WAIT! THIS IS... // At The Drive-In - Quarantined // Composer Reaction & Analysis

[@reguba3534]

This album is such a classic, it really feels like they captured such raw energy that can't be reproduced. I can't remember the name of the producer on this album, but I believe it's the same one who worked on Glassjaw's Worship and Tribute, yet another seminal post-hardcore album.

[@seenbelow]

Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Korn) and the sound engineer was Andy Wallace (incredible list of everything from Slayer and Nirvana to Jeff Buckley and Linkin Park).

[@dougdouglass6126]

As a fan of everything Mars Volta, I really enjoyed the exploratory part of this live track. When I first discovered At The Drive In, before I knew of Mars Volta, I had thought that Omar’s playing was amateur, that he didn’t really know what direction he was going in but played with a lot of confidence despite being totally out. Coming back to it now I love it. He’s playing so out. Out of the key, the rhythm, the texture, an idea here that abruptly ends, a switch to something else equally out, and occasionally a brief moment of consonance. What I appreciate is that he’s painting with sound, it’s abstract, sometimes child-like. It’s not that he has the skill of an amateur, it’s that he has the creativity and confidence to weave in such absurd dissonance, to refuse the canvas a satisfying stroke in favor of something grotesque. When the exploration ends and we’re delivered back to the familiar, what was just painted feels like it had all the intention in the world, we just weren’t meant to understand it during the painting process. Now I love being along for the process because I can hear and feel the meaning of the sound.

[@molnet999]

some people think omar is pretentious when he keeps referring to himself as a not-so skilled guitar player but i think he's giving his honest assessment of his playing ability and if you approach it from a shredding perspective, i guess he's not steve vai, but that clearly isn't the skill set he's been interested in developing either, he's clearly more of a composer/"director"/band leader/song writer than a guitar god.

[@mry82]

Well said!

[@paule1624]

Greatest post hardcore album. And i think you’d definitely enjoy the first TMV lp

[@Sir_Blobfish]

Was going to say this.

[@ARASNshane]

I grew up on post-hardcore in my teens, and there’s a whole encyclopedia of bands that never got their proper recognition for their time. ATDI being one of them.

[@Posirep]

I remember when they essentially split into 2 bands and it was like if you have an afro youre in TMV and if not you're in Sparta. But then Paul Hinojos ended up in TMV anyway lol

[@sebzilla89]

If you're tired of trying to keep Cedric and Omar's shit together at shows you form Sparta. If you're tired of the rhythm section cramping your style you're in TMV

[@mortalmannequin4091]

Dude I would kill for you to just go through post hardcore. Maybe make it a segment :0. Def keep checking out unwound too. I could see a slight glimmer in your eye from that last reaction to them

[@marcelopenaonfray5827]

After At The Drive In separation, a fraction started a new more pop project, while Omar and Cedric started a much more experimental project, that is The Mars Volta!

[@BruhBruh-wc6qv]

Sparta is not pop

[@uhhh___tyler]

sparta is very much not pop lol. they stayed in the post hardcore lane

[@marcelopenaonfray5827]

But with a more Pop melodic direction than ATDI or TMV@@uhhh___tyler

[@ip3948]

Sparta are not pop. Wiretap Scars is an underappreciated post-hardcore classic.

[@menasouvlaki3595]

​@@marcelopenaonfray5827 the chord progressions don't follow pop structures bro

[@communionshaped]

one of the greatest albums ever made. also wish you’d dive more into the mars voltas Deloused in the Comatorium, specifically the songs Roulette Dares and Take The Veil Cerpin Taxt

[@DiiNovensiles]

This album is pretty renowned, surprised you don't know about the band as a post-hardcore enjoyer. Prior to this album they were more underground, the single from this (One-Armed Scissor) was about as massive as a post-hardcore single of the time could be in my memory. But TMV did become more popular. Most tracks on Relationship of Command are a bit noisier or at least faster than this, but I think some of the more chill songs are the best. I would urge you to listen to Non-Zero Possibility, less noisy and possibly strongest track on the album. You are correct about ATDI Cedric+Omar making TMV, but the piece of the puzzle you don't have is that this album caused the band to break up due to creative differences, and split into TMV and a band called Sparta. Haven't listened to Sparta in a long time but if I recall right it stuck a bit closer to ATDI style. The early TMV song you were thinking of is "Cicatriz ESP". The idea of the instruments being so disconnected being a "Quarantined" theme is interesting, but I'm afraid that's mostly how the album is. Lots of sections of Cedric carrying the melody over textural guitar, contrasting sections with bombastic bass and drums (though bass and drums often work more together and less in contrast). As someone slightly more into ATDI than TMV I feel the experimentation on this live is both lame compared to TMV efforts and unfitting for a ROC track, too ambient

[@CriticalReactions]

The break-up is interesting. It's clear the direction that Cedric & Omar but I figured the band would have been on board with it. I'll have to check out Sparta on my journey through ATDI and early TMV.

