This Will Be the Death of Us

Set Your Goals released their debut album Mutiny! through the independent record label Eulogy Recordings in July 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_876|title=AP Exclusive: See the new Set Your Goals video!|work=Alternative Press|date=June 8, 2006|access-date=July 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821151626/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_876|archive-date=August 21, 2016}} In December 2007, guitarist Dave Yoha left the band as he no longer wanted to tour full time;{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/archive_3254/|title=Lead guitarist leaves Set Your Goals|work=Alternative Press|author=AltPress|date=December 24, 2007|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226173015/https://www.altpress.com/news/archive_3254/|url-status=live}} he was replaced temporarily by former member Dan Coddaire, who initially played in the band in 2006. In February 2008, vocalist Jordan Brown said the group had been "busy working on new songs over the last few months".{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_3478|title=Set Your Goals post Police cover, U.K. tour with Gallows|work=Alternative Press|date=February 9, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018134224/https://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_3478|archive-date=October 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In May 2008, the band posted "The Fallen..." online.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=10248|title=Set Your Goals To Debut New Song This Saturday|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=May 2, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122805/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=10248|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Sometime afterward, guitarist Audelio Flores Jr. said the group had been writing and were working on new songs. Drummer Mike Ambrose said they had done a bit of demoing and had skeletons of songs.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/30469/interviews-set-your-goals|title=Interviews: Set Your Goals|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Conoley, Ben|date=September 15, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122805/https://www.punknews.org/article/30469/interviews-set-your-goals|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

The band attracted interest from Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, who wanted to sign the band to his label Decaydance. However, after Brown broke a stage monitor during a Fall Out Boy show and could not pay for it, Wentz signed another band instead. The group were not being paid any royalties for Mutiny! or merchandise sales by Eulogy Recordings founder John Wylie. They could not afford to audit Wylie; their manager Dave Crisafi, who was an employee of the label, would always take Eulogy's side when the issue of payment arose. Matt Wilson, the band's vocalist, claimed the band's members were naïve at the time, and upon learning that this was not the typical way things were done, they fired Crisafi.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/set_your_goals_havent_seen_a_dime_from_former_record_label_says_vocalist/|title=Set Your Goals haven't "seen a dime" from former record label, says vocalist|work=Alternative Press|author=AltPress|date=February 27, 2015|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226173008/https://www.altpress.com/news/set_your_goals_havent_seen_a_dime_from_former_record_label_says_vocalist/|archive-date=December 26, 2019|url-status=live}}

When the band sought to terminate their recording contract with Eulogy, Wylie wanted what Wilson called "an astronomical amount" of money. One of the group's new managers, Chris Allen, personally planned to buy the band out of the contract for $125,000. However, their second manager Keith Lazorchak contacted independent label Epitaph Records, who had an interest in buying out the contract.{{cite web|url=https://substreammagazine.com/2015/02/set-your-goals-singer-blasts-former-label-we-never-got-a-dime/|title=Set Your Goals singer blasts former label: "We never got a dime"|work=Substream Magazine|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 27, 2015|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226201408/https://substreammagazine.com/2015/02/set-your-goals-singer-blasts-former-label-we-never-got-a-dime/|archive-date=December 26, 2019|url-status=live}} On August 18, 2008, it was announced that the band was free from their contract with Eulogy. A portion of it was paid up-front with the remainder being recouped later through sales of their second album.

