After releasing their 2005 debut record Phantoms, things were over for Seattle based band Acceptance – until now. With one full length album and two EP’s under their belt, the group broke up, which led to its members scattering themselves across the country eventually losing touch. After an offer to perform at Skate and Surf in New Jersey in 2015 came to the table, front man and vocalist Jason Vena was able to get in touch with the rest of the group and a reunion began to take shape.
12 years after its release, Phantoms still stands on its own, with the songs remaining fresh and vibrant. On their latest album, Collided by Design, Acceptance sounds like an entirely new band as they never had the chance to define their style with Phantoms.
Opening with “Diagram of a Simple Man,” the group takes on more of an 80’s feel, a drastic change from their pop orientated debut. With Vena still possessing clear vocals and the rest of the band playing together as if they never split, “Diagram” is a great opening track, though it might take diehard fans time to get used to their new sound.
“Goodbye” is a mid-tempo track that brings together the simple song structure that fans loved in 2005. Kick starting his career in the now disbanded rock group Anberlin, guitarist Christian McAlhaney sounds excellent on this song, as the band pushes themselves to be the best that they can be.
“Fire and Rain” is another upbeat track that has a chorus that shows off the bands musical abilities and that after remaining dormant for over a decade, they still know how to make great music. To close out, the band leaves fans with “Golden” a slow tune which is has always been one of the bands strengths when writing. Continuing with hints of 80’s stylings, the group has come a long way since Phantoms and while it will catch longtime fans off guard, this is also the perfect time to discover Acceptance, as they are starting over and shedding their old skin.
Listen to “Diagram of a Simple Man” below.
