They're Only Chasing Safety
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox album
| name = They're Only Chasing Safety
| type = studio
| artist = Underoath
| cover = Underoath-Theyre Only Chasing Safety.jpg
| alt = A woman facing forward with a breathing mask covering her mouth and nose
| released = June 15, 2004
| recorded = February 2004
| studio = Wisner Productions, Florida
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| length = 35:50
| label = Solid State
| producer = James Paul Wisner
| prev_title = The Changing of Times
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = Define the Great Line
| next_year = 2006
| misc = {{Singles
| name = They're Only Chasing Safety
| type = studio
| single1 = Reinventing Your Exit
| single1date = February 22, 2005
}}
}}
They're Only Chasing Safety is the fourth studio album by American rock band Underoath. It was released on June 15, 2004, through Solid State Records. Following the release of their third studio effort The Changing of Times (2002), half of the band's members were replaced. After finalizing the line-up with vocalist Spencer Chamberlain, the band recorded their next release with producer James Paul Wisner at his home studio Wisner Productions in February 2004. The album has been tagged with various genres including screamo and melodic hardcore and features subtle references to Christianity. Drummer Aaron Gillespie had more of a vocal presence to contrast Chamberlain's screams.
Before the album's release, Underoath undertook a tour with their labelmates and later with Eighteen Visions. Throughout 2004, the band went on the Warped Tour before going on their own headlining tour, and closed the year supporting Coheed and Cambria. "Reinventing Your Exit" was released as the lead single in February 2005. An appearance on the inaugural Taste of Chaos tour led to another headlining US tour, shows in Europe and a second spell on Warped Tour. A Canadian tour in late 2005 with the Used preceded a reissue of the album in October 2005.
It received generally favorable reviews from music critics, some of whom highlighted the various musical styles and praised Underoath for its accessibility. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album gold in the US in 2011, and it was nominated for a Dove Award for best rock album. It has been re-pressed on vinyl and performed in its entirety.
Background
Christian metalcore band Underoath released their third studio album The Changing of Times in February 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-changing-of-times-mw0000213768|title=The Changing of Times - Underoath|publisher=AllMusic|author=Semioli, Tom|accessdate=March 1, 2011|archive-date=March 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301053917/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-changing-of-times-mw0000213768|url-status=live}} It was the band's first release through Solid State Records; it marked a line-up change with the appearance of guitarist Timothy McTague and bassist William Nottke. Nottke was replaced with Grant Brandell and guitarist James Smith was brought in. Vocalist Dallas Taylor left the 2003 Warped Tour,{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/underoath-mn0000211095/biography|title=Underoath Biography, Songs, & Albums|publisher=AllMusic|author=Downey, Ryan|accessdate=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126101943/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/underoath-mn0000211095/biography|url-status=live}} and My Synopsis singer Matt Tarpey stood in for him for some shows.Sharpe-Young 2005, p. 339 Taylor officially left the band in October 2003; Brandell said this was due to personal issues that hampered the band's frequent touring schedule.Jenison 2004, p. 49 McTague said Taylor wanted a "more stable environment", explaining that they did not have much money and were touring constantly.
Underoath played shows with This Runs Through, both of which lived in Tampa, Florida.{{cite web|url=http://www.europunk.net/interviews.php?id=174|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223102522/http://www.europunk.net/interviews.php?id=174|title=Interview with Underoath|publisher=Europunk|author=Reay, Cathy|date=July 17, 2006|archivedate=February 23, 2008|accessdate=December 19, 2021}} This Runs Through vocalist Spencer Chamberlain was asked to join them{{cite web|url=http://decoymusic.com/index.php?content=interviews&interviewid=1036|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628231928/http://decoymusic.com/index.php?content=interviews&interviewid=1036|title=Spencer of Underoath|publisher=DecoyMusic|date=July 1, 2005|archivedate=June 28, 2006|accessdate=December 19, 2021}} but he rejected the offer because he was busy with This Runs Through. After he was told Underoath would otherwise have to cancel the shows, he temporarily joined the band for a few performances. Chamberlain was invited to practice with Underoath when This Runs Through were ending, and asked again to become a member of the band.
Recording
Chamberlain officially joined Underoath in January 2004, and a month later, they recorded their next album.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Vocalist_Underoath/33852/p1/|title=Spencer Chamberlain joins Underoath|work=Cross Rhythms|date=January 1, 2004|accessdate=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126105721/https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Vocalist_Underoath/33852/p1/|url-status=live}} Underoath had worked with producer James Paul Wisner on their past two albums and wanted to work with someone else. They had two other producers in mind but due to timing conflicts, they opted to work with him again.{{cite web|url=https://www.punkbands.com/interviews/167|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109003328/http://www.punkbands.com/interviews/167|title=Underoath|publisher=Punkbands|date=May 24, 2004|archivedate=January 9, 2009|accessdate=December 12, 2021}} Wisner acted as engineer at recording sessions in his home studio Wisner Productions in Florida. Throughout the making of the album, the members paid rent to stay at Wisner's house. His neighbor repeatedly banged on the door because the room in which Underoath were recording guitars shared a wall with the neighbor. The band learned the neighbor was a nurse and worked nights; the band switched rooms and had to re-record half of the songs.