The same day the group were freed from their contract, it was revealed that they were in the process of writing their next album.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_4540|title=Set Your Goals become free agents via buyout|work=Alternative Press|date=August 18, 2008|access-date=July 23, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122805/https://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_4540|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Though Flores said the group were going to be recording in October and November, they were still in the writing process. On October 30, Coddaire had officially re-joined the group.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5007|title=Set Your Goals' Daniel Coddaire rejoins band|work=Alternative Press|date=October 30, 2008|access-date=July 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122805/https://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5007|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz wanted the band to enlist the services of a 1990s-style punk producer, however, the group wanted to work with someone who had experience with pop acts. Vocalist Matt Wilson explained: "We know how to do the fast punk thing; we wanted a more polished sound to it."{{cite web|url=http://www.alternativepress.com:80/features/editors-floor-set-your-goals.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708110514/http://www.alternativepress.com/features/editors-floor-set-your-goals.htm|title=From The Editor's Floor: Set Your Goals|work=Alternative Press|author=Heisel, Scott|date=July 3, 2009|archive-date=July 8, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2019|url-status=dead}} They began working with Mike Green for pre-production and demoing,{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/set_your_goals_in_hardcore_music_is_a_mere_vehicle_to_deliver_the_message.html|title=Set Your Goals: In Hardcore, Music Is 'A Mere Vehicle To Deliver The Message'|publisher=Ultimate Guitar|author=Greenblo, Evan|date=September 24, 2008|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228184842/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/set_your_goals_in_hardcore_music_is_a_mere_vehicle_to_deliver_the_message.html|archive-date=December 28, 2019|url-status=live}} before eventually enlisting him as the album's producer.{{cite web|url=http://www.epitaph.com/news/news/3200|title=Set Your Goals' New Album in July|date=June 2, 2009 |publisher=Epitaph Records|access-date=June 4, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608142511/http://www.epitaph.com/news/news/3200|archive-date=June 8, 2009|df=mdy-all}} Sessions took place at the Tree Fort in Los Angeles, California, with Green at the helm in February 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/31985/set-your-goals-post-recording-update-and-la-show|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002173928/https://www.punknews.org/article/31985/set-your-goals-post-recording-update-and-la-show|title=Set Your Goals post recording update and LA show|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=January 19, 2009|archivedate=October 2, 2022|access-date=October 2, 2022}}

Numerous friends sang crowd vocals throughout the album, while some contributed additional vocals to specific tracks: Anthony Benedict on "Summer Jam", recorded by Andy Nelson at Bricktop Studios in Chicago, Illinois; I Am the Avalanche frontman Vinnie Caruana on the title-track, recorded by Hugh Pool at Excello Recordings in Brooklyn, New York City; New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert on "Our Ethos: A Legacy to Pass On", recorded by Green at the Tree Fort; Turmoil frontman Jon Gula on "Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)", recorded by John Gardner in his basement; and Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams on "The Few That Remain", recorded by Roger Nichols at the Skyview Church of Tone and Soul in East Nashville, Tennessee. Green recorded extra guitars on "Summer Jam"; Brown recorded vocals for "With Hoffmain Lenses We Will See the Truth" with Cyrus Bolooki on New Found Glory's tour bus while they were on their Not Without a Fight (2009) tour. The recording process was concluded in late March 2009;{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6319|title=Set Your Goals complete recording|work=Alternative Press|date=March 20, 2009|access-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807194128/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6319|archive-date=August 7, 2017|df=mdy-all}} the tracks were mixed by David Bendeth, before being mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.

File:New Found Glory 2008.jpg

Musically described as pop punk, This Will Be the Death of Us drew comparisons to older punk rock bands such as Bad Religion and All. Lyrically, the album sees the group questioning authority, taking on life issues and straight edge culture. The album features various friends from other bands doing guest vocal performances; none of the features were planned, with Set Your Goals finding parts for them when they wanted to appear on the record.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/43258/interviews-set-your-goals|title=Set Your Goals|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Verducci, Richard|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=January 9, 2020}} The title-track, "This Will Be the Death of Us", begins with fast tempo punk drums alongside catchy guitar parts. It has Wilson and Brown harmonizing throughout; the track is closed with a verse sung by Caruana. The song's second verse, sung by Brown, deals with his self-doubt: "I began to think of things in a very dark and untrue manner", which he said isolated him from himself and the band. He used his bandmates and adoration from fans as support. "With Hoffman Lenses We Will See the Truth" sees Brown doing media presenter vocals; Wilson said it was inspiured by Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) by George Orwell, "8 O'Clock in the Morning" by Ray Nelson, and the films Soylent Green (1973) and They Live (1988). "Look Closer" covers the theme of complacency, with Wilson explaining that the track dealt with government overreach.

