Of Mice & Men have had a turbulent life
as a band. Lineup changes abound and arrests for front man Austin Carlile,
they’ve done well to come through all of these challenges intact. Releasing
their third album in 2014, ‘Restoring Force’ follows their self-titled debut
and their breakthrough ‘The Flood’. Heading in a new direction, whilst staying
true to their roots, was always going to divide fans and critics. Fortunately
these boys are more than capable of answering all question marks, which may
hang around them.
Their first album to feature new clean
vocalist and bass player, Aaron Pauley, 'Restoring Force' showcases both the past
and the future of the band. Described in previews as more of a hard rock album,
the band was aware of the backlash they could have suffered. When they dropped
‘You’re Not Alone’ last year, the feedback was split between ‘the best thing
they’ve ever done’ and ‘why have they done this??’. Featuring a more scream-sing vocal style from
Carlile, the chorus is sang by Pauley, and is an immediate hook. The interplay
between the two of them sounds incredibly natural, as if they’ve been doing it
day in, day out for a number of years and this is shown throughout the record.
The song itself carries the message of never give up and live your life to the
full. Carlile speaks of wanting to inspire the world and his fans, and this is
the perfect song to illustrate that point.
From front to back, this album is
incredible. It takes OM&M’s metal-core sound and adds a cocktail of hard
rock, nu-metal and softer delicacy, which creates one of the albums of the year. I
know, it’s January but this album will be looked back upon as the album, which
makes this band. From the ‘Public Service Announcement’ opener, right through
to ‘Space Enough To Grow’, which closes, the band do not let up. There is so
much passion in the vocals and the band hasn’t ever sounded tighter. All of the
songs are incredibly well written, but the band have written some gems, and
some of which may even find their way onto daytime radio. ‘Feels Like Forever’,
‘Would You Still Be There’ and ‘Another You’ are alternative enough to hit the
radiowaves, no problem. The fact that they’re also heavy still, makes this
achievement all the more impressive. Old fans need not worry that they’ve gone
soft either. The songs still bruise and batter the senses; they just do so in a
more concentrated manner. The riffs are just as good, and the technical ability
is still on show. Some synth work is also incorporated. Lyrically, the album
focuses on personal demons and how to conquer them. These issues are tackled in
a way, which makes the listener to feel as if the band knows exactly what
they’re going through. By embracing a heavier and softer sound, the band, have
become a lot more accessible, which can only be a good thing for their growth.
Of Mice & Men are about to explode.
‘The Flood’ was the warning, 'Restoring Force’ is the tidal wave which will
take them over the top. In Carlile, they have a spokesman who puts his all into
the band, and holds the respect of the fans. A polarizing figure, yes. A
workaholic who will bleed, cry and sweat for this band? A massive yes. Heading
out on their biggest UK tour to date in April, they’ll play a show at the
Camden KOKO, which will be their biggest UK show ever. Don’t be surprised if
they’re headlining Brixton Academy by the end of 2014. They’ve already been
asked to headline a stage at this year’s Reading & Leeds festivals, which
incidentally will be their debut performance at either festival. This band is America’s
answer to Bring Me the Horizon, in terms of being the flag bearers for metal in
each country. They will continue to grow, and they will continue to exceed
expectations. Of Mice & Men want the world, and they'll get it on this evidence.
Restoring Force – 9/10
Key tracks: Feels Like Forever, Would You
Still Be There, Identity Disorder.
No comments:
Post a Comment