Keyboardist Christopher Dudley said the guitars were subsequently redone four times and two-to-three times for the bass guitar. He mentioned that they wanted to distance themselves away from the "really clean, polished sounding" material of Wisner's past production work, "but [They're Only Chasing Safety] still has that polished feel to it". Matt Goldman recorded programming and Aaron Marsh's additional vocals. Chamberlain and Gillespie damaged their voices during the recording, and Gillespie was briefly hospitalized with blisters on his tonsils.Napier ed. 2019, p. 58 J.R. McNeely mixed the recordings at Compound Studios in Seattle, Washington, and the album was mastered by Troy Glessner at Spectre Studios. Chamberlain would later remark that the album sounded so "dry and feels just so cut to the core".{{cite web|url=http://www.concerthype.com/UOiview.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209125903/http://www.concerthype.com/UOiview.html|title=Interviews/Spencer Chamberlain (lead vocals) of UnderOATH: 10/19/05|publisher=Concert Hype|author1=Nicole|author2=CJ|date=October 19, 2005|archivedate=February 9, 2006|accessdate=April 8, 2023}}
Composition and lyrics
The output of Underoath has been categorized as metalcore, and the overall style present on They're Only Chasing Safety has been further described as "melodic [and] emo-leaning".{{Cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe|date=2023-11-02 |title=Metalcore's 10 Best Clean Singers + 10 Best Bands Who Don't (or Barely) Use Clean Vocals |url=https://loudwire.com/metalcore-best-clean-singers-bands-barely-use-clean-vocals/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Cummings |first=Tony |title=Underoath: Metalcore hitmakers 'Lost in The Sound of Separation' |date=October 19, 2008 |url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Underoath_Metalcore_hitmakers_Lost_In_The_Sound_Of_Separation_/34151/p1/ |accessdate=March 19, 2011 |work=Cross Rhythms |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526232059/http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Underoath_Metalcore_hitmakers_Lost_In_The_Sound_Of_Separation_/34151/p1/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Wildsmith |first=Steve |title=Blessings of success make metalcore band Underoath bigger than its members |url=http://www.thedailytimes.com/Weekend/story/Blessings-of-success-make-metalcore-band-Underoath-bigger-than-its-members-id-007967 |work=The Daily Times|accessdate=March 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130203222654/http://www.thedailytimes.com/Weekend/story/Blessings-of-success-make-metalcore-band-Underoath-bigger-than-its-members-id-007967 |archivedate=February 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} According to Alex Henderson of AllMusic, "this screamo/post-hardcore/melodic hardcore approach is quite different from full-fledged metalcore; while metalcore units like Hatebreed, Brick Bath, and Finland's notoriously ferocious Rotten Sound go right for the jugular, Underoath and similar bands prefer to mix honey with vinegar". Andrew Segal of Cross Rhythms described the album as nu metal, and said it is on "the heavier side of the rock scale." Andrew Sacher, writing for Brooklyn Vegan, referred to They're Only Chasing Safety as "one of melodic metalcore's biggest mainstream breakthroughs".{{cite web|publisher=Brooklyn Vegan|last=Sacher|first=Andrew|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/15-seminal-albums-from-metalcores-second-wave-2000-2010/|title=15 Seminal Albums From Metalcore's Second Wave (2000-2010)|date=March 8, 2021|accessdate=April 21, 2021|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421125400/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/15-seminal-albums-from-metalcores-second-wave-2000-2010/|url-status=live}}
Henderson said the references to Christianity are more subtle than anything from the band's contemporaries. Brian Flota in his book The Politics of Post-9/11 Music noted unlike other Christian acts, Underoath refer to Jesus by name, whereas others refer to the figure as "Him".Flota 2016, p. 177 The most pop-like tracks on the album, such as "Reinventing Your Exit", were written when Taylor was still a member. Gillespie was given more-vocal presence to contrast with Chamberlain's screams.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/underoath-albums-ranked-worst-best|title=Underoath Albums Ranked: From Worst to Best|work=Revolver|author=Enis, Eli|date=November 6, 2020|accessdate=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125095510/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/underoath-albums-ranked-worst-best|url-status=live}} In the past, Taylor had been the sole lyricist, but for They're Only Chasing Safety, Chamberlain and Gillespie contributed lyrics.{{cite web|url=http://euphoniczine.com/viewinterview.php?iid=45|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050219091530/http://euphoniczine.com/viewinterview.php?iid=45|title=Interviews: Underoath|publisher=Euphonic Zine|author=Barone, Adam|date=April 22, 2004|archivedate=February 19, 2005|accessdate=July 30, 2022}} Chamberlain said he had to adapt to Gillespie writing chorus sections as he did not listen to many bands with choruses. Chamberlain solely wrote the words to three of the tracks and Gillespie wrote one-to-two by himself, and the rest they wrote together.{{cite web|url=http://www.punk-it.net/Interviews/underoath.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227051523/http://www.punk-it.net/Interviews/underoath.html|title=Underoath|publisher=Punk-It|date=April 26, 2005|archivedate=December 27, 2005|accessdate=August 8, 2022}}
