Lift a Sail is the ninth studio album by American
rock band
Yellowcard. This was the band's first album without drummer
Longineu W. Parsons III, who left the band in March 2014.
Background
On March 13, 2014, it was announced that drummer Longineu W. Parsons III left Yellowcard to pursue "other musical interests".[6] A week later, the group signed a multi-album deal with independent label
Razor & Tie, scheduling a new album in the fall. Razor & Tie owners Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam said that the band "rock the way we like it—with energy, hooks and attitude. They are total pros and we couldn't be more proud to work with them".[7] On March 25, it was announced that Nate Young of
Anberlin would play drums for Yellowcard's next album.[8]
Sessions for Lift a Sail were held at The Casita, and
EastWest Studios, with producer
Neal Avron. Erich Talaba acted as the main engineer, with assistance from Scott Skrzynski and Wil Anspach. Avron mixed the recordings, before
Ted Jensen mastered the album at Sterling Sound in New York City.[9] On May 16, guitarist Ryan Mendez announced that the band had finished recording.[10]
Release
Between June and August, the group performed on
Warped Tour.[11] On August 1, the group posted a teaser for their upcoming album.[12] Three days later, the album's title, Lift a Sail was revealed, and that it would be released in September.[13] Another teaser for the album was posted on August 14.[14] On September 9, "Make Me So" was made available for streaming.[15] On the same day, "One Bedroom" was released to radio.[16] On September 22, "Crash the Gates" was made available for streaming via Alternative Press.[17]Lift a Sail was made available for streaming via
Pandora Radio on September 29.[18] On October 1, a music video was released for "One Bedroom". Alternative Press writer Matt Crane said the video "aligns the band with Invisible Children, who work to end the violent reign of Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army in Africa".[19]
Lift a Sail was then released on October 7 through record label Razor & Tie.[19] In October and November, the band went on a co-headlining US tour with
Memphis May Fire. They were supported by
Emarosa.[13] For the tour, the group enlisted the help of drummer Tucker Rule, formerly of
Thursday.[20] On October 30, a music video was released for "The Deepest Well". It was filmed during the group's tour with Memphis May Fire.[21] On May 26, 2015, a music video was released for "California".[22] In October and November, the group went on a co-headlining US tour with
New Found Glory. They were supported by
Tigers Jaw.[23]
At
Metacritic, which assigns a "
weighted average" rating out of 100 to selected independent ratings and reviews from mainstream critics, the album has received a Metascore of 72, based on five reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[24] Three and a half star reviewer for
AllMusic, James Christopher Monger, states: "The 13-track set adds some relatively subtle flourishes of electronics to the mix while dialing back a little on
Sean Mackin's signature violin playing, but fans looking to conjure up some nostalgia for the band's Ocean Avenue heyday will find what they're looking for on standout cuts like the catchy and propulsive 'Make Me So,' the big-hearted 'Transmission Home,' and rousing 'Deepest Well'."[26]
Track listing
All music written by
Ryan Key,
Sean Mackin, and Ryan Mendez. All lyrics written by Key.[9]
^
abPelling, Oliver (October 21, 2014).
"Yellowcard - Lift a Sail". Rolling Stone Australia.
Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2015.