"Summer Jam" talks about Set Your Goals' early years of touring, and incorporates the intermittent use of a synthesizer. At one point, they make reference to various bands that they have performed alongside, including hardcore acts Crime in Stereo, Ignite and No Trigger, in addition to the pop-punk outfits Fireworks and New Found Glory. In another part of the song, its lyrics describe an incident that saw Set Your Goals, Fireworks and members of their touring crew arrested while at a mall. Tony Bologna, who did merchandise for Fireworks, had managed to escape; he subsequently sung the line "I'm just trying to get my smoothie on, dog" in the song.{{cite web|url=http://highlightmagazine.net/2016/09/29/raspberry-cool-set-your-goals-explain-summer-jam/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021040433/http://highlightmagazine.net/2016/09/29/raspberry-cool-set-your-goals-explain-summer-jam/|title=Raspberry Cool: Set Your Goals Explain 'Summer Jam'|publisher=Highlight Magazine|author=Mendyuk, Bridjet|date=September 29, 2016|archivedate=October 21, 2016|access-date=October 19, 2022}} "Like You to Me" is filled with honest introspection, which Brown said talks about how "someone who cares about us views us, and how we in turn are able to see them in ourselves." Throughout the song, metaphors for film scripts are used for a person that us enthusiastic about a friend of theirs and for getting into music. The track ends with dialogue from a poem by Browm, which talks about taking chances and forming kinship with someone. "The Fallen..." retains the sound of its earlier demo with sharper production, and talks about the group's problems with both Eulogy Records and other labels in general. The track acts as a textbook example of a Set Your Goals song: high-energy power chords, singled-out lead guitar work driven by punk drum beats. It also displays the duelling vocals between Brown and Wilson, alongside gang vocals. Wilson said it was about putting one's faith in a person, and the "harsh learning experience you can endure as a result of that trust." He explained that he and the rest of the band had respect for people they looked up to, and later learning that respect was one-sided.

Wilson said "The Few That Remain" was a partial sequel to "The Fallen", detailing a shared mentality and passion between a group of people. He goes on to say that they should be the change they want to see. During the song, the music halts, Williams asks, "Whoa, whoa, guys, um, is it cool if I get in on this here?", before the music restarts with her part. Wilson said the track took inspiration from hip hop music, which influenced the vocals. "Equals" has the band reassuring fans that they are people like them, and sees Brown talking about his personal failures, such as a behavioral disorder he suffers from. "Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)", is the heaviest track the band has written, and features Gula. Talking about the song, Wilson said: "Humanity has assumed the role of God. With that role comes a great responsibility and we are failing. We abuse our powers as we kill ourselves, kill other, and kill the Earth." With "Flawed Methods of Persecution & Punishment", Brown wanted to compose a track that was influenced by a documentary he saw, At the Death House Door (2008), which details the mistreatment against prisoners on deathrow in a Texas prison. Brown felt hopeless while watching it and decided to capture his thoughts in writing. AbsolutePunk staff member Drew Beringer said the socially aware lyricism was disguised by the use of gang vocals. "Arrival Notes" serves as an acoustic instrumental interlude; it came about from Ambrose and Wilson playing around with an acoustic chord progression until they found music that conveyed their thoughts better without needing vocals or percussion to enhance it. "Our Ethos: A Legacy to Pass On" is indebted to 1990s skate punk, and features vocals from Gilbert. The band initially planned for Toby Morse of H₂O to do it, however, when he became unavailable they drafted Gilbert. Wilson said the track "encompass[es] our way of life and the future that it holds for us." Jordan Pundik, also of New Found Glory, provides vocals on "The Lost Boys".{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/archive_8011/|title=Set Your Goals Post "Lost Boys" B-Side|work=Alternative Press|author=AltPress|date=October 6, 2009|access-date=January 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117090607/https://www.altpress.com/news/archive_8011/|archive-date=January 17, 2020|url-status=live}}