McTague used "Your New Aesthetic" (1999) by Jimmy Eat World as a template when writing "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White".Underoath 2020, event occurs at 1:15:46–57 Underoath tried to improve upon the demo version's drum break but were unsuccessful and sampled the loops from the demo, which they had made with Goldman, and used it on the album version.Underoath 2020, event occurs at 1:09:47–1:10:37 "Reinventing Your Exit" evokes the material of Hawthorne Heights; it evolved from the Taylor-sung track "Heatherwood".{{cite web|url=https://www.indievisionmusic.com/streams/underoath-rare-unreleased-track-heatherwood-with-dallas-taylor/|title=Underoath Rare Unreleased Track 'Heatherwood' With Dallas Taylor - Streams|work=Indie Vision Music|author=Brandon J.|date=August 1, 2020|accessdate=November 28, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307032246/https://www.indievisionmusic.com/streams/underoath-rare-unreleased-track-heatherwood-with-dallas-taylor/|url-status=live}} The interlude track "The Blue Note" was made in an hour; it consists of two layered stock loops.Underoath 2020, event occurs at 2:13:04–15 "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" is a murder ballad that features 1980s-esque electronic parts (further evidenced due to the song's demo being titled "The 80s Song"); it recalls the work of the Used{{cite press release|url=http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%98they%e2%80%99re-only-chasing-saftey%e2%80%99-cddvd-debuts-at-1-on-billboard-%e2%80%98top-heatseekers%e2%80%99-chart/|title=Underoath's 'They're Only Chasing Saftey' [sic] Cd/Dvd Debuts At #1 On Billboard 'Top Heatseekers' Chart|publisher=Mitch Schnedier Organization|author=Henry, Libby; Ashton-Magnuson, Kristine|date=October 13, 2005|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126104002/http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%98they%e2%80%99re-only-chasing-saftey%e2%80%99-cddvd-debuts-at-1-on-billboard-%e2%80%98top-heatseekers%e2%80%99-chart/|url-status=live}} and its bridge section includes a choir from a local church. McTague said the band misled the choir about the song's meaning to persuade them to sing on the album.
With "Down, Set, Go", the band attempted to emulate the style of Brand New's Deja Entendu (2003), with which they were enamored. For the ending of "I'm Content with Losing", McTague performed his part in the style of the Casket Lottery.Underoath 2020, event occurs at 3:24:07–11 "Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape" is reminiscent of the work of Copeland, being anchored around an electronica beat, and was intended to show Underoath "wearing their hearts on their sleeves". McTague said the song deals with a person "realizing the error of [their] ways, asking for forgiveness and making a vow to start over and do what's right".Flota 2016, p. 178 Unlike the rest of the songs on the album, the track was composed within half an hour. Marsh's part in the song deals with him having "both feet out the door with Christianity". "I've Got Ten Friends and a Crowbar That Says You Ain't Gonna Do Jack" was written and recorded for the album's 2005 reissue.Underoath 2020, event occurs at 3:52:02–7
Release and promotion
In March and April 2004, Underoath toured the US as part of the Solid State Tour with labelmates Norma Jean and Beloved, among others,{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8618/tours-solid-state-tour-announced|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128121242/https://www.punknews.org/article/8618/tours-solid-state-tour-announced|title=Solid State Tour announced|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 11, 2004|archivedate=November 28, 2021|accessdate=March 23, 2021}} which was followed by a few shows with From First to Last.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8685/tours-new-from-first-to-last-tour-dates|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128121401/https://www.punknews.org/article/8685/tours-new-from-first-to-last-tour-dates|title=New From First To Last tour dates|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 18, 2004|archivedate=November 28, 2021|accessdate=March 28, 2021}} On April 21, 2004, They're Only Chasing Safety was announced for release in two months' time; alongside this, "Reinventing Your Exit" was posted on the band's Purevolume profile. The album was released on June 15, 2004, through Solid State.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8978/all-the-underoath-news-fit-to-print|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128121517/https://www.punknews.org/article/8978/all-the-underoath-news-fit-to-print|title=All the Underoath news fit to print.|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 21, 2004|archivedate=November 28, 2021|accessdate=March 28, 2021}} The artwork depicts Julie McCaddon, the wife of designer Kris McCaddon, wearing an oxygen mask.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/ten_10_year_album_anniversary_tours_we_want_in_2014/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204143803/https://www.altpress.com/features/ten_10_year_album_anniversary_tours_we_want_in_2014/|title=Ten 10-Year Album Anniversary Tours We Want In 2014|work=Alternative Press|author=Kraus, Brian|date=February 26, 2014|archivedate=February 4, 2021|accessdate=December 9, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bluntmag.com.au/music/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety/|title=Underoath reviewed 'They're Only Chasing Safety' and here's what we learnt|work=Blunt Magazine|date=July 1, 2020|accessdate=November 28, 2021|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125101536/https://www.bluntmag.com.au/music/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety/|url-status=live}} McCaddon, who had little budget to design the cover, hired his wife rather than a professional model for a photography session.
