Search - Number One Gun :: Promises for the Imperfect

Review from the Synthesis

Synthesis_jason | Chico, CA | 08/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the two years since the release of Number One Gun's debut full length, Celebrate Mistakes, the band has gone through a lot: three drummers (thankfully ending up back where they started with Jordan Mallory), two guitarists and countless miles logged on tour with some of the biggest names in the melodic rock scene, in the process inking a deal with one of said scene's most seminal labels, Tooth and Nail. The resulting album, Promises for the Imperfect, showcases a road-tightened, newly focused Number One Gun.

What the first record sometimes lacked in continuity, Promises makes up for in spades. Even as the band vacillates between the driving ("Pretend") and the anthemic (the first single "We Are"), Number One Gun succeeds where many bands fail; maintaining a distinct, unique and unmistakable sound. All-star producer Aaron Sprinkle (Acceptance, Anberlin) lends a bit of his personal touch to the record, but you could record Number One Gun on a boom box and there would still be frontman Jeff Schneeweis' amazing voice, the band's unabashedly melodic songcraft and the technical tightness born from thousands of hours spent on stage and in practice. However, Number One Gun certainly takes full advantage of the studio on Promises for the Imperfect, layering on tasteful keyboard lines, lush vocal harmonies and an otherwise full palette of drum, guitar and bass sounds, all the while letting the songs speak for themselves. Promises for the Imperfect is about as perfect an album as this genre of music has yet to produce. For fans of Relient K, Acceptance, Mae or just good, old fashioned, unpretentious melodic rock music, check out Number One Gun. You'll dig it, I promise.



- Daniel Taylor

Synthesis.net"

Number One Gun Makes Good on its Promises!

Kurt Randall Kraemer | RSM, CA USA | 07/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Promises for the Imperfect improves on their bid to become the next Relient K. Killer Hooks, Crunchy Guitars, Great Melodies, blended harmony vocals, and deep meaningful lyrics set this album apart from their equally great debut. Number One Gun has produced yet another outstanding set of songs in the realm of the so called "Punk-Pop" Genre. "We Are" is an amazing tune that will have you humming the chorus for days, and wears their allegience to the source of their strength right on their sleeves. For those who seem "lost," this album is full many uplifting powerful songs of hope. If you're searching for answers, these songs will give you the strength and courage to change your circumstances.



Tooth and Nail Records has added another major star band in the making to their already considerable stable of similar sounding bands. Check out all the bands on their label to add some meaningful music to your life and cd collection.



Fans of Relient K should immediately run out and pick this one up fast. You won't be disappointed! Alternative Fans of Long Since Forgotten, The Starting Line, and even "old school" fans of the now reformed Posies should give this a listen. The crisp production values on this disc make this a treasure to own.



Catch the band on their upcoming tour to feel the real power of their music in a live setting as well. I was blown away by their set on 7/21/05 in Anaheim, California. An awesome and amazing live act as well!"

This Band Is On To Something

Chris Conlan (BreakingCustom.com) | Iowa | 09/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Review by Dan Alcinii:



The much talked about debut full length, Promises For The Imperfect, from Number One Gun has finally been released legally to the public and much like the people over at Tooth And Nail were excited about this release, so were a number of fans across America.



NOG kick things off the right way with "Pretend", an up-tempo, overly catchy song, with slick guitars and bass lines that will make your cheeks hurt every time you hear it. "There Is Hope" showcases the vocal talents of Jeff Schneeweis and also features guest vocals courtesy of Devin Shelton of Emery. Although the song may not be as fast paced as songs like "Pretend" and "All You Have" or as upbeat as "Who You Are", it may be one of the better songs on the album. While the lyrics are predictable like most pop/emo albums before it, NOG seem to add some flair and style to the writing process. Not only do they stick to the themes of heartbreak and lust, but they also expand as far as writing about life altering decisions. At first listen, you notice that Promises For The Imperfect seems to sound somewhat like Anberlin's latest release of Never Take Friendship Perosnal, and what ties this thought together is the production by Aaron Sprinkle. Although Anberlin's album was filled with an energetic, almost live feel to it, Aaron Sprinkle did just the opposite with Number One Gun's debut. He over polished the album and, in turn, hurt the band. Sure, you won't find any of the songs pushing the barriers of any specific genre, but Promises For The Imperfect will have you humming its tunes in your sleep.



There's nothing ground breaking and unique about the sound that Number One Gun puts out there, but there's something about the way they execute that just draws you in more and more after each listen. Promises For The Imperfect may be the newest summer anthem."