In many cases, a sophomore album is a band’s springboard to success. Following up a celebrated debut record that put you on the map is not a simple feat. There’s the resounding burden of expectation, where the fan base that you’ve already established is expecting something from you.
In 2009, Set Your Goals had the unenviable task of following up their debut full-length album, Mutiny!. That album established set your goals as a dual vocal attack band that adeptly balanced pop-punk and melodic hardcore influences.
In the span of 38 minutes, Set Your Goals accomplished what many pop punk/ melodic hardcore bands fail to do – have a lot of fun while also talking about things that mean something. This Will Be The Death Of Us managed to balance both sides of their band, with songs like “Gaia Bleeds” tackling climate change and the destruction of Earth’s resources, while also never forgetting their roots on pop-punk gems like “Summer Jam”.
Even the album’s guest appearances have plenty of merit and aren’t simply tacked on for name recognition. Paramore’s Hayley Williams appears on mid album cut the few that remain, and is completely unexpected but in a good way. If you ever wanted to hear Hayley Williams get loud again like in Paramore’s early era, this song is the place to do it. Meanwhile, Chad Gilbert from New Found Glory appears on the album’s final track, “Our Ethos (A Legacy To Pass On)”. Turmoil’s Jon Gula appears on “Gaia Bleeds”, and I Am The Avalanche’s Vinnie Caruana on the opening title track.
The album’s quality and increased promotion by Epitaph Records both paid dividends. With important stints on Vans Warped Tour as well as big tours with some of their biggest influences, the album eventually peaked at number 65 on the Billboard 200. Though the band is more or less inactive today and only released one album after this one, there’s no doubt that it remains a big influence on many of today’s bands that play similar a hybrid style.