{{clear}}

File:SetYourGoalsCorner.jpg

In March 2009, Punknews.org reported that Set Your Goal's second album would be released in four months' time.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/32768/set-your-goals-complete-album|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004085052/https://www.punknews.org/article/32768/set-your-goals-complete-album|title=Set Your Goals complete album|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 19, 2009|archivedate=October 4, 2022|access-date=October 4, 2022}} On March 24, 2009, it was announced that the band had signed to Epitaph Records, and that their next album would be titled This Will Be the Death of Us.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6344|title=Epitaph signs Set Your Goals|work=Alternative Press|date=March 24, 2009|access-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808034357/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6344|archive-date=August 8, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Between late March and early May, the band supported New Found Glory on their headlining tour of the US, leading up to an appearance at The Bamboozle festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5605|title=New Found Glory announce spring tour with Bayside|work=Alternative Press|date=January 9, 2009|access-date=July 31, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153401/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5605|archive-date=July 31, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5918|title=Bamboozle set single-day lineups|work=Alternative Press|date=February 8, 2009|access-date=July 31, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801044453/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5918|archive-date=August 1, 2017|df=mdy-all}} On May 25, 2009, the album's track listing and artwork were posted online.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/33682/set-your-goals-announces-title-track-listing-artwork-for-upcoming-record|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227131130/https://www.punknews.org/article/33682/set-your-goals-announces-title-track-listing-artwork-for-upcoming-record|title=Set Your Goals announces title, track listing, artwork for upcoming record|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 25, 2009|archivedate=February 27, 2021|access-date=October 8, 2022}} After this, the band went on a brief tour of Japan with All Time Low.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6263|title=All Time Low announce shows in Australia and Japan|work=Alternative Press|date=March 13, 2009|access-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807232651/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6263|archive-date=August 7, 2017|df=mdy-all}} On June 2, the band said that if 5,000 people retweeted one of their tweets, they would release a track,{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_sygretweet|title=Get Set Your Goals to post a new song|work=Alternative Press|date=June 2, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122804/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_sygretweet|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} and the following day, "This Will Be the Death of Us" was posted on their Myspace profile.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_sygnewsong|title=Set Your Goals post new song|work=Alternative Press|date=June 3, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122804/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_sygnewsong|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Shortly afterwards, the band toured Australia as part of the Take Action Tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/32752/tours-take-action-tour-headed-to-australia|title=Take Action! Tour headed to Australia|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 17, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602125604/https://www.punknews.org/article/32752/tours-take-action-tour-headed-to-australia|archive-date=June 2, 2017|df=mdy-all}} On June 18, 2009, "Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)" was posted on Myspace.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/34038/media-set-your-goals-gaia-bleeds-with-jon-gula-of-turmoil|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010092400/https://www.punknews.org/article/34038/media-set-your-goals-gaia-bleeds-with-jon-gula-of-turmoil|title=Set Your Goals: 'Gaia Bleeds (with Jon Gula of Turmoil)'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 18, 2009|archivedate=October 10, 2022|access-date=October 10, 2022}}

