Nothing is ever going top seeing Yellowcard play “Ocean Avenue” on well, literally Ocean Avenue [in Asbury Park, NJ at The Stone Pony]. However, a close second is seeing front man, Ryan Key bust out the acoustic along with some good ol’ classics. Primarily known for their fast-paced pop punk singles (heavily featuring electronic violin), the band has always been rooted in acoustic writing. Songs like “Rough Draft,” “Empty Apartment,” “Firewater,” and “View from Heaven” always hit you right in the feels. After several acoustic tours, and even an acoustic version of the Ocean Ave. LP the band is no more. Key, however continues to tour and recently released his sophomore solo EP entitled, Virtue. Here’s a track-by-track breakdown of the EP:
“The Same Destination”
The first track starts off on a high note in more ways than one. Like the beginning of a movie score, the piano, flute, and clean guitar layers instantly set the scene. With no vocals, this track could just have as easily been an interlude, yet serves as a perfect intro.
“Mortar and Stone”
From the first note, any fan knows that this is William Ryan Key’s guitar. A simplistic vocal melody builds into a phenomenal bridge and outro. The song seems to touch on the past, familiarity, and searching for a way out. The former Yellowcard singer is telling a story here, and I already have a few guesses.
“Virtue”
The title track features phenomenal vocal harmonies from Key and I love the build. Unfortunately, it falls off a bit after the build. There was something about the drums that seemed to take away from the song as a whole. This was the weakest part of the EP, and I expected more from the title track.
“The Bowery”
Right out of the gate, the tones and beautiful guitar picking sets the somber mood early. “I don’t shine like the others do. I’m so close. And so far” — such a great line from this song.
The drums and auxiliary percussion kick in at the perfect place, but this song could just as easily stand on it’s own with just the acoustic. “The Bowery” would fit in perfectly for those final episode moments in an episode of Scrubs with JD Narrating. Either way, it’s really beautiful and my personal favorite.
“Downtown (Up North)”
This song hits a lot of nostalgic notes, and it doesn’t hurt that strings are heavily featured. With a swaying, dance-like feel, it’s right in Key’s musical wheelhouse.
“I may be tired all these years lost in love, but I’ll be waiting Downtown while you leave just enough…” everything about this song feels genuine.
“No More, No Less”
Another track with another great guitar tone! I would say this is the biggest departure for Key, and by design becomes a little more chaotic musically. There’s a very strong message from Key here as he again looks ahead to the future. The words “I’ll drift alone” stand out in this one and may have also been a less subtle title.
I’m always excited to hear more solo writing from William Ryan Key, and Virtue is a solid showing from the songwriter. There are two things Ryan Key knows how to do almost flawlessly: produce great guitar tones and write meaningful lyrical content. I honestly think the weakest parts of this EP are the drum tracks that sometimes feel both mechanical and forced. Regardless, the former Yellowcard front man has made it abundantly clear that that band is a thing of the past, and he is all in on his solo career.
“No more, No Less. It’s time, It’s best if I just look the other way. I found my home. I’ll drift alone.”
-Rob Crowther IV