In June 2004, the band embarked on a US tour with Eighteen Visions, prior to appearance at that year's Hellfest and Warped Tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9382/tours-underoath-on-the-road-with-eighteen-visions|title=Underoath on the road with Eighteen Visions|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=June 8, 2004|accessdate=October 27, 2021|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027210607/https://www.punknews.org/article/9382/tours-underoath-on-the-road-with-eighteen-visions|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9480/hellfest-2004-schedule|title=Hellfest 2004 schedule|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=June 19, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028074923/https://www.punknews.org/article/9480/hellfest-2004-schedule|url-status=live}} During the Warped Tour, Underoath's audience grew and at one point matched the size of one of the tour's headliners, the Used. Underoath initially planned to support Senses Fail but had to pull out when Chamberlain married.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9711/vagrant-signs-senses-fail|title=Vagrant signs Senses Fail|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=July 16, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021|archive-date=May 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520161240/https://www.punknews.org/article/9711/vagrant-signs-senses-fail|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mammothpress.com/index.php?area=readinterview&pid=34|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610190124/http://www.mammothpress.com/index.php?area=readinterview&pid=34|title=Ask the Band: Underoath|publisher=Mammoth Press|date=November 5, 2004|archivedate=June 10, 2007|accessdate=November 26, 2021}} Instead, they instigated their own Get Awesome Tour with Stretch Arm Strong and the Chariot.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/10115/tours-underoath-stretch-arm-strong-the-chariot-get-awesome|title=Underoath / Stretch Arm Strong / The Chariot get awesome|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=September 1, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028155223/https://www.punknews.org/article/10115/tours-underoath-stretch-arm-strong-the-chariot-get-awesome|url-status=live}} Following this, they supported Coheed and Cambria on their headlining US tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/10347/underoath-and-coheed-and-cambria-touring|title=Underoath & Coheed And Cambria Touring|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=September 28, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028182915/https://www.punknews.org/article/10347/underoath-and-coheed-and-cambria-touring|url-status=live}}
"Reinventing Your Exit" was released to radio on February 22, 2005; the music video for the song was filmed in Brooklyn, New York City.{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771|title=FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock|work=FMQB|accessdate=October 30, 2016|archive-date=March 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142732/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://knotfest.com/aaron-gillespie-on-underoaths-theyre-only-chasing-safety/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728205856/https://knotfest.com/aaron-gillespie-on-underoaths-theyre-only-chasing-safety/|title=Why It's His Personal Least Favorite, The B-Side He's Most Excited To Play And More|publisher=Knotfest|author=Hudson, Chris|date=July 28, 2020|archivedate=July 28, 2020|accessdate=November 27, 2021}} Underoath wanted to release "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White", which they felt was more representative of the album's sound, but Solid State Records opted for something closer to The Changing of Times track "When the Sun Sleeps".Underoath 2020, event occurs at 2:07:36–57 On the radio edit of "Reinventing Your Exit", Chamberlain's vocals are lower in the mix and cut the breakdown.Underoath 2020, event occurs at 2:12:08–23
In February and March 2005, Underoath performed on the East Coast dates of the first Taste of Chaos tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/11001/tours-final-routing-and-venues-for-taste-of-chaos-tour|title=Final routing and venues for Taste of Chaos tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Shultz, Brian|date=December 6, 2004|accessdate=October 29, 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029100209/https://www.punknews.org/article/11001/tours-final-routing-and-venues-for-taste-of-chaos-tour|url-status=live}} They appeared at the South by Southwest music conference, prior to headlining the Total Badical Tour. The trek, which ran into May 2005, was supported by Fear Before the March of Flames, the Chariot, Hopesfall and These Arms Are Snakes.