Review: Secondborn – “Symbols”
In an era where – thanks to loads of accessible technology – recording music is easier than ever, 
too many bands are releasing albums too soon. This is an issue primarily found in the independent music community, where the hope of getting noticed A.S.A.P. sometimes supersedes the desire to put out a quality body of work.
Louisiana rock/post-hardcore outfit, Secondborn, understands this and have admittedly avoided an insane touring schedule in place of honing its sound.
What has come from this decision is Symbols (available June 2), a six-song EP that features sublime instrumental execution in the form of well-layered guitar work and pulsating rhythms. Meanwhile, frontman Daniel Pinner’s multi-dimensional vocal work doesn’t cut corners – instead it cuts through with confidence.
Appreciated here is Secondborn’s willingness to slide away from the temptation many post-hardcore bands have to keep a foot on the throat of a listener for the duration of an album. On Symbols, Secondborn isn’t afraid to shift into softer directions and capture those listeners who need a song or two on every album to occasionally take the edge off – such a move also doesn’t hurt the prospects of achieving mainstream acceptance.
We won’t go as far to say that Secondborn is bringing with it a sound that hasn’t already been successfully brought to earth by other bands, but this sextet seems okay with that. Not everyone can be a trailblazer; but those who don’t blaze trails should still be able to bring a spark to whatever it is putting across – Secondborn does this. Thus, Symbols should help this independent act move closer to the bigger stage it seems to desire.
-Adam Grant
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