On June 30, 2009, a music video was released for "This Will Be the Death of Us",{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/34182/videos-set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023065435/https://www.punknews.org/article/34182/videos-set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|title=Tigers|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 30, 2009|archivedate=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 10, 2022}} which was filmed in a warehouse in Los Angeles, California.{{cite web|url=http://epitaph.com/news/article/set-your-goals-release-new-video-for-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|title=Set Your Goals Release New Video for "This Will Be the Death of Us"|publisher=Epitaph Records|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228212916/http://epitaph.com/news/article/set-your-goals-release-new-video-for-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|archive-date=December 28, 2019|url-status=live}} The band perform in said building, cut with shots of Brown and Wilson separately singing on a stairwell and inside of an elevator.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJpXcCaW4po|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727072318/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJpXcCaW4po|title=Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us|author=Epitaph Records|date=July 27, 2009|archivedate=July 27, 2021|accessdate=August 27, 2022|via=YouTube}} In July and August 2009, the band went on a co-headlining US tour with Four Year Strong; main support came from Fireworks, while the Swellers, Grave Maker, Drive A and A Loss for Words appeared on select shows.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6899|title=Set Your Goals, Four Year Strong and more to tour|work=Alternative Press|date=May 18, 2009|access-date=August 9, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809212422/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6899|archive-date=August 9, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/33625/tours-set-your-goals-four-year-strong-fireworks-with-polar-bear-club-the-swellers|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803222023/https://www.punknews.org/article/33625/tours-set-your-goals-four-year-strong-fireworks-with-polar-bear-club-the-swellers|title=Set Your Goals / Four Year Strong / Fireworks with Polar Bear Club, the Swellers|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 20, 2009|archivedate=August 3, 2017|access-date=October 8, 2022}} While on this tour, This Will Be the Death of Us was made available for streaming on July 17, 2009 through Myspace, before being release three days later.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/34440/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010140818/https://www.punknews.org/article/34440/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|title=Set Your Goals: 'This Will Be The Death Of Us'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Yancey, Bryne|date=July 17, 2009|archivedate=October 10, 2022|access-date=October 10, 2022}} The Japanese edition featured "The Lost Boys" as a bonus track.{{cite AV media notes|title=This Will Be the Death of Us|others=Set Your Goals|year=2009|type=sleeve|publisher=Epitaph Records|id=EICP-1255}} Further dates were added to the group's tour, extending it into late August;{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6927|title=Set Your Goals tack on more tour dates|work=Alternative Press|date=May 20, 2009|access-date=August 9, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809213252/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6927|archive-date=August 9, 2017|df=mdy-all}} later that month, the group performed at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/04/reading_and_leeds_just_got_a_w.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501114616/http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/04/reading_and_leeds_just_got_a_w.html|title=Reading and Leeds just got a whole lot better!|work=Kerrang!|author=Dan|date=April 28, 2009|archive-date=May 1, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2019|url-status=dead}}