[@nicp2039]

For me Sparta was the better post ATDI break up band, though personally always loved what Jim ward brought to the table.

[@tommcmahon3200]

Relationship of Command was a huge album for me - literally bought a second copy I played it so much on the ol discman. Bloody Hell the first time hearing "One Armed Scissor" on Triple J here in Oz 🤯And for an album filled with iconic crescendos, this one always stood out because, unlike the other tracks which all pretty much come storming out the gate (not a criticism!), 'Quarantined' has by far the most dynamic range - as you say, extended flowing exploratory parts and tight punchy choruses, tied together with a strong leading vocal performance. Enjoy exploring one of the greatest albums of the 00's 🤙

[@ladygeorge505]

Straight nostalgia!

[@andrewrigney5888]

I’d totally be down to watch your post-hardcore journey channel!! You should definitely do more At The Drive-In! In/Casino/Out and Vaya are incredible, and their first album Acrobatic Tenement was their attempt to write a Cap’n Jazz album (according to Cedric their singer lol). I would also recommend checking out Hoover and Q & Not U, two other amazing post-hardcore bands from DC. And of course, more Fugazi! Rites of Spring would be another great band to look at, they’re considered by some to be one of the first emo bands

[@iggypopdrop3509]

I didn’t realize they had so many albums. Will have to explore.

[@yura901]

Proto-posthardcore to modern-post-harcore? by brian, im really in! love this channel :D

[@yura901]

so much love for ATDI , TMV, and this series

[@CriticalReactions]

Glad to hear someone would be interested in this!

[@jaredtremonti3048]

The backup vocalist is Jim Ward, who is also the rhythm guitar and switches to piano in the back half of the song which is probably what caused the confusion. If there is a 3rd singer it's generally Omar, the lead guitarist.

[@j.prt.979]

I'd be interested to hear more posthardcore on the channel for sure. Do what you like.

[@JamsandTea]

I would absolutely watch a channel or series of you going through a decade’s worth of genre classics, it would be fascinating to track the progression through your perspective. Also glad you even mildly enjoyed something Cedric and Omar made finally lmao, I think their ATDI stuff is probably more your speed than The Mars Volta

[@WildHeart7777]

same here!!! yess!!!!

[@davidricart1395]

You should check out Drive Like Jehu. ATDI's biggest influence. Cedric said, "there would be no relationship of command without Jehu". DLJ was one of the first progressive post-hardcore bands.

[@raidervillalobos6457]

Been waiting for you to dive back in to TMV or even ATDI

[@j.prt.979]

Yeah, you should definitely do an album reaction to Relationship of Command some time (or at least listen to it). I've always thought you would really like it based on your taste. This is one of the weaker tracks on the album tbh (not quite as catchy or energetic).

[@theghostsofgiants]

I would be super down for that post-hardcore journey

[@jcfarnham4634]

A certain genre influence on these guys might shed some light on the textural spacial sections and why they exist, especially on songs like this: a few of the members here have a background in dub influenced bands. It's certainly there in a few places like the bass lines, echo fx, and the rhythmic focus paired with textual often sound effect-y stuff. The only thing its missing is any overtly reggae guitar rhythms. There were a couple 90/00s bands that fused dub with post hardcore iirc (and quite a few post-punk bands that did the same in the 70s 80s) though since I was a huge fan of ATDI back then they always come to mind first! I quite enjoy those sorts of sections personally, but I 100% get how it sounds aimless. It pretty much is lol but I appreciate the way it coloured their sound and helped them stand out from other bands.

[@richardjones38]

I ought to check out more at the drive in. I've always quite liked One Armed Scissor, and their mad performance of it on the Jools Holland show

[@DavidWilliams-ic1nn]

def listen through Relationship of Command, then

[@particlejim]

That Jools Holland performance is certainly something special, Cedric and Omar's complete disregard for the craft of the song in favour of just going absolutely apeshit is a sight to behold 😂

[@ronaldroell9244]

Commenting again after watching you react to their live version. The disappointment and disdain in your facial expressions was killing me, in a funny way haha. I was 17 when I first heard them, so to me their live meandering stuff was not only good but well worth it because their live shows were insane. Looking back on it, I agree they sound super amateurish but I still love it! Check out Sparta. Bearvsshark is also another fun band. Also, I really wonder what you would think of Hopesfall - Satellite Years. Just a masterpiece of an album.

[@echoes675]

The Tremulant ep is the missing link between the two bands I think would be more up your alley and would lead you nicely to their first album Deloused in the Comatorium which again I think you would enjoy.

[@ronaldroell9244]

Arcarsenal is another song you should look at. It is the greatest opening song any band would die to have. God I love ATDI/Sparta and most of all TMV.

