Album Review: Set Your Goals - 'This Will Be The Death of Us'

29 July 2009 | 5:44 pm | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

The savior of classic pop-punk we all know and love.

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If you had ever questioned your belief about the return of classic pop-punk, look no further then the new record by Set Your Goals: “This Will Be the Death of Us”.


In a scene that’s been overtaken by bad haircuts and bright neon clothes, Set Your Goals manage to separate themselves from the rest of the pack delivering a unique and sensational album, instead of a regurgitated copy of the latest generic musical trend. Produced by Mike Green (Paramore, The Matches) this 12 track album is unstoppable. Individually, the tracks are sensational, but together – they are explosive and inescapable.


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Set Your Goals shows an energy on this album that is unmatched by many other bands. The title track sets the tone with its gritty guitar work, whilst the track “Look Closer” sounds like what would happen if Blink-182 and Home Grown merged and had a baby. From start to finish, “This Will Be the Death of Us” is intense. It doesn’t stop with the loud, blasting guitars; the two lyricists and vocalists Matt Wilson and Jordan Brown tag-team with explosive energy and powerful messages whilst still harmonizing nicely throughout. “Summer Jam” is the clear sing-along anthem, which chronicles the some of the bands earliest tour memories, while still packing a mean punch. 


Whilst the album features several guest vocals, none has more of a greater impact then Hayley Williams of Paramore on the track “The Few That Remain.” Albeit, her initial entry on the track is cheesy, (“Go for it dude!”) she manages to deliver killer harmonies mixed with wicked pseudo-rap that’s sure to make this song a favorite among fans. It displays a different side to her vocals than she gets to express with her own band, and her aggressive side fits in with Set Your Goals seamlessly. 


“Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)” which features some bad-ass screaming from Turmoil’s Jon Gula, is definitely one of the most powerful tracks on the album both lyrically and musically. Having this track as the albums heaviest certainly helps to get the message across, and it’s a new direction for Set Your Goals to create a song expressing a form of political output.  


Some of the albums other tracks show the stance that Set Your Goals is taking lyrically – writing about real issues and questioning higher powers and authority. “Flawed Methods of Persecution & Punishment” sends out some socially conscious lyrics wrapped into some incredibly catchy gang vocals, whilst, “Our Ethos: A Legacy to Pass On” manages to channel skate punk reminiscent to that of the 1990s. Its creates a raucous track that features Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory yelling his lungs out. The song closes out the album with the primary message put forward by Set Your Goals: Positivity.


“This Will Be the Death of Us” is the return to classic pop-punk style we all know and love. Set Your Goals has managed to improve in everyway since their last album “Mutiny!

Never slowing down, this album will leave you wanting a little more each time you listen to it. The album manages to encapsulate the edge that’s been missing in this genre for years as the band is spectacular at writing a catchy hook without it sounding glossy and overproduced at the dispense of auto-tune. Their rejuvenating energy and “who gives a shit” approach; met with their intensity and powerhouse vocalists and guitarists alike makes this record one that will keep you moshing into 2010 and beyond. 

1. This Will Be The Death Of Us feat. Vinne Caruana 

2. With Hoffman Lenses We Will See The Truth 

3. Look Closer 

4. Summer Jam 

5. Like You To Me 

6. The Fallen 

7. The Few That Remain feat. Hayley Williams 

8. Equals 

9. Gaia Bleeds (Make Way For Man) feat. John Gula 

10. Flawed Methods of Persecution & Punishment 

11. Arrival Notes 

12. Our Ethos: A Legacy To Pass On