It’s hard to overstate the magnitude of expectations placed on Saosin back in 2006. After Anthony Green’s departure following the legendary 2003 EP Translating the Name, the Southern California post-hardcore pioneers found themselves at a crossroads. Could they survive without one of the most distinctive frontmen in alternative music? Enter Cove Reber, a then 19 year old vocalist who stepped into big shoes and helped deliver an album that didn't just preserve the band’s momentum, it defined the pristine post-hardcore sound of the mid 2000s.
Produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, Saosin, affectionately known by fans as "The Beetle Album", marked the transition from underground chaos to polished major label rock. Anchored by Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski’s intertwining guitar riffs, Chris Sorenson’s driving basslines, and Alex Rodriguez’s on drums, the self-titled LP became an instant classic upon its release on September 26, 2006.
The Art Behind the Shell
Before diving into the track by track breakdown, we have to talk about that iconic artwork. Designed from artwork concepts sent during the production cycle, the cover features a high contrast, stark shot of a Mindanao Atlas rhinoceros beetle. Beyond looking menacingly cool on t-shirts, the beetle served as a metaphor for resilience, defense mechanisms, and armored transformation themes heavily present in Cove Reber's lyrics as he carved out his own identity within the band.
Twenty years later, Saosin remains a staple of the scene. Here is our complete track by track review.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. "It's Far Better To Learn"
The opener sets an explosive tone right out of the gate. Driven by intense guitar leads and thunderous drumming, the instrumental energy feels eerily reminiscent of hard rock powerhouses like Crush 40, delivering that same hyper melodic rush. Reber’s vocals soar over layered lead guitars, making it a very strong opener.
2. "Sleepers"
"Sleepers" slows down the tempo only to crank up the atmospheric texture. The star here is the guitar work: featuring heavily filtered, underwater or choked guitar tones that create a claustrophobic sensation. This signature tone, mixing heavily compressed lead riffs with punchy rhythm chords, later became a foundational blueprint for bands like Pierce the Veil, particularly evident in the guitar layering on the Selfish Machines album.
3. "It's So Simple"
Despite its title, "It's So Simple" is a complex display of rhythmic driving power. The dynamic vocal delivery and fast paced arpeggios hit close to home for anyone following the 2000s post-hardcore pipeline. The relationship between Saosin and Pierce the Veil here is cyclical: while Saosin’s technical, clean cut guitar riffs helped pave the way for early San Diego post-hardcore scenes, both bands shared a mutual obsession with pushing technical guitar interplay into infectious pop hook territories.
4. "Voices"
The album’s signature single pivots towards a mid tempo, arena ready soft rock structure. Driven by an infectious main riff, "Voices" clean vocals, paired with heavy crescendo drops, draw a clear bridge to the polished emo and alternative rock of Fall Out Boy's From Under the Cork Tree era or the cinematic rock energy of Flyleaf.
5. "Finding Home"
A poignant mid album anchor. "Finding Home" highlights Alex Rodriguez’s technical drumming skills, blending snare rolls with emotional, driving basslines. It’s a track focused on momentum and longing, balancing melodic accessibility with intricate background guitars.
6. "Follow and Feel"
High speed riffage returns with a vengeance. "Follow and Feel" bridges the gap between classic technical post-hardcore and mid 2000s radio hooks. The syncopated rhythm section keeps the listener on edge, while Cove’s vocal range shines in the soaring chorus.
7. "Come Close"
One of the darker cuts on the record. Built on pulsating basslines and rhythmic delay heavy guitars, "Come Close" builds tension slowly before breaking into an explosive breakdown. It highlights the band's ability to manipulate space and dynamics without sacrificing heaviness.
8. "I Never Wanted To"
A dramatic shift into ballad territory. Stripping away the double kick drums and heavy distortion during the verses, "I Never Wanted To" relies heavily on emotional vulnerability and lingering guitar leads, showcasing the band’s songwriting versatility.
9. "Collapse"
"Collapse" returns directly to pure, unadulterated energy. Featuring aggressive drum fills, fast guitar riffs, and Cove's most desperate vocal delivery on the record, it’s a fan favorite rager that captures the raw intensity of their live shows.
10. "You're Not Alone"
The undisputed anthem of the record. Built on massive guitar walls, an unforgettable chorale hook, and an empowering message, "You're Not Alone" remains one of the most recognizable tracks of the entire mid 2000s emo explosion. It distilled everything that made Saosin special into four minutes of pure catharsis.
11. "Bury Your Head"
Originally featured on their 2005 self-titled EP, this reworked version benefits from Howard Benson’s slick production polish. The intricate guitar lead in the verse remains one of Beau Burchell’s finest moments, blending seamlessly into a massive chorus.
12. "Some Sense of Security"
The album closes with a grand four minute track. "Some Sense of Security" ties together every element explored across the album: galloping drum patterns, intertwining guitar harmonies, and a triumphant final vocal breakdown. It leaves the listener with a feeling of completeness, sealing a standout record.
Final Thoughts
Twenty years after its release, Saosin’s self-titled LP remains a highlight of post-hardcore craftsmanship. It stands as a bridge between two eras: the raw underground post-hardcore of the early 2000s and the polished guitar driven rock that dominated the airwaves shortly after. Two decades later, the beetle still stands strong.
SAOSIN US SELF-TITLED 20th Anniversary Tour:
10/23 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues SOLD OUT
10/24 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
10/25 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/27 – San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
10/28 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
10/29 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
10/30 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
10/31 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
11/1 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues SOLD OUT
11/3 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
11/4 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
11/6 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/7 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall LOW TICKETS
11/8 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
11/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl SOLD OUT
11/11 – Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall
11/13 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
11/14 – Detroit, MI @ The Majestic
11/15 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues SOLD OUT
11/17 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II
11/18 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore
11/20 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall SOLD OUT
11/21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
11/22 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
11/24 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
11/25 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
11/27 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
11/28 – San Diego, CA @ SOMA