On September 23, a music video was released for "Summer Jam".{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/35297/videos-set-your-goals-summer-jam|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012085223/https://www.punknews.org/article/35297/videos-set-your-goals-summer-jam|title=Set Your Goals: 'Summer Jam'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Yancey, Bryne|date=September 23, 2009|archivedate=October 12, 2022|access-date=October 12, 2022}} It consists of live performances, photo shoots and driving across the country.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcvHZBTiG5k|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806122524/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zcvHZBTiG5k&feature=youtu.be|title=Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us|author=Epitaph Records|date=January 7, 2010|archivedate=August 6, 2021|accessdate=August 27, 2022|via=YouTube}} Between late September and mid-November, the band supported Mayday Parade on the AP Fall Ball Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/34804/tours-the-academy-is-mayday-parade-set-your-goals-on-aps-fall-ball-tour|title=Tours: The Academy Is, Mayday Parade, Set Your Goals on AP's Fall Ball Tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=August 13, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829224538/http://www.punknews.org/article/34804/tours-the-academy-is-mayday-parade-set-your-goals-on-aps-fall-ball-tour|archive-date=August 29, 2015|df=mdy-all}} The band dropped off a few shows citing health issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/35452/set-your-goals-leaving-tour-until-october-10th|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012111642/https://www.punknews.org/article/35452/set-your-goals-leaving-tour-until-october-10th|title=Set Your Goals leaving tour until October 10th|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=October 5, 2009|archivedate=October 12, 2022|access-date=October 12, 2022}} Shortly after this, "The Lost Boys" was made available for streaming in October 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/35475/media-set-your-goals-the-lost-boys-with-jordan-pundik-of-new-found-glory|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012112856/https://www.punknews.org/article/35475/media-set-your-goals-the-lost-boys-with-jordan-pundik-of-new-found-glory|title=Set Your Goals: 'The Lost Boys (with Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory)'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=October 6, 2009|archivedate=October 12, 2022|access-date=October 12, 2022}} In November and December 2009, the group embarked on a European tour with Broadway Calls and Fireworks.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/36099/tours-set-your-goals-broadway-calls-fireworks|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803221141/https://www.punknews.org/article/36099/tours-set-your-goals-broadway-calls-fireworks|title=Set Your Goals / Broadway Calls / Fireworks|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=November 23, 2009|archivedate=August 3, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2022}} In January and February 2010, Set Your Goals supported Motion City Soundtrack on their headlining tour of the US,{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_moremcsshows|title=Motion City Soundtrack add more U.S. dates, Aussie/Japan tour|work=Alternative Press|date=December 17, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221518/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/archive_moremcsshows|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live}} which was followed by performances at Soundwave music festival in Australia in February and March.{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com:80/2009/10/my_chem_you_me_at_six_paramore.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016054920/http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/10/my_chem_you_me_at_six_paramore.html|title=My Chem, You Me At Six, Paramore, and Gallows for Soundwave|work=Kerrang!|author=Dan|date=October 13, 2009|archive-date=October 16, 2009|access-date=June 4, 2017|url-status=dead}} After this, the band went on a cross-country US tour with support from Comeback Kid, the Wonder Years and This Time Next Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/37332/tours-set-your-goals-comeback-kid-the-wonder-years-this-time-next-year|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017080758/https://www.punknews.org/article/37332/tours-set-your-goals-comeback-kid-the-wonder-years-this-time-next-year|title=Set Your Goals / Comeback Kid / The Wonder Years / This Time Next Year|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 3, 2010|archivedate=October 17, 2022|access-date=October 17, 2022}} Between late June and early August, the band performed on Warped Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-dillinger-escape-plan-every-time-i-die-suicide-silence-confirmed-for-vans-warped-tour/|title=The Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, Suicide Silence Confirmed For Vans Warped Tour|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 19, 2009|access-date=July 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730153532/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-dillinger-escape-plan-every-time-i-die-suicide-silence-confirmed-for-vans-warped-tour/|archive-date=July 30, 2017|df=mdy-all}} On July 10, a music video was released for "Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)";{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/set_your_goals_release_gaia_bleeds_music_video/|title=Set Your Goals release "Gaia Bleeds" music video|work=Alternative Press|author=Shotwell, James|date=July 10, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104194845/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/set_your_goals_release_gaia_bleeds_music_video|archive-date=January 4, 2015|df=mdy-all}} the clip sees the group challenge "American greed and destructive wastefulness", interspersed with facts about the earth's devastation.{{cite web|url=http://epitaph.com/news/article/set-your-goals-calls-fans-to-action-in-new-video|title=Set Your Goals Calls Fans to Action in New Video|publisher=Epitaph Records|date=July 13, 2010|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228212819/http://epitaph.com/news/article/set-your-goals-calls-fans-to-action-in-new-video|archive-date=December 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

{{Music ratings

| rev1 = The 405

| rev1Score = 7/10{{cite web|url=https://www.thefourohfive.com/music/review/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|title=Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us|work=The 405|author=Evans, Rob|date=July 21, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122804/https://www.thefourohfive.com/music/review/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

| rev2 = AbsolutePunk

| rev2Score = 87%{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1162322|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629203807/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1162322|title=Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us - Album Review |work=AbsolutePunk|publisher=SpinMedia|author=Beringer, Drew|date=July 3, 2009|archive-date=June 29, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2019}}

| rev3 = AllMusic

| rev3Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/this-will-be-the-death-of-us-mw0001298689|title=This Will Be the Death of Us - Set Your Goals : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|author=Roach, Pemberton|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229122556/https://www.allmusic.com/album/this-will-be-the-death-of-us-mw0001298689|archive-date=December 29, 2019|url-status=live}}

| rev4 = Alternative Press

| rev4Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{Citation|title=Set Your Goals – This Will Be The Death Of Us|newspaper=Alternative Press|date=July 2009|author=Heisel, Scott|page=77|access-date=December 29, 2019|url=http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/thiswillbethedeathofus/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103025210/http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/thiswillbethedeathofus/|archive-date=January 3, 2011|df=mdy-all}}

| rev5 = Chart Attack

| rev5score = Favorable{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2009/08/06/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us/|title=Set Your Goals — This Will Be The Death Of Us|work=Chart Attack|date=August 6, 2009|access-date=January 27, 2020|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228180838/http://www.chartattack.com/news/2009/08/06/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us/|archive-date=February 28, 2018}}