[@pechondelgado]

Seriously. This album was my workout/running album and nothing got me going like Arcarsenal did. 10/10

[@posthardcoresinger]

Greatest punk band of all time in my opinion. I'm 34 so I was a little young for them when they were blowing up too, I remember people were beginning to try and market them as the next Nirvana or some bs and these guys were way too angsty and counter-cultural to accept it at the time lol - they split into TMV and Sparta. I had to back track to these guys after really being first introduced to the genre with the Used self titled, Finch's first record etc., stuff that came out a couple years later. There's a lot of incredible stuff in the middling - later days of post-hardcore from this era. Third wave emo or whatever it's called basically took over after this, then metalcore blew up in parallel and all that. It was phenomenal that this band was ever as popular as they were, even if for a flash in the pan. The world had good taste in music... for like a year or two of my life lol. The other obvious bands in this area to look at might be Refused, Glassjaw, Sunny Day Real Estate. You could get a lot more underground than that if you wanted but it's not really necessary because those bands will give you a tour of all the various sides and shades of post-hardcore and early-ish emo. Drive Like Jehu is a fun one too.

[@mry82]

I discovered these guys way after the fact for some reason too.

[@hikemalliday6007]

love this band. album fucking RIPS

[@ip3948]

Heard them play this live and it sounds like the world is ending.

[@crouchingtiger9108]

The mars volta is basically at the drive in with better musicians.

[@menasouvlaki3595]

Bro, it's the same musicians almost. Funny take. Half the band played in Mars Volta. Jeremy ward, Omar's brother. Eva.. and their song structures are nothing alike

[@crouchingtiger9108]

@@menasouvlaki3595 Yeah mainly because of Jon Theodore. I didn't say there wasn't a transfer of a lot of people from ATDI. I said that it's basically the same band with the addition of better musicians.

[@Hornswoop]

I would definitely watch that! 😄👍

[@hackmaniteultra4329]

very epic video. anyways was wondering when is the next will wood album review coming 😭 cant wait for another month man im desperate 😭

[@ShadinCore]

6:44 personally i can't wait for your "krallice fan reacts to post-hardcore" video series! 🥰

[@CriticalReactions]

Oh yeah....that's me 😄

[@sigzil1985]

The Vaya EP by AtDI is one I would massively recommend. The thing about this album is that the production is brilliant and awful at the same time. The drums and bass sound incredible, but the vocal is mixed too loud and it gets tiring to listen to imo. On Vaya the vocal is a bit lower in the mix and it sounds badass, more like live and raw.

[@JordanPeacock]

I for one would be all for an all post-hardcore channel. :D First nomination: Frodus: ...and we washed our weapons in the sea. If you only do one track, I recommend "There Will Be No More Scum"

[@JordanPeacock]

Also, while I get it, I'm still utterly shocked that you've somehow missed At The Drive-In/Relationship of Command (I would consider it a perfect album), and am impressed that you made the connections to The Mars Volta completely out of nowhere.

[@JordanPeacock]

re: Frodus; they were DC-area, and their last album was recorded 98-99, even though it was released after they broke up in 2001 on Fueled by Ramen. The fact that they were supposed to support Refused on their tour for The Shape of Punk to Come, which was abruptly ended when Refused broke up, is another reason why they are woefully underrated.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Even for a guy who's not big into punk/hardcore, I have immense respect At the Drive-In and this album in particular. Though I do prefer The Mars Volta, I can hear so much of that DNA in ATDI in a much rawer form. They have the same off-the-wall energy, but it's much more focused and less psychedelic/progressive. I like my psychedelia and prog so that's why I prefer TMV, but ATDI did this particular style better than anyone and in retrospect they ended up having a pretty massive influence on the genre. I've heard so many bands since then that took their basic sound and ran with it in similar (or even quite different) directions. Anyway, really enjoyed revisiting this. It's been a long time since I've gone through their discography, but after the really disappointing last TMV album I might make it a point to revisit them soon.

[@jmarsvolta]

You actually like a Mars Volta song! lol.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

I had a skate part for a local shop when I was in middle school and this was the song I used for the part. I wish I had a copy of that, maybe somebody will upload a rip of the VHS onto KZbin

[@derrickcox6883]

Shouldve let the album roll on, the next track along with the end of this track fits together and helps propel the next song. whole album from start to finish is great

[@Witherfall]

🍷

[@mat_j]

cut away, cut away!

[@l3p3rM355i4h]

Relationship of Command is a great album but you can definitely hear where Jim Ward and the rest of the band wanted to move in a different direction from Cedric and Omar. My favorite ATDI release is Vaya (by far the best produced ATDI effort) and their best full album in my opinion is In/Casino/Out for it's raw emotion and energy. It's really a seminal album in both emo and post-hardcore, I'd love to see a deep dive on either. Particular songs would be Metronome Arthritis from Vaya and Napoleon Solo or Lopsided from In/Casino/Out.

