Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine – Dismissed LP (American Handstand Records)

Dismissed, the 2003 full-length release by Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine, is an exceptional album that has recently received a well-deserved vinyl treatment thanks to American Handstand Records, Bloated Kat Records, Whoa Oh Records, and Waterslide Records. This release holds a special place in the hearts of fans, and for good reason. Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine was a band that stood apart from their peers in the pop-punk genre, offering a fresh and distinctive take on the music of the time. What sets Dismissed apart is the band’s ability to blend the fundamental elements of pop-punk with the finest qualities of melodic punk rock, emo, and indie. The resulting sound is truly unique and can be heard in the structure of every song on the album. The band members, who would later form renowned outfits such as Dead Mechanical, The AV Club, and A Study in Her, demonstrate their exceptional talent and understanding of the genre by crafting a cohesive and balanced musical experience.

One of the standout features of Dismissed is the outstanding vocal harmonies that permeate each track. The band’s careful attention to detail is evident in the arpeggiated and regular chord progressions, riffs, melodies, themes, and leads. The vocal harmonies accentuate these musical elements, creating a luxuriously layered sound that draws the listener in. The combination of these instrumentations with the vividly hearable basslines adds an extra level of heaviness, clarity, and depth to the music. The exceptional drumming on Dismissed is another highlight. The drummer’s skills shine through in the profoundly dynamic, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. The tight and precise drumming contributes to the overall sonic equation, creating a sense of energy and momentum that adds to the album’s appeal.

Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to writing, composing, and recording this album. The result is a collection of tracks that sound exceptional from start to finish. Each song stands on its own, while also contributing to the cohesiveness of the album as a whole. The band’s commitment to their craft is evident, and listeners will appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into every aspect of this release. With the recent vinyl reissue, fans of the genre should not miss the opportunity to add Dismissed to their collections. This album deserves a special place in every melodic punk rock, pop-punk, emo, and indie record collection. Its enduring freshness, even after 20 years, is a testament to the skill and creativity of Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine.

It is an exceptional album that pushes the boundaries of pop-punk and showcases the band’s unique take on the genre. The blending of melodic punk rock, emo, and indie influences creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshing. The vocal harmonies, intricate musical arrangements, vivid basslines, and exceptional drumming contribute to an overall listening experience that is engaging and memorable. Whether you are a fan of the band or a lover of melodic punk rock, pop-punk, emo, or indie, Dismissed is an album that should not be overlooked. Head to the American Handstand webshop for more information about ordering.