This album. Goodness gracious, I've probably listened to it all the way through at least 30 times. Maybe even 40!
Each of Brand New's four releases are different from each other - it's not like A Day to Remember where every album (and song!) sound same and show no signs of progression. Oh no. Deja, their sophomore release, differs significantly from the angst-ridden pop punk of Your Favorite Weapon. As the band has matured and grown older, so has their music! Subject matter isn't so much "She dumped me, FML, hope she wrecks and flies thru her windshield", but more along the lines of "I think way too much, we can't be together, I'm discovering myself".
Songs like Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't and Sic Transit Gloria, Glory Fades tackle more "mature" issues, while The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows and Play Crack the Sky are your classic tragic-accident-kills-couple-that-is-oh-so-madly-in-love, but hell, they do a killer job, no matter the subject matter. Lyrically, Jesse Lacey is SO on top of his game. He totally devours books of classy phrases and adjectives, cleverly employing each to his liking and painting a situation in the listener's mind's eye that almost envelopes you. He's very talented at implying situations that we, or our companions, have been in, especially more along the lines of love and growing up.
As far as the actual music goes, also good. Fitting, for sure. I mean it's not like the most stunning virtuoso work, but considering the record is more lyric/vocal oriented, it's an excellent horse to ride in on and really puts the story on display. Heavy when it needs to be (I like it when it's heavy :) ), but can also be more atmospheric and reflective, following what's being said and the tale being told.
All in all, Deja is a most excellent piece of alternative rock. Killer songwriting, and each song is different! It's not one of those that every track sounds the same. These guys keep the listener's attention by giving the record diverse qualities and sounds, and that's something admirable, considering the sea of made-for-radio albums being stamped out in "Executive Producer" land. psh.