Tag Archives: screamo

01/29/2012

[MUSIC REVIEW] ‘Trust No One’ by Hopes Die Last

By lmpmagazine

Trust No One
by Hopes Die Last
[February 14, 2012 – Standby Records]
Verdict: 8 out of 10
Written by Nathaniel Lay

Hopes Die Last have come a good way since their inception back in ’04. Without even discussing their punk rock phase, the band has really improved upon their blend of screamo and metal over their last two records. Six Years Home, the band’s first full length record, may have laid the groundwork for the sound heard on Trust No One, but the formula has been strengthened and expanded greatly here. Evidently made clear during the opening track, “Never Trust the Hazel Eyed”, Hopes Die Last have a lot of crazy energy to them that is catchy and entertaining. The instruments and vocals alike have been tightened, and sound very good. The song structures are more hectic, which keeps things interesting throughout, and the breakdowns are more memorable. A prime example would be the big one found during “Unleash Hell”, which gives off a vibe of both Structures and Volumes. Of course, these guys have been around longer (despite still being fairly unknown). With a better label, Hopes Die Last could probably reach a much larger audience. Unfortunately, they’re part of a group known for having odd tastes in music (don’t get me started on Black Veil Brides or Dot Dot Curve…), which I believe is probably holding them back. However, if given the chance, a lot of people could be very pleasantly surprised by just how fun Hopes Die Last are during Trust No One. They may not shake things up that often, but when they do (like during “The Blue”, “This Song Plays Suicide”, or “Keep Your Hands Off”), these guys do a very good job at keeping things fresh enough that you won’t likely change the channel. Hopes Die Last have joined our radar with this recommended release.

[---] Highlight Tracks: “Never Trust the Hazel Eyed”, “Unleash Hell”, “Keep Your Hands Off (Feat. Nekso)”

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01/27/2012

[MUSIC REVIEW] ‘The Ascent’ by Secrets

By lmpmagazine

The Ascent
by Secrets
[January 17, 2012 – Velocity Records / Rise Records]

Verdict: 6.5/10 (Stream It)
RIYL: Scream Out Loud, A Day to Remember, the Fall of Troy

Think of SECRETS’ debut the Ascent as a snowball rolling down a hillside. The opening “Genesis” opens the proceedings well enough, but as the Ascent progresses, it builds and grows with powerful waves of forceful swells and progressive breakdowns, most notably with the destructive back-to-back combo of “the Heartless Part” and “40 Below”, though the Ascent isn’t all such pomp and circumstance. SECRETS are a band at their very best when they kick things into a melodic gear and let their post-hardcore skills take center stage, as evidenced by popcore-esque tunes like “Somewhere in Hiding”, “Melodies” or “the Best You Can’t Be”, cuts that find the band flexing their dynamic muscles via soaring vocals and infectious hooks. Not to be overlooked are the production contributions of ex-A DAY TO REMEMBER guitarist Tom Denney, and you’ll see why as you make your way through this slate of songs. For a band that’s been together for around a year, the Ascent is a quality first offering and just a glimpse of what this promising San Diego quintet is capable of down the road.     -by Brian Campbell

Most Recommended Track: “The Heartless Part” – One of the heaviest tracks on the album, though it represents some of the albums better melodic hooks as well.
Studio Notes: Produced by ex-A Day to Remember guitarist Tom Denney
Release Date: January 17, 2012
In Conclusion: While it may be hard to pick Secrets and probably any song of this album out of a crowd full of their sonically cloned peers, still, the Ascent is worthy of at least a little bit of your time. Sure, the hallmarks of that mallcore type sound are here, but some of these songs are pretty damn good.

FOR A SECOND OPINION, CHECK OUT THIS REVIEW BY NICHOLAS SENIOR: http://lmpmagazine.com/2012/01/24/music-secrets-the-ascent-review/

AND A THIRD QUICKIE OPINION…
Verdict: 8.5/10
Apparently, out of the main staff writers here at LMP, I was the most impressed by this debut. However, is that really a surprise? I am, after all, the screamo fan of the staff. Any way, Secrets do a great job on The Ascent. While their ability to switch between brutal/intense to melodic/catchy isn’t something new to the scene, the band does it very well. As a result, there are plenty of great breakdowns and soaring choruses to be heard. Fans of screamo should really dig this, especially with the metalcore influences peppered throughout. Fans of the older Rise bands (those that really got the label popular) should certainly pick this one up without hesitation. — by Nathaniel Lay

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01/27/2012

[MUSIC REVIEW] ‘Pick Your Poison’ by Famous Last Words

By lmpmagazine

Pick Your Poison
by Famous Last Words
[January 17, 2012 – InVogue Records]
Verdict: 8 out of 10
Review by Nathaniel Lay

InVogue is known for finding some of the better screamo and metalcore outfits that Rise somehow doesn’t pick up first. Famous Last Words is a prime example. Their new EP, Pick Your Poison, comes with everything we’ve come to expect from this type of band: plenty of breakdowns, screams, soaring choruses, light electronics, and great energy. The dance of death with screamo, however, is that its gradually moved into metalcore territory over the last couple years. Famous Last Words do a good job not doing this, making Pick Your Poison a bit more interesting as a result. This isn’t saying the EP is original, because it isn’t really. We know this sound and have heard its variations thousands of times before. However, Famous Last Words do the formula well enough that this album is not only enjoyable, but it’s memorable. Some of the electronics could have been more varied, but play their part well enough. There aren’t many other complaints to be had here, though. If you’re a fan of the style, then chances are good you’ll really dig Pick Your Poison. Let’s just say that a full length is anticipated now.

[---] Highlight Tracks: “Labyrinth”, “I’ll Get You Next Time, Gadget!”, “Snowmagedon”

SECOND OPINION:
Verdict: 5.5/10
RIYL: Memphis May Fire, Sleeping with Sirens, The Word Alive
Northern Michigan is well known for great golf, skiing, and dune rides. Hailing from that area, can FAMOUS LAST WORDS harbor the goodness of their region? In a word, no. All of the modern metalcore staples are found here: heaven/hell vocals, synths, and breakdowns. The problem is that while the band is clearly capable, there is just very little to nothing that separates FAMOUS LAST WORDS from the rest of the genre. With that said, while my initial reactions were very negative because we don’t need another genericore band, after a couple listens, I found myself enjoying this more than I thought I would. “I’ll Get You Next Time Gadget!” is so damn catchy that it’s almost impossible not to enjoy it. Plus it features a synth breakdown toward the end that is done with enough aplomb that you don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying it. Each track is fine enough on its own, but the problem is that it’s a formula that just doesn’t stick well throughout the course of the album. The band sounds much like the RIYL above, but the problem is that those bands all do this style better. Maybe the biggest hurdle the band has to face is the clean vocals. While not horrible, they are too nasally for my tastes. Bands like MEMPHIS MAY FIRE aren’t bringing much new to the table, but MATTY MULLINS is a fantastic vocalist; so much so, that his fire and passion help carry each tune. For now, FAMOUS LAST WORDS don’t have that type of vocal prowess to carry their generic tunes above good. Here’s hoping they can improve on their full length. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Recommended Listening: “I’ll Get You Next Time Gadget”
>> Release Date: January 17th, 2012
>> In Conclusion: FAMOUS LAST WORDS really bring nothing new to the table, and they aren’t yet good enough at their craft to make up for it. Hopefully these aren’t their last words.

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09/01/2011

[MUSIC] Get Scared – Best Kind Of Mess [REVIEW]

By lmpmagazine

GET SCARED
Best Kind Of Mess
[Universal Motown]
Verdict: 7/10

This album was slightly hard to judge. Get Scared play the kind of screamo that was really popular five or so years ago. As a result, I find myself a bit attracted to it. After all, several bands I used to play all the time were from this genre. But, with the scene today, it’s become harder for me to get interested in this genre. This means Best Kind Of Mess had me judging it harshly from start to finish. With all the things that were lacking about it, I still enjoyed it (without actually getting REALLY into it). There are parts of this album that are really well done and kept me very much entertained. However, I was also being bothered by that “I’ve heard this all before” feeling. Tracks like “Mess”, “Sarcasm”, and “Hate” were probably the most enjoyable for me, though there are plenty of worthy moments to be heard during this record. What it comes down to is how you feel about the genre. Most likely, however you feel towards it is how you’re going to feel about this record. For me, I dig it while also wishing it was more experimental. Still, I found Best Kind Of Mess to have plenty of entertainment behind it that Get Scared now have some of my attention. Let’s hope they blow me away with their next release. – by Nathaniel Lay

Second Opinion

Verdict: 8.5/10

Don’t judge a book by its ‘guy-liner’ cover. Seriously, don’t. Utah’s GET SCARED does not look like the type of band I would listen to and take seriously. When asked to review the band, I was hesitant because of their image. Fair? Probably not; but it’s something everyone does. Why then does GET SCARED deserve your attention? Well, for one they can actually play their instruments. The vocalist, Nicholas, displays a rare combination of emotion and actual singing ability (this guy can really sing); the guitars trade off between punky bursts and catchy licks, and the drums are downright impressive. Basically, Best Kind of Mess sounds like the music I loved while growing up, the punky, post-hardcore tinged alt/rock of bands like THE USED, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, and even old GOOD CHARLOTE, but all of this is filtered through a decidedly power pop angle. These songs are catchy first and foremost- the hooks are abundant throughout the album and are executed exceptionally well. And while the lyrics certainly do not always tell a happy tale, like on the songs “Scream”, “Mess”, and “Hate” they have the type of soaring choruses that cut through the picture of despair painted by the lyrics. These songs are certainly meant to be served as anthems to social outcasts who can scream the hooks loud and proud in the face of torment, but the songs themselves are more than solid enough to be enjoyed by those not in the target audience. GET SCARED are the kind of band that is going to be lumped in with the heaping mess of post-hardcore out today, but by emphasizing hooks and songwriting over breakdowns and being brutal, the band has written a winner of a record. Highly recommended. – by Nick Senior

Recommended listening: “Sarcasm”

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