>\n

The next two songs, \u201cThis Bed Is An Ocean\u201d and \u201cHouse On The Hill,\u201d tie the EP together. The former is a treat for dedicated Honor Society fans, considering it was one of the first songs the group played together. They teased it on the last EP, \u201cA Tale of Risky Business Part 2,\u201d through an interlude.<\/p>\n

But fans can now get the full and recorded version of the track. Although it is an oldie, the guys made sure to insert their new sound into it, venturing from the standard acoustic version with a leading piano melody and powerful mood-setting percussion.<\/p>\n

\u201cHouse On The Hill\u201d shows exactly where the band is now: a more mature alternative sound accompanied by beautifully complex lyrics. The track touches on a relationship between a woman and a man separated by war. There\u2019s no doubt that this is Honor Society\u2019s strongest song to date.<\/p>\n

The EP closes with \u201cKaleidoscope,\u201d definitely a step down from \u201cHouse On The Hill.\u201d That\u2019s not to say it isn\u2019t enjoyable. The upbeat track isn\u2019t the band\u2019s strongest, but the lyrics are endearing: \u201cYour colors shine\/But you live your life\/Trapped inside a silent film.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the band preps to promote the new EP during Serendipity The Tour, the group has made it clear that there are plenty of tricks up its sleeves. In true Honor Society fashion, the tour is bound to be a month-long party rather than a series of concerts.<\/p>\n