| rev7 = Ox-Fanzine

| rev7Score = {{rating|8|10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ox-fanzine.de/web/rev/69582/reviews.207.html|title=Set Your Goals // This Will Be The Death Of Us|work=Ox-Fanzine|author=Pausch, Christin|date=October–November 2009|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226194018/https://www.ox-fanzine.de/web/rev/69582/reviews.207.html|archive-date=December 26, 2019|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = Punknews.org

| rev8Score = {{rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/8550/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|title=Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Pelone, Joe|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=December 29, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105164620/http://www.punknews.org/review/8550/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|archive-date=November 5, 2012|df=mdy-all}}

| rev9 = Rock Sound

| rev9Score = 8/10{{cite web|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/reviews/article/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|title=Set Your Goals - 'This Will Be The Death Of Us'|work=Rock Sound|author=Kelham, Andrew|date=July 21, 2009|access-date=December 29, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227110024/http://www.rocksound.tv/reviews/article/set-your-goals-this-will-be-the-death-of-us|archive-date=February 27, 2012|df=mdy-all}}

| rev10 = Ultimate Guitar

| rev10Score = 9/10{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/set_your_goals/this_will_be_the_death_of_us/15383/|title=This Will Be The Death Of Us review by Set Your Goals|publisher=Ultimate Guitar|author=UG Team|date=July 30, 2009|access-date=December 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216122805/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/set_your_goals/this_will_be_the_death_of_us/15383/|archive-date=December 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

}}

This Will Be the Death of Us received positive reviews from some music critics. Scott Heisel of Alternative Press complimented Wilson's "drastically improved vocals", with him being able to step out of Brown's shadow and praised William's guest spot as being the most memorable. Beringer viewed it as being akin to the Power Rangers—"the tracks are awesome individually, but become unstoppable when listened to together." He saw it as an improvement "in every way" compared to Mutiny!, with the band coming across as "spectacular" in crafting a "catchy hook without it sounding glossy and overproduced." Ultimate Guitar applauded the improved production style and inventive guitar riffs. While noting Brown and Wilson's distinct vocal stylings, they manage to "sync up perfectly with each other." Rock Sound writer Andrew Kelham simply labelled it as "another solid record" that is "easy and digestible yet rambunctious and chaotic." AllMusic reviewer Pemberton Roach noted the "step up" in the production with a "crisp, clean, snap-tight sound." He found the group's "mature, positive attitude" mixing effectively with the "music's youthful exuberance", showcasing a record that is " both musically captivating and refreshingly non-preachy."

The 405{{'s}} Rob Evans said the record did not "really come close" to besting Mutiny!, with the band "los[ing] their spark." He added that the release "lacks the quickfire urgency" that Mutiny! had; despite these negatives Evans called it "a great album" overall. Ox-Fanzine writer Christin Pausch said it contained a "few catchy tunes" and called it a "worthy successor", however, it "doesn't hit [you in] the face like Mutiny [does]." Punknews.org staff member Joe Pelone considered the record a sophomore slump, criticizing the "roughly 1,300 guest vocalists on this g.d. album", though singling Williams' performance as a highlight. The overall emotion he got from the album was disappointment with a number of the earlier tracks blending together. NME{{'s}} was highly critical of the group's "attempt to inculcate and lead a Generation Next-style movement ... is a pathetically polished war cry", lambasting it as "unlikely to stir a teen from their slumber with its vacuous and laminated scuzzy guff, let alone inspire the rebellion it desires."{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-set-your-goals-2-10706-323579|title=Album review: Set Your Goals – 'This Will Be The Death Of Us'|work=NME|author=Ward, Thomas A.|date=July 23, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228214154/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-set-your-goals-2-10706-323579|archive-date=December 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

This Will Be the Death of Us peaked at number 65 on the US Billboard 200. In addition, it charted on three Billboard component charts: number 10 on Independent Albums, number 22 on Alternative Albums, and number 27 on Top Rock Albums.