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/11545/tours-underoath-headlining-the-totally-badical-tour|title=Underoath headlining The Totally Badical Tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=February 3, 2005|accessdate=October 30, 2021|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030085515/https://www.punknews.org/article/11545/tours-underoath-headlining-the-totally-badical-tour|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/11788/sxsw-take-action-tour-party|title=SXSW Take Action Tour party|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=February 28, 2005|accessdate=October 30, 2021|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142450/https://www.punknews.org/article/11788/sxsw-take-action-tour-party|url-status=live}} Towards the tour's conclusion, Underoath appeared at The Bamboozle and Cornerstone Festivals.{{cite press release|url=http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath-band-announce-spring-headlining-tour-in-the-midst-of-taste-of-chaos-trek-confirmed-for-vans-warped-tour-this-summer/|title=Underoath: Band Announce Spring Headlining Tour In The...|publisher=Mitch Schnedier Organization|author=Henry, Libby; Ashton-Magnuson, Kristine|date=March 11, 2005|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126171228/http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath-band-announce-spring-headlining-tour-in-the-midst-of-taste-of-chaos-trek-confirmed-for-vans-warped-tour-this-summer/|url-status=live}}
Following this, Underoath went on a tour of Europe that included a performance at Download Festival, and then appeared on Warped Tour in June and July 2005.{{cite press release|url=http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath-u-s-headlining-tour-off-to-an-explosive-start/|title=Underoath U.S. Headlining Tour Off To An Explosive Start|publisher=Mitch Schnedier Organization|date=April 1, 2005|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126180224/http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath-u-s-headlining-tour-off-to-an-explosive-start/|url-status=live}} On August 23, 2005, the music video for "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" was posted on MTV's website.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/13556/media-new-video-from-underoath|title=New video from Underoath|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=August 23, 2005|accessdate=November 8, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108150614/https://www.punknews.org/article/13556/media-new-video-from-underoath|url-status=live}} It was filmed in Hollywood with director Josh Graham, and depicts the band performing in a forest after having been involved in a car crash.{{cite press release|url=http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath-shoot-video-for-second-single-%e2%80%9cit%e2%80%99s-a-dangerous-business-walking-out-your-front-door%e2%80%9d-in-hollywood/#8220;it%E2%80%99s-a-dangerous-business-walking-out-your-front-door%E2%80%9D-in-hollywood/ |title=Underoath Shoot Video For Second Single 'It's A Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door' In Hollywood|publisher=Mitch Schnedier Organization|author=Henry, Libby; Ashton-Magnuson, Kristine|date=June 6, 2005|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126181310/http://www.msopr.com/press-releases/underoath-shoot-video-for-second-single-%e2%80%9cit%e2%80%99s-a-dangerous-business-walking-out-your-front-door%e2%80%9d-in-hollywood/#8220;it's-a-dangerous-business-walking-out-your-front-door"-in-hollywood/|url-status=live}} The band played some US shows with Silverstein prior to a Canadian tour in September 2005 with the Used and Alexisonfire.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/13390/glassjaw-drops-off-the-used-tour|title=Glassjaw drops off the Used tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=August 7, 2005|accessdate=November 1, 2021|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101194737/https://www.punknews.org/article/13390/glassjaw-drops-off-the-used-tour|url-status=live}}
=Reissues and full-album performances=
On October 4, 2005, They're Only Chasing Safety was re-released through Tooth and Nail Records as a special edition that included four bonus tracks, a bonus DVD, and new artwork and packaging designed by Converge's Jacob Bannon.{{cite web|title=They're Only Chasing Safety (Special Edition)|url=http://www.solidstaterecords.com/releases/406/Theyre_Only_Chasing_Safety_Special_Edition/|publisher=Solid State Records|accessdate=April 2, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403052102/http://www.solidstaterecords.com/releases/406/Theyre_Only_Chasing_Safety_Special_Edition/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/theyre-only-chasing-safety-bonus-tracks-mr0000254087|title=They're Only Chasing Safety [Bonus Tracks] - Underoath|publisher=AllMusic|author=Henderson, Alex|accessdate=November 26, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126172433/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/theyre-only-chasing-safety-bonus-tracks-mr0000254087|url-status=live}} The band were planning to issue the DVD on its own until the label suggested combining it with They're Only Chasing Safety and selling it at the same price had the DVD been released separately.