[@greggerypeccary]

100% agree. I actually think El Gran Orgo is the best -- the sweet spot between the HC energy and the experimental stuff -- and I find that Relationship of Command is pretty unfocused and overlong, like they were given the freedom of unlimited studio time and each one was doing what they wanted (the same thing, BTW, is visible with Soul Side on Hot Bodi-Gram... like the Girls vs. Boys guys are separated from Bobby).

[@l3p3rM355i4h]

@@greggerypeccary no Jim Ward on El Gran Orgo though, he adds a certain je ne sais quoi to their composition. I feel like his absence is what let interalia down compared to the rest of their catalog.

[@greggerypeccary]

@@l3p3rM355i4hI'm looking at it more from the perspective as the transition point from punk to more "serious" music, so you still have the raw punk energy but with more complex music (like tricot's Kabuku EP).

[@bodylan11]

This album and the blood brother's burn piano island burn were the best post hardcore albums of that time, imitators came out of the woodwork after them. Check out burn piano island burn by the blood brothers, imo, just better all around

[@cuteasxtreme]

This album for me is grating to listen to in full because it’s so compressed and already so wild in the first place. Their other albums are really good too and in my opinion better.

[@ip3948]

A post-hardcore channel would be amazing and if you like early Used and MCR albums that is basically the end and death of the genre's good old days and you have a mountain of amazing music to discover. You would have to be covering at least mid eighties to 2000 though so its a big job. Please do it.

[@NovellaFranca]

Yes to more post-hardcore

[@skidknuckle593]

I was wondering why you keep getting Frances The Mute songs for TMV recommend when I always thought you'd appreciate De-Loused in the Comatorium more. Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt kind of feels like At The Drive-In.

[@hikemalliday6007]

As much as I LOVE atdi... If i can be critical for one second... If Cedric had just a little bit better pitch, the band would be fucking phenomenal live. His singing is way more in tune recorded. The guitarist ALWAYS seems to nail the backup vocals live, though

[@CriticalReactions]

Those backup vocals in the live were spot on! Totally agree with that. I think you're right that with a little more tuning they could have been big but I didn't mind the atonality in the live version. Which is quite odd for me.

[@ryukan250]

Would love to hear your reaction and analysis of bands like Hopesfall, Thursday, Alexisonfire.

[@Posirep]

hopesfall is just heavy HUM. Thats not a rip on them, The Satellite Years is one of my favorite albums of all time and Arbiter and Magnetic North are criminally underrated....but in essense they are a heavier version of HUM

[@MyTwoSenses]

I'd be interested in post-hardcore content - especially more mewithoutYou (I know you reviewed one song, but that was a relatively simple song, even though I do like it)

[@muskett00]

Quarantine, by Phantom Planet... I remember the band being fairly well known at this time, but they werent my thing. This works better for me now than it did back then.. No way, mind blown that this was The Mars Volta prequel. Think the guitar is a little sharp on the live track. Or the bass is flat? The top G slightly, and A moreso are sharp/ out of tune. Sounds like he tried to fix it on the fly but it got worse, so he owned the 'noise' and presented it as intentional, which almost worked for me, if i didnt know better. A poorly intonated guitar can be in key when strummed open, but when rising up the fretboard, the relationship can become more dissonant. Since our bass player has most of his playing above the 5th fret, i always advise to tune to that fret, rather than tune open...

[@FernandoReyes956]

Check out Antemasque . Also different but still Omar and Cedric together

[@bigwengz914]

Not watched this reaction, but IIRC you were a fan of the mars volta's intertatic ESP but didn't fully enjoy any other song (I do believe you would enjoy every song on deloused if you like inertiatic esp). I do like ATDI, Enfilade and pattern against user are their best songs imo Some other artists to listen to if you are ever bored - tame impala, jamiroquay, hrvrd, cyan marble (prog), Lydia, Ediola, Artifex Pereo, Queens of the Stone age, Buckethead. enjoy.

[@bigwengz914]

Yo, critical reactions, you a fan of chon?

[@CriticalReactions]

I've heard Waterfalls and maybe another track or two. They're great but I don't think I've heard anything that would catch my attention for a whole album.

[@bigwengz914]

@@CriticalReactions You need to listen to Jamiroquay. Great for any occasion; If you're ever at a house party and stuck on what to play and want everyone to vibe with it, heed my words.... Always play Jamiroquay at a party, never don't!

[@mry82]

You ever listen to mewithoutyou? Check them out!

[@CriticalReactions]

I've heard "My Exit, Unfair" but that's it from them. I remember enjoying it though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XYYYyMa8iKm5I

[@Justin-td4bb]

For me, Mars Volta has always sounded like a regression from ATDI. We didn't need yet another prog band