{{clear}}

Track listing per booklet.{{cite AV media notes|title=This Will Be the Death of Us|author=Set Your Goals|year=2009|type=booklet|publisher=Epitaph Records|id=87028-2}}

{{Track listing

|title1 = This Will Be the Death of Us

|length1 = 3:09

|title2 = With Hoffman Lenses We Will See the Truth

|length2 = 0:43

|title3 = Look Closer

|length3 = 3:50

|title4 = Summer Jam

|length4 = 3:05

|title5 = Like You to Me

|length5 = 4:26

|title6 = The Fallen...

|length6 = 3:24

|title7 = The Few That Remain

|length7 = 3:21

|title8 = Equals

|length8 = 3:23

|title9 = Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)

|length9 = 2:52

|title10 = Flawed Methods of Persecution & Punishment

|length10 = 4:09

|title11 = Arrival Notes

|length11 = 1:08

|title12 = Our Ethos: A Legacy to Pass On

|length12 = 4:36

|total_length = 38:06

}}

{{Track listing

|headline = Japanese bonus track

|title13 = The Lost Boys

|length13 = 2:10

}}

Personnel per sleeve,{{cite AV media notes|title=This Will Be the Death of Us|author=Set Your Goals|year=2009|type=sleeve|publisher=Epitaph Records|id=87028-2}} except where noted.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

Set Your Goals

• Matt Wilson{{spaced ndash}}lead vocals
• Jordan Brown{{spaced ndash}}lead vocals, guitars, media vocals (track 2)
• Daniel Coddaire{{spaced ndash}}guitars
• Audelio Flores Jr.{{spaced ndash}}guitars
• Joe Saucedo{{spaced ndash}}bass guitar
• Mike Ambrose{{spaced ndash}}drums

Additional musicians

• Anthony Benedict{{spaced ndash}}vocals (track 4), crowd vocals
• Vinnie Caruana{{spaced ndash}}vocals (track 1)
• Chad Gilbert{{spaced ndash}}vocals (track 12), crowd vocals
• Jon Gula{{spaced ndash}}vocals (track 9)
• Hayley Williams{{spaced ndash}}vocals (track 7), crowd vocals
• Jordan Pundik{{spaced ndash}}vocals (track 13)
• Mike Green{{spaced ndash}}guitars (track 4)
• Tom Ambellan{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals

{{col-3}}

Additional musicians (cont'd)

• Ryan Blank{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Brian Bumblis{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Michael Bumblis{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Chris Clark{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Hannah Donovan{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Efren Gonzalez{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Pete Grossman{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Brett Jones{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Dave Mackinder{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Garth McKee{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Chris Mojan{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Todd Neif{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Kyle O'Neil{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Seth Morikawa{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Donny Phillips{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• James Phillips{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals

{{col-3}}

Additional musicians (cont'd)

• John Regan{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Tymm Rengers{{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals
• Set Your Goals {{spaced ndash}}crowd vocals

Production

• Mike Green{{spaced ndash}}producer, engineer
• David Bendeth{{spaced ndash}}mixing
• Ted Jensen{{spaced ndash}}mastering
• Andy Nelson{{spaced ndash}}recording
• Hugh Pool{{spaced ndash}}recording
• John Gardner{{spaced ndash}}recording
• Roger Nichols{{spaced ndash}}recording
• Cyrus Bolooki{{spaced ndash}}recording
• Drew Millward{{spaced ndash}}concept, layout
• Rob Dobi{{spaced ndash}}portrait illustration
• Matt Grayson{{spaced ndash}}photos

{{col-end}}

• Mass Nerder – the 1998 album by All, the sound of whom This Will Be the Death of Us was compared to
• Suffer – the 1988 album by Bad Religion, the sound of whom This Will Be the Death of Us was compared to

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcZMZxR9uxC-BefHpnmxeT35xKZd9nnFN This Will Be the Death of Us] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

{{Set Your Goals}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Good article}}

Category:2009 albums

Category:Set Your Goals (band) albums

Category:Epitaph Records albums

Category:Albums produced by Mike Green (record producer)