{{cite web|url=http://thepunksite.com/interviews/underoath/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924230507/http://thepunksite.com/interviews/underoath/|title=Underoath|publisher=ThePunkSite|author=Gorman, Bobby|date=September 19, 2005|archivedate=September 24, 2015|accessdate=December 24, 2021}} In October and November 2005, the group supported Thrice on their headlining US tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1511656/thrice-find-homecoming-sweet-but-that-doesnt-keep-them-there-long/|title=Thrice Find Homecoming Sweet, But That Doesn't Keep Them There Long|publisher=MTV|author=Tecson, Brandee J|date=October 17, 2005|access-date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409190410/http://www.mtv.com/news/1511656/thrice-find-homecoming-sweet-but-that-doesnt-keep-them-there-long/|url-status=dead}}
They're Only Chasing Safety was included in a three-CD set called Play Your Old Stuff: An Underoath Anthology (2011), alongside The Changing of Times and their fifth studio album Define the Great Line (2006).{{cite AV media notes|title=Play Your Old Stuff: An Underoath Anthology|others=Underoath|year=2011|type=sleeve|publisher=Tooth & Nail Records|id=TND78618}} They're Only Chasing Safety was packaged with Define the Great Line as a two-LP set to promote the band's 2016 Rebirth Tour, during which they performed both albums in full.{{cite AV media notes|title=They're Only Chasing Safety/Define The Great Line|others=Underoath|year=2016|type=sleeve|publisher=Tooth & Nail Records|id=TND83184/TNR42658}} They're Only Chasing Safety was then included with Define the Great Line and their sixth studio album Lost in the Sound of Separation as part of the Underoath Observatory (2021) vinyl box set.{{cite AV media notes|title=Underoath Observatory|others=Underoath|year=2021|type=sleeve|publisher=Tooth & Nail Records|id=UNDEROATH-BOX-SET-S}} To coincide with this, Underoath performed all three albums in their entireties as part of the Underoath: Observatory livestream series.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/07/17/underoath-observatory-livestream-series-interview/|title=Underoath Is Raising The Bar For Livestream Concerts With The 'Observatory' Series|work=Forbes|author=Rolli, Bryan|date=July 17, 2020|accessdate=November 28, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126092708/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/07/17/underoath-observatory-livestream-series-interview/|url-status=live}} "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White", "Reinventing Your Exit", and "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" were included on the band's second and third compilation albums Anthology: 1999–2013 (2012) and Icon (2014).{{cite AV media notes|title=Anthology: 1999–2013|others=Underoath|year=2012|type=sleeve|publisher=Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records|id=5099973090427}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Icon|others=Underoath|year=2014|type=sleeve|publisher=Tooth & Nail Records|id=B001948102}}
Reception and legacy
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev2 = Cross Rhythms
| rev4 = Jesusfreakhideout
| rev5 = Music Emissions
| rev6 = Metal.de
| rev6Score = 7/10{{cite web|url=https://www.metal.de/reviews/underoath-they-re-only-chasing-safety-5859/|title=Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety Review|work=Metal.de|author=David|accessdate=November 25, 2021|language=DE|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126221110/https://www.metal.de/reviews/underoath-they-re-only-chasing-safety-5859/|url-status=live}}
| rev9 = Sputnikmusic
| noprose = yes
}}
The album was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. AllMusic's Alex Henderson said the band "do a decent job of integrating the honey and the vinegar" on the album, with Chamberlain having a "firm grasp of the sort of good cop/bad cop and heaven/hell contrasts that characterize a screamo disc" as this album. Andrew Segal of Cross Rhythms wrote that album had a "few good surprises which certainly make it merit more than just one listen", as its varied instrumental "largely set it melodically apart from a genre where people are often prone to detuning their instruments". Though he noticed some "moments that are a little 'samey'," it was overall a "well produced album that [...] shows more signs of intelligence than the genre is often credited with". The staff at HM Magazine saw it as a band evolving as they incorporate more melody, and "while it has ups and downs as a complete album, several songs approach greatness".{{cite web |title=Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety |url=http://www.hmmagazine.com/reviews/album/u/underoath0804.php |work=HM Magazine |accessdate=May 10, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106010153/http://www.hmmagazine.com/reviews/album/u/underoath0804.php |archivedate=January 6, 2010}} Jesusfreakhideout staff writer Josh Taylor saw it as the band's most "accessible [release] to those not even interested in the genre", and while it was "not quite as heavy as previous ventures, [.. the album] is, hands down, one of the best releases of 2004".
