"One of the most anticipated records of the year and, oh, does it deliver..." - Summer Salts

"Cross My Heart manages to play rock with high energy and to convey feeling better than almost any other band out there. Impeccable recording, tight playing, and the lofty, almost too-perfect vocals of Ryan Shelkett make me think that it's too easy. Shelkett's vocals are characteristically sweeping and soaring, often singing low and sometimes screaming with what the band is trying to get across. And, man, they're so good when they're playing fast and furious. Any fan of their earlier EP will feel comforted with "Tonight We'll Light Ourselves On Fire," probably this album's best song, keeping the pace high and infused with impressive guitar work. Cross My Heart plays the most emotional and powerful music being played today, whether they're on the verge of screaming their hearts out or singing slow and personal. Their power and aggressive rock is just amazing...maturing on Temporary Contemporary. A ride definitely worth the price of admission." - Delusions of Adequacy

"Loud power chord solidity and rhythmic octaves waiving...so damn catchy. Cross My Heart are a melodic indie band that can rock out hard in that untamed indie sort of way. On Temporary Contemporary they are controlled and have mastered the best aspects of soft indie rock like Karate or Chamberlain. They play all the parts right and have a great production to back it up." - Heartattack

"A fantastic album which is as catchy as it is deep and meaningful. Songs such as 'The Great Depression,' 'London Bridge' and 'Infinity Doesn't Live Here Anymore' are deeply moving and inspirational. This band, musically, are everything you could ever want, and lyrically, go beyond that. Temporary Contemporary impressed me beyond all expectations and would make a welcome addition in anyone's music collection." - Casaba

"Finally, the much anticipated first full length from Cross My Heart is here. Temporary Contemporary exceeds any expectations I had for this record. From the first chord played I was drawn in and held for the entire album. I can imagine listening to this on a rainy day while staring out the window and smoking cigarettes. For the most part the album is pretty mellow, but it can also change dramatically into powerful guitars and screaming vocals. Ryan Shelkett matches the music just right with his vocals, changing with every mood. This is an excellent album. Temporary Contemporary is a hit." - Heckler

"Temporary Contemporary is intense emo that moves further and hits deeper than Cross My Heart's last release. It's not as intense as in hardcore, though you can feel it when the group rages. The poetic lyrics read like lines from lost love poems, with tales of longing and loss. There's raw intensity that explodes and is also held back, but even in the quietest moments, you can feel the guitars straining to get out. It's structured yet loose enough to hang yourself by, as you cut and strain along with the vocals that tie knots in your throat. Moving alongside bands such as The Appleseed Cast and Pop Unknown but holding its own, Cross My Heart has its own dynamics, sharing a style but making it breath with a certain heat." - Big Takeover

"Cross My Heart is a powerful band. They're so forceful that they're starting to move into my subconscious. Lead singer Ryan Shelkett has burrowed into my dreams. Perhaps that says something about the hooks on this album as well. They're in my mind all the time. Smart songwriting, strong, dynamic vocals and powerful lyrics make this a win in my book. To hear Ryan croon, 'my life, I'm over it' makes my heart break. There is a effective connection between the music and lyrics on 'Temporary Contemporary' that clicks well." - ActionAttackHelicopter

"One of my favorite Deep Elm bands follows up their self-titled debut EP with a full-length comprised of sultriness and desperation. Temporary Contemporary has Cross My Heart chilling out, putting the aggression on the back burner to expose the more charred aspects of their psyche...particularly in areas of love. They keep the sad, depressing 'break-up mood' of the tunes afloat by changing paces often and trying new things, such as in the Wheat-ish 'Angels & Gargoyles' with its subtly seductive, mellow beat. And whether the band is rocking out or playing it shogazer, you still get the feeling that the sincerity and true pain comes from every inch of their being. The reality of it all pierces through you and stirs up some restless ghosts from your past. A very memorable, touching, and masochistically enjoyable album. I'm putting it on repeat." - Lollipop

"Seeing this CD set off every emo alarm in my head. I was pleasantly surprised. While lyrically emo, Cross My Heart maintains some guts for the most part and stay musically interesting and powerful a la Sunny Day Real Estate." - Punk Planet

"While 'The Great Depression' gave me the same feeling as reading William Styron's 'Darkness Visible' - a far from soothing melancholy which made me physically ache - there's an overall sense of joy in hearing a record that so successfully seems to accomplish a band's intentions. Cross My Heart makes emotional music that transcends borders, and should please most any person who's waiting 'for the better days' while leaning on songs to keep afloat emotionally . Temporary Contemporary includes a song with pure rock-n-roll swagger ('London Bridge'), and two slow songs built by lyrical fragments ('You take all the shame / sorry I'm alive / promise I won't write') that don't add up to a gigglefest, but have a nice brooding sincerity whose appeal endures far longer than one might expect. Although they don't do anything radical, Cross My Heart's new record always sounds sincere, and always makes me care... Furthermore, their best song, the gorgeous 'Angels and Gargoyles' reaches the same heights as Pedro the Lion's 'Only Reason I Feel Secure' and stands among the more moving songs released in 2000." - Splendid

"Temporary Contemporary is an amazing album. CROSS MY HEART's debut was excellent, but on here they've excelled themselves and really 'matured' their sound, for want of a better word. They've stripped the sound right down to the basics of rock, added just a few layers of pop, and left it right there, and it sounds just perfect. Each track is a warm and honest song of controlled passion and melody with soft guitars and endearing vocals, that only occasionally break into full-on rock. This whole album reminds me a lot of the Waxwing album of last year, it has the same mid-paced melancholy and sleepy emotion but packed with an understated power. I could listen to the song "Paris" for days on end, with it's empty Karate-like verses and rocking Samiam-styled choruses. There's even times when their mid-80s UK power-pop influences shine through like on the superbly titled "Self Loathing Bastard". Sure, XMH are just doing the indie-rock thing like the others, but fuck me, can they do it well. It really does stand out from the crowd." - Fracture

"The long-anticipated follow-up to last year's self-titled album, Temporary Contemporary is a complex piece of magnificent heartbreak, and one that has securely landed itself in my list of favorite releases of the year. Undeniably catchy music in the emo/sad-core vein, it delicately balances between the visceral intensity of the music and the despairing alienation of singer/guitarist Ryan Shelkett's lyrics. His words play the Everyman here, delicately capturing the feelings of regret and self-loathing we've all felt before and secretly penned in the dark of night. The music buries deep into the subconscious and the songs feel like they have, at times, been your own. And like all great pop music, Shelkett's lyrics come exquisitely wrapped in catchy hooks and powerful guitar lines that float between hurricanes and whispers. Temporary Contemporary is one of those finds you don't come across too often. Both passionate and powerful, its melancholic beauty works like a drug, and every time you put it on and slowly let it slide in, your body shudders in guilty ecstasy; something so depressing shouldn't feel this good. File under: Post-Breakup Medication for the Disillusioned and Broken Hearted. And please, keep it dark in here." - Ear Pollution

"Incredibly crafted emo-rock tunes that are powerful yet mellow and very passionate. With a slightly depressing feel, this album conjures up emotions of the past and love and pounds at them with great harmonies all around and an incredibly subdued power. Temporary Contemporary is an incredible accomplishment on the band's part and proves they know how to make a wonderfully done 'emo' rock record." - Outback

"Intense emo that moves further than their last release, hits deeper. Those poetic lyrics that read like lines from lost love poems, tales of longing and loss. Raw intensity that explodes and is also held back, restrained, but even in the quietest moments you can feel the guitars straining to get out. Moving alongside bands such as the Appleseed Cast and Pop Unknown, but holding their own with Temporary Contemporary. They have their own dynamics, sharing a style, but making it breathe with a certain heat. I promise...cross my heart." - Ink Nineteen

"XMH have undoubtedly won my heart with their past record and this one. Temporary Contemporary finds them presenting the world with more incredibly crafted emo-rock tunes that are powerful yet mellow and very passionate. With a slightly depressing feel, this album conjures up emotions of the past and love and pounds at them with great harmonies all around and an incredibly subdued power. This record is an incredible accomplishment." - Outback

"The music on Temporary Contemporary is passionate, sincere and emotionally-driven. Nine wonderful tracks worth. The tempo shifts with seamless musicianship, going from a soothing, heartfelt flow to an intense, powerful pace - always holding the emotional aspect of the music in clear view. The vocals are profound, absorbing and buoyant, floating to the front of each song but not dominating it. Cross My Heart plays complex music that captures melody and emotional meaning with each new track." - Impact Press

"If you're sitting in the murky death of wondering where to find a great record to add to your collection, Temporary Contemporary is your answer. The nine tracks give you that straight ahead listening pleasure, leaving a smoking wake of terrific tunes in your midst. Cross My Heart's sound is notable for it's blood-stirring, rock-driven melodies, while most of the band's potential rests with the lyrics. These songs provide an escape from the traditional muck. An impressive record with energetic guitar and vocals. Sooner or later this band is going to be successful enough to make their own mark on the industry. My money is on Cross My Heart. - Amazon

"Temporary Contemporary is a great piece of work. Cross My Heart is an example of a mature and experienced band. They have their own sound that is backed up by solid musicianship and song writing, creating a mood and versatility where the listener doesn't get bored. This has some of the catchiest lyrics I have heard. From the bluesy intro on the first song to some tight upbeat rhythms in London Bridges, this release offers something others do not - variety. The best part of Cross My Heart has to be the vocalist as he could carry any band." - Friction

"As Cross My Heart progresses through Temporary Contemporary, you realize the wealth of talent this group of musicians possesses. A rock band that isn't afraid of flexing their aggressive tendencies as well as bearing their soul on the next lick. The album is a good example of Ryan Shelkett's ability to sing...and he sings VERY well. The guitars ring like they are voices reaching into your soul. XMH manages to perfect the balance of pop and punk that so many emo-core bands try to achieve." - Music Emissions

The Great Depression i always play the fool. i'm this years' nominee. falling backward wasn't so hard. try to remember remember. but that was a long time ago. wear your mind. raise your glass. try to remember. where you're at. try to remember. where you're at. try and try. you tell me that love won't break your heart. i'll tell you yeah you live forever. in a lie you'll never see. say there's nothing to be afraid of. that there's nothing really there. but that was a long long time ago. raise your glass. raise your glass. to death the new revolution. to death the new revolution Tonight We'll Light Ourselves On Fire it's about a quarter till two. and all that you thought you knew. about the truth is old news. wish i came with a kill switch. but i'm so energized. with love and lies and questions. like who the hell am i. who the hell are you. who the hell am i. how long must i wait. what the hell am i. what the hell are you. what the hell am i. how long must i wait. so i put my mind to the test. and now i'm on a quest to be the best. as i smolder. this is the way to kill. your wandering gaze. your dizzy haze. you're up in flames. tonight we'll light ourselves on fire. in spite of all the good days we've never known. we'll burn at the stake. and start to bake. so we can find the center of you. so burn baby burn. you're so flammable. i want you to burn Paris a simple little lie. and i believed you. closing of your eyes. and fall asleep. i could leave tonight. you won't even notice. drive straight to the airport. a simple transaction. i lie awake you lie asleep. i dream of paris. the thought of a better day. just knocks me off my feet. maybe i'm crazy. but i know you're faking. just do me a favor. no explanation. desperate pleas for your hand. just a cold shoulder. that's all you offer me. it knocks me off my feet. paris on a good day. i might just fall in love. my life i'm over it. i wait for the better days. why do you want my sanity. i wait for the better days London Bridge hear the sounds of the subway station call. i'm thinking all about human condition. i wish that i could paint myself invisible. or at least take me out of the phone book. last night. i was ready to pull the plug. that fueled the light in my eyes. and i know i should be happy. i take my medication. cause it will make me happy. a psychosomatic way of life. maybe i'll fly down to mexico. just get me through the next seventy two. spinning around. my head is all over town. and i could love you better than he can. last night i was ready. and london bridge is falling down again. and i deserve to be happy. tonight i'll dream in the green green grass. and smile with smoke filled lungs. but i know i'll dream of a painful past. and sleep with psychotic eyes. and i know if i can. i'll try it all over again. so i take my medication. cause it will make me happy. and it will make me whole With Bells On you're so eager to keep moving. never satisfied with distance and time. just don't drag me around with you. this is where i want to be right now. and we'll play these games with bells on. you can return me. i come with a receipt. exchange for a better boy. one that doesn't get annoyed. one that's all smiles. and is attached with strings. and we'll play these games with bells on. you're dragging me all around. you're dragging my arms around. you're dragging my legs around. and we start to change. cause nobody stays the same. and if we play these games we'll break. you're dragging me all around. you're dragging my arms around. you're dragging my head around. you're dragging my legs around. you're dragging my heart around. this is the last time Infinity Doesn't Live Here Anymore dreaming of my past life. can't remember who i used to be. now and then it hits me. like a hurricane in my head. your eyes said so many things. never could decipher your code. even now i know. the worst of a bad situation. i believed every word that you said. i believed infinity. i'm coming over. we'll straighten this out tonight. i'm coming over. let's straighten this out tonight. lies that surround you. i don't believe. i don't believe. i don't believe. i don't believe anymore Self-Loathing Bastard under the covers. i hold my breath. i hide my head. from alarm clocks and lovers. that wake me when i wish i were dead. what do you want from me. wake me when i'm not over it. i can't think straight with nothing left to say. said it all when i was sober. legion of liars. don't want to face another day. what am i here for. why do i treat myself this way. you said you had enough of me. you said you had enough of this lie. what do you want from me. you can't believe i'm not over it. can't think straight. with everything to say. come to think i'm irrelevant. and they say my time will come. and they say my day will come. but it's walking straight away from me. can't think straight. with everything to say. come to think i'm not over it. can't believe you said you had enough of me. away from me Angels & Gargoyles went for a walk today. left me feeling empty. a bitter chill in the air. a heart with a great big tear. this coffee is burning my hands. i look at the tops of the buildings. and wait for the angel to come down. and tell me everything is going to be fine. my dear. you are the only one. you are the lonely one. my dear. a puff of smoke fills my lungs. look up and search for the sun. feel like a terminal case. but today takes a day from my face. my dear. you are the only one. you are the lonely one. my dear How Slowly We Forget and the sound of my old voice. echoes through my brain. couldn't be convinced to calm down. and i have nowhere to go. and no one to talk to. my thoughts become my enemy. it might be years till i drink all my fears. and the way i feel right now. always contemplating. resistance is fading. always on the wrong side. like to run and hide. memories like movies. let me rewind my greatest days. it can't be true. that you've found someone new. and the way i feel right now. lost and lonely all these years. i haven't slept in days. you take all the shame. sorry i'm alive. promise i won't write