The first album, Pass the Flask - which was not produced with Vagrant Records, had a much heavier, thick hardcore sound to each track. However, when the band changed their line-up and switched labels to Vagrant, they lost a bit of the solid sound when producing Found in the Flood.
Critics everywhere dumped on the contemporary sympathetic scene break-downs filling the every song (of course, with the exception of “Hotel Coral Essex”). But there is hope for The Bled. Giving these certain critics the silent treatment with their new release, Silent Treatment, they proved they are not a push-over breakdown group.
Even though they still have some of these soft breakdowns, the majority of the album reminds long-time fans of Pass the Flask. The album immediately jumps in your face with “Shade Tree Mechanics” proving they are still the same Bled that we grew to love before the letdown of a second album. “You Should Be Ashamed Of Myself” creates an intensity that allows listeners to sort of revive the sound of The Bled's first album.
However, there are blemishes. While some of the tracks can blend together, which could easily be fixed with some better producing and editing, the vocals of a few tracks seem to be recycled, giving off a haven't-I-heard-this-before feel. “My Bitter Half” leaves you craving more and “Asleep on the Frontlines” sadly repeats the peculiar vibe from Found in the Flood.
Overall, The Bled have recovered from their down point withering them in the Flood but at the same time have yet to stand as tall as they did with Pass the Flask. One thing is for sure though; Silent Treatment is anything but silent.