Len Nash of The Phantom Tollbooth noted that the band had change styles to emo, which would serve as a "better position to compete against many mainstream artists". He added that despite the album be "'emotic' in nature, Underoath still jams out".{{cite web |last=Nash |first=Len |title=They're Only Chasing Safety |url=http://www.tollbooth.org/2004/reviews/uoath.html |work=The Phantom Tollbooth |accessdate=May 10, 2012 |date=August 29, 2004 |archive-date=August 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815011337/http://www.tollbooth.org/2004/reviews/uoath.html |url-status=live }} Lollipop Magazine{{'s}} Adrian Bromley saw it as "[g]eneric mediocre metalcore, for the most part, save for the techno/keyboard bits used on certain songs".{{cite web|url=https://lollipopmagazine.com/2005/01/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety-review/|title=Underoath – They're Only Chasing Safety – Review|work=Lollipop Magazine|author=Bromley, Adrian|date=January 31, 2005|accessdate=November 26, 2021|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009151813/https://lollipopmagazine.com/2005/01/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety-review/|url-status=live}} musicOMH reviewer Vik Bansal also pointed out the musical shift to emo, and said the album "does little to raise the heartbeat or send frissons down the spine". He added that Chamberlain's vocals "sit at odds with the music", and proposed that if Chamberlain sung more, he would have compared Underoath to labelmates Dead Poetic.{{cite web |last=Bansal |first=Vik |title=Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety (Golf) |url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety |work=musicOMH |accessdate=May 10, 2012 |date=June 28, 2004 |archive-date=April 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181056/http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety |url-status=live }} Sputnikmusic staff member Damrod wrote that while the "musical work is solid, it can not convince me completely. This is mainly because the sound is so similar to many other bands popular in the genre". Punk Planet{{'s}} Scott Morrow wrote that apart from a "few legitimately decent moments", he struggled to sit through the album, citing the "trite and whiny singsong sound and can't-you-hear-the-pain-in-my-voice? screams".Morrow 2005, p. 138 Fred Pilarczyk of mxdwn considered it a "safe album in all aspects, from the vocals, instrumentation, and production" with every song "follow[ing] a similar formula".{{cite web|url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2005/05/23/reviews/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731081840/https://music.mxdwn.com/2005/05/23/reviews/underoath-theyre-only-chasing-safety/|title=Underoath – They're Only Chasing Safety|publisher=mxdwn|author=Pilarczyk, Fred|date=May 23, 2005|archivedate=July 31, 2022|accessdate=July 31, 2022}} Andrew Segal of Cross Rhythms complimented the album's production, and said the album "shows more signs of intelligence than the [nu-metal] genre is often credited with."
The album peaked at number 101 on the Billboard 200 and number seven on the Christian Albums charts. As of 2005, the album sold more than 218,000 copies, with the re-release selling an additional 279,000 copies, making a combined sales of more than 500,000 copies in the US alone.{{cite web |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1519378/underoath-rock-like-slipknot-gods-sake.jhtml |title=Underoath Rock Like Slipknot, For God's Sake - Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=December 28, 2005 |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026133358/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1519378/underoath-rock-like-slipknot-gods-sake.jhtml |url-status=dead }} The reissue topped the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in December 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Underoath#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|accessdate=November 26, 2021}}
In 2005, the album was nominated for a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year at the 36th GMA Dove Awards.Jones, Kim. [http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/aa36dovenoms.htm "2005 Dove Awards - 36th Annual Dove Awards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220045050/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/aa36dovenoms.htm |date=December 20, 2007 }}. About.com. Retrieved June 13, 2013. Alternative Press ranked "Reinventing Your Exit" at number 40 on their list of the best 100 singles from the 2000s.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/36083/at-the-drive-ins-one-armed-scissor-tops-aps-haircut-100-singles-countdown|title=At The Drive-In's 'One Armed Scissor' tops AP's 'Haircut 100' singles countdown|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=November 20, 2009|access-date=October 13, 2022}}
In 2024, Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan named the album as one of the best emo albums of 2004, saying: "A lot of bands mixed metalcore and pop-emo in the early/mid 2000s, but few did it better than Underoath did on They’re Only Chasing Safety. [...] if you weren’t looking closely, they might’ve seemed interchangeable with the countless other similar bands of that era. But Underoath had a lot more depth to them than a lot of the bands they were often grouped with–which became even clearer on subsequent albums like Define the Great Line–and that’s evident on They’re Only Chasing Safety too."{{Cite web |last=Sacher |first=Andrew |title=15 Best Emo & Post-Hardcore Albums of 2004 |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/15-best-emo-post-hardcore-albums-of-2004/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en-US}}
Track listing
All music by Underoath. All lyrics written by Aaron Gillespie and Spencer Chamberlain, except where noted.
{{Track listing
| headline = Standard edition track listing
| title1 = Young and Aspiring
| length1 = 3:04
| title2 = A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White
| lyrics2 = {{hlist|Gillespie|Chamberlain|Timothy McTague}}
| length2 = 4:28
| title3 = The Impact of Reason
| length3 = 3:23
| title4 = Reinventing Your Exit
| length4 = 4:22
| title5 = The Blue Note
| length5 = 0:51
| note5 = instrumental
| title6 = It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door
| length6 = 3:58
| title7 = Down, Set, Go
| length7 = 3:44
| title8 = I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today
| length8 = 3:42
| title9 = I'm Content with Losing
| length9 = 3:55
| title10 = Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape
| lyrics10 = {{hlist|Gillespie|Chamberlain|Aaron Marsh}}
| length10 = 4:21
| total_length = 35:50
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Special edition bonus tracks
| total_length = 52:18
| title11 = I've Got Ten Friends and a Crowbar That Says You Ain't Gonna Do Jack
| length11 = 5:06
| note11 = also included on the vinyl and Japanese versions
| title12 = The 80's Song
| length12 = 3:59
| title13 = You're So Intricate
| length13 = 3:54
| title14 = Smic Tague
| note14 = instrumental
| length14 = 3:29
}}
Personnel
Personnel per booklet.{{cite AV media notes|title=They're Only Chasing Safety|others=Underoath|year=2004|type=booklet|publisher=Golf Records|id=CD HOLE 134}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
Underoath
- Spencer Chamberlain – screamed vocals
- Timothy McTague – lead guitar
- James Smith – rhythm guitar
- Grant Brandell – bass guitar
- Christopher Dudley – keyboards, synthesizers, samplers, programming
- Aaron Gillespie – drums, clean vocals
Additional musicians
- Aaron Marsh – additional vocals (track 10)
{{col-2}}
Production and design
- James Paul Wisner – producer, engineer
- Matt Goldman – additional vocals recording, programming recording
- J.R. McNeely – mixing
- Troy Glessner – mastering
- Kris McCaddon – A.D. photography, design
- David Stuart – band photography
{{col-end}}
Charts and certifications
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for They're Only Chasing Safety !Chart (2004–2005) !Peak |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|101|artist=Underoath|rowheader=true|access-date=July 6, 2022|refname=Bill200}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardChristian|7|artist=Underoath|rowheader=true|access-date=July 6, 2022|refname=BillChris}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardHeatseekers|1|artist=Underoath|rowheader=true|access-date=July 6, 2022|refname=BillHeat}} |
{{col-2}}
=Certifications=
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for They're Only Chasing Safety}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Underoath|title=THEY'RE ONLY CHASING SAFETY|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2004|certyear=2011}}
{{certification Table Bottom|nosales=yes}}
{{col-end}}
References
Citations
{{Reflist}}
Sources
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite book|last1=Flota|first1=Brian|title=The Politics of Post-9/11 Music: Sound, Trauma, and the Music Industry in the Time of Terror|date=2016|publisher=Taylor & Francis|location=London|isbn=9781317020264|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hx-gCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA177|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128115059/https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Politics_of_Post_9_11_Music_Sound_Tr/hx-gCwAAQBAJ?gbpv=1&pg=PA177|url-status=live}}
- {{cite journal|last=Jenison|first=David|title=A Hardcore Day's Night|journal=CCM Magazine|date=October 2004|issue=4|volume=27|issn=1524-7848|url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200410.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505081752/http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200410.pdf|archive-date=May 5, 2012}}
- {{cite journal|last=Morrow|first=Scott|title=Music|journal=Punk Planet|date=November–December 2005|issue=70|url=https://archive.org/details/punk_planet_70/page/n139/mode/2up?view=theater}}
- {{cite journal|editor1-last=Napier|editor1-first=Patrick|title=The 250 Greatest Albums Of Our Lifetime|journal=Rock Sound|date=April 2019|issue=250|issn=1465-0185}}
- {{cite book|last1=Sharpe-Young|first1=Garry|title=New Wave of American Heavy Metal|date=2005|publisher=Zonda Books|location=New Plymouth|isbn=9780958268400|edition=1st|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uIIf03bGyAAC&pg=PA339|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128115100/https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/New_Wave_of_American_Heavy_Metal/uIIf03bGyAAC?gbpv=1&pg=PA339|url-status=live}}
- {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACJ-ctdYd2k|title=They're Only Chasing Safety Full Album Breakdown|via=YouTube|author=Underoath|date=July 9, 2020}}
{{refend}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20101110023613/http://www.solidstaterecords.com/releases/405/Theyre_Only_Chasing_Safety/ They're Only Chasing Safety] at Solid State Records' website
{{Underoath}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Tooth & Nail Records albums
Category:Albums with cover art by Jacob Bannon
Category:Melodic hardcore albums
Category:Emo albums by American artists
Category:Solid State Records albums