The Torn ACLs – Make A Break, Make A Move

Score: 8.1/10.0
Self-Released
The Torn ACLs

If you’ve ever pondered what album you should put on to sing-a-long to while taking a shower, then The Torn ACLs’  Make A Break, Make A Move is the solution to your dilemma. Every song has a catchy beat, and lead singer’s William Cremin falsetto pop vocals make the whole album perfect for shaking and shimmying–in or out of the shower.

Make A Break, Make A Move starts out strong with “Two, Four, Six, Eight,” an anthem that makes the listener want to rally for something, whether it be for peace, justice,  or for no more homework and longer curfews. The album has a faster pace compared to The Torn ACLs previous album, Sympathy For Criminals, although Make A Break, Make A Move does feature a fewer slower songs like “Election Night”, “25 MPH” and “Emergencies.” The latter provides a nice break of piano in a synth and guitar-riff laden album. The soft clinks of keys mixed with a crescendo of drums build up to a momentous half-way point of “Emergencies” and provide counterbalance to the album’s high paced tunes.

The album has its share of highlights include the previously mentioned opener “Two, Four, Six, Eight”, as well as  ”Just Don’t Crash The Boss’s Car”, and “Bass Drum.” “Bass Drum,” with the keys, crashes, and the constant shaker in the background, is a highly delightful song even if it is about a bass drum and how it needs help and what it sees. While “Bass Drum” is the shortest song on the whole album, coming just over two minutes, it breaks up the solemn vibe after previous slow[er] songs, “Election Night” and “Emergencies.”

“Bass Drum” also provides a great segue into “Just Don’t Crash The Boss’s Car.” The song is a tad reminiscent of older Blink 182 with its constant guitar strumming, heavy drumbeats, and rambunctious lyrics akin to “What’s My Age Again?”: “What’s it like to be in charge?/ Just don’t crash the boss’s car” and “You don’t want to be this company’s Achilles heel.” Cremin’s vocal cadence on this particular song helps mimic the upbeat melody while also bringing a slight jazz lounge feel.

The album features a varietal mix of styles and tempos that balance slow, waltz, peppy, pop, rock, and even some punk rallying. Make A Break, Make A Move is an album for all moods even if its suited for accompaniment via shower.