Boston Metro,
September 2007
"Reaches for the heights and poignancy of sensitive Brit Rock stadium balladeers like Coldplay or Embrace. But there’s more depth than such comparisons suggest on a record that ranges from bombast to lilting, folkier fair."
--by Luke Oneil
All Music Guide,
April 2006
"Surprisingly few American bands have signed on to the successful trend of British pop bands who favor minor key piano-based melodies and quietly earnest vocals to the more brash, guitar-based mopery of the American emo bands. Kind of surprising, since Coldplay sell a lot more records than even Bright Eyes; one would think this was a bandwagon worth jumping. In lesser hands, the self-titled debut by the Break Mission would be considered just that, but the Boston foursome led by guitarist/pianist Jeff Knowlton doesn't just go the Keane route and try to be Coldplay Lite. Amid all the gloom of hazy, atmospheric tunes like "This Is Detachment" (which has strong elements of both Scottish depressives Snow Patrol and the darker side of Death Cab for Cutie), there are songs here with the spiky insistence of the assertive guitar rocker "Echo" and the delicacy of the whispery, mostly acoustic "Collecting Small Victories." Although the Break Mission is still at a point where they're best discussed in terms of their influences, their debut album is strong enough to bode well for their future."
--by Stewart Mason
Metronome Magazine,
December 2005
"Huge, anthemic arrangements bolstered by ingenous lyrics fules the sound that is The Break Mission. Blazing guitars, a bounding piano and even a string section add deep dimension to this band's delivery. Listeners of all ages will find something to like about The Break Mission whether it's their commanding musicality, driving beats or fine musical sensibilities."
--by Douglas Sloan
Music Ghost UK,
December 2005
"The Break Mission have created an anthemic and euphoric pop album that will turn the head of all your friends whenever you play it."
Northeastern Performer, December 2005
"musical innovations take center stage...catchy, and it shows promising talent for a band so young."
--by Dean Powers
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Worcester Magazine,
November 2005
"The Break Mission (the disc) is full of strong, atmospheric pop, as it was produced by Dan McLoughlin — a smart, 11-song selection by a band we’re proud to have for a visit."
--by C. Arsenault
Wormtown.org,
November 2005
"filled with hooks and great musicianship that doesn't settle for one style of sound"
--by Brian Goslow
Hippo Press,
October 2005
"Listening to four of the tracks on the album makes you think that this band is, or should be, in the big leagues...because of their individual talents, the band as whole creates something different...it makes for good music."
--by Richie Victorino
Boston Magazine,
September 2005
"While The Break Mission's debut album sounds best when the volume's cranked up, the band is equally adept with a slow-burning ballad. Producer Dan McLoughlin layers quieter tracks like "Hold On" with atmospheric string and organ arrangements, but it's singer-guitarist Jeff Knowlton's sense of melody and soaring vocal lines that truly stand out."
--by Brian Bowen
Score Magazine,
November 2004
"The band boasts sophisticated dynamics and sublime lyrical content. These four songs draw you in and you want more by the end. I love Track 3 most of all, because of the satisfactory feeling its creates, almost flawless. It's another refreshing glance at alternative rock."
--by Christine
Boston Phoenix,
October 2004, Best of the Fest-NEMO Recommendations
"One final recommendation: local outfit Redletter -- who combine textured guitar rock with heartfelt songwriting on their self-released debut EP, The Spirit and the Chemicals -- headline Copperfield's...Ricocheting from plain rock-and-roll grind to expansive sonic excursions, they served up a fine set at the Rumble in May."
--by Ted Drozdowski
"Incredible Sex Music"
--Chris Trapper, The Push Stars |
