Anywhere But Here - Mayday Parade

Released two years after the departure of founding member Jason Lancaster, Anywhere But Here is Mayday Parade's first album for a major label. Lancaster wrote the bulk of the band's debut -- the very album that helped secure Mayday Parade's contract with Atlantic -- but his former bandmates prove to be capable songwriters in their own right, as Anywhere But Here wields a radio-ready mix of emo anthems and sensitive ballads. David Bendeth, a hyper-prolific producer who rarely works with bands outside of the emo/punk realm, lends his signature polish to the effort, resulting in an album that's both familiar and marketable. ~ Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide