Ridgewood's Senses Fail Forge New Path on Latest Album

Senses Fail singer/lyricist Buddy Nielsen has spent the past 10 years laying bare his raw emotions on painful, autobiographical topics including depression, failed relationships and alcoholism.

Now, as the Ridgewood band enters its second decade, Nielsen has a new, more optimistic outlook on life. Senses Fail’s new album, “Renacer,” includes such lyrics as “My heart no longer bleeds, I’ve got the love that I need” and “I know that only love can resurrect and save.”

“Definitely I’d like people 10 years from now to look at the first half and second half of Senses Fail as two distinctively different things,” Nielsen, RHS class of 2002, said while on tour in Iowa. Senses Fail performs on Thursday at the Highline Ballroom in New York City and on Saturday at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park.

Nielsen said a steady relationship and working through his problems helped spark his new direction. “I’ve been in a relationship for three years now,” he said. “I got my life together financially and there’s no pressure. I’m not worrying about a lot of stuff.”

While Nielsen’s lyrics may be less angry than on past Senses Fail albums, musically the band goes in the opposite direction. “Renacer” is an extremely heavy and dynamic affair that combines metal, punk and hardcore with elements of melodic rock, with Nielsen’s intense vocals fluctuating between harsh screams and melodic singing.

Senses Fail set the template for “Renacer” (Spanish for “to be reborn”) with the excellent album opener, “Mi Amor.” The track features a catchy, descending guitar riff eclipsed by Nielsen angrily shouting the song title and a verse that’s juxtaposed by an almost pop-like chorus. Other standouts include the equally vibrant “Ancient Tombs” and “Frost Flower,” and the punishing “Canine.”

“I listen to very heavy music, a lot of metal and hardcore, and always have, and we had an opportunity to go in that direction,” Nielsen said. “I would’ve gone even heavier but I didn’t want to totally alienate people.”

Senses Fail formed in 2002 when Nielsen met like-minded Bergen County musicians through Internet message boards. Senses Fail today includes fellow original member and Ringwood native Dan Trapp, guitarists Zack Roach and Matt Smith and bassist Gavin Jordan.

The band began its career playing VFW halls and basement parties throughout Bergen County. Senses Fail’s 2004 full-length debut, “Let It Enfold You,” hit No. 34 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The 2006 follow-up, “Still Searching,” reached No. 18.

“Renacer,” Senses Fail’s sixth album, was released in March and entered the Billboard charts at No. 84. It is the band’s third consecutive album to do worse than its predecessor on the charts.

Ironically, Nielsen said Sense’s Fail’s recent lack of commercial success and falling album sales have given him a sense of freedom rather than despair and the confidence to pursue new avenues lyrically and musically. 

“The idea was to switch things up on this album and do something different,” Nielsen said. “Our fan base has been declining and we want to let people know that we’re not just going to float away. Not being as successful opens you up to new things because you can’t do any worse.

“I like [“Renacer”] but a lot of the fans don’t get it,” Nielsen said. “It’s just a constant struggle trying to make everybody happy. I don’t think people fully understand that people in bands enjoy making music for themselves, not fans.”

Nielsen is quick to add that Senses Fail is extremely grateful for and appreciates its loyal listeners and does not dismiss their devotion.

“We don’t charge a lot of money for our shows or our merchandise,” he said. “We’re always available and very appreciative but the one thing we don’t do is cater to anyone when it comes to playing live or making new music.

“We’re not a jukebox,” Nielsen concluded. “We’re going to play less and less old stuff and more new songs, and that’s just how it’s going to be.”

IF YOU GO: Senses Fail, with opening acts Such Gold, Real Friends and Major League. 8 p.m. Thursday, Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16^th St., Manhattan. Tickets are $18 in advance, $21 day of show and are available at www.ticketweb.com. For more information visit www.highlineballroom.com or call (212) 414-5994.

ALSO PERFORMING: 8 p.m. Saturday (same opening acts), The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $21 day of show and available at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.stoneponyonline.com or call (732) 502-0600.