[3.5/5]
Originally self-released digitally in 2006 free of charge and to little fanfare, Killed Or Cured was overshadowed by the band's proper new album at the time, Story Like A Scar. Hopefully Killed Or Cured's physical release receives better notice because it's one of the band's best and most compact efforts yet. In 27 minutes, frontman Matt Pryor's breathy vocals tug more firmly on heartstrings than anything he's sang on since Get Up Kids' 2002 fan-alienator On A Wire, parlaying non-stop acoustic guitars and piano accompaniment over folksy arrangements. "It's hard to say goodbye, but at least we got to have this time," he acknowledges in the aching "Drinking In The Afternoon," while showing emotional restraint in the gripping "Full Thunder Moon" and the delicately optimistic "Heaven Sent." The sadcore moniker reigns supreme. Bonus: A second disc features alternate takes on all the tracks. (CURB APPEAL) Brian Shultz
 Official Website: http://www.curbappealrecords.com
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