new horizons [single reviews]

By Ryan G

Words: Ryan Getz / Household promo photo: Heather Vaught

Household – “Wistern”: Substream magazine describes “Wistern” as a slab of hardcore punk. The last time I heard a band’s music be described as a slab of something I was reading the biography of Columbus post rock powerhouse The End of the Ocean. While “Wistern” isn’t pretty like the aforementioned oceanic band, it’s definitely catchy, intense, and in your face. “Wistern” also marks a stylistic departure from the band’s With or Without days, which took less inspiration from Such Gold and more from The Chariot. And ya know what? Josh successfully pulls off a new vocal style. Kudos. The rest of the song is pretty gnarly too, I guess (wink wink). But seriously, I can’t wait for September. September 25th is going to be a good day. Stream the song here.

Bring Me the Horizon – “Throne”: A music critic I respect tweeted today that this song sounds like a “Faint 2.0,” referring to the Linkin Park song. I went into this with some bias expecting “Throne” to be a rip off of the song in question, with most tweener/teen fans none-the-wiser, since the song allegedly being ripped off was before their time. While there are some similarities in tempo and song structure and general “feel”, I think in court this allegation would have less legal standing than the already contested “Blurred Lines” debate. The song is catchy, and could very well catapult Bring Me the Horizon from a scene band wanting to be an arena band to an actual arena band. I realize they’re already just about there in Europe, but now the sound is starting to match the image.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_qI_F2ZJI[/youtube]

Keyoung – “Blood Charm (featuring Becky Meadows and David Powers)”: “Blood Charm” feels like the start of Keyoung really coming into his own. Not that his earlier material isn’t excellent – it is. But while portions of Left Handed Son meandered between hip hop and spoken word in an unintentional identity crisis (don’t get me wrong, I saw beauty in this), “Blood Charm” maintains the vibe of Keyoung’s earlier work in a track that is polished and catchy, yet still raw and honest. Two guest vocalists, David Powers (Young Adult) and Becky Meadows (Get in the Ark) carry the chorus of the song in strong harmony that is pensively enjoyable, but not melodramatic. The is available for free download on bandcamp.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7v08PqdgyE[/youtube]

Convictions – “MOROS”: Props to this band for being the first I’m aware of to use Scripture as lyrics over a breakdown. A really really fun, brutal breakdown that scene kids and beyond will love, that is. The song from the Toledo metalcore band is one of many anthems out there to those struggling with self harm and suicidal thoughts, but perhaps the most spiritually bold of all of those I’ve heard – drawing straight from the Bible right as the song hits its climax. Fans of Fit For a King, For Today, and Beartooth will love these guys. Why Solid State Records hasn’t picked them up yet, I have no idea.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4w9xIqwjc[/youtube]

Voted Down – “Passive Aggressive”: The raw and sometimes shrill vocals of singer Chelsea McClain are complimented well by guitarist Alexander Oakley, who lends vocals reminiscent of the cleans heard on Maylene and the Sons of Disaster’s newer albums. Gritty southern rock vocals. This song has a very distinct melody too. This band would fit in with noise rock and southern rock bands alike in a live setting. Also, I think this hook will be in my head for awhile.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icvCmTT7s7w[/youtube]

Wax Idols – “Lonely You”: Only 30 seconds in, I’m awed by how gorgeous the track is. What can I say? I’m a sucker for shoegazey stuff done right. The dreamier, the better. This band will be releasing a label on Collect Records, founded by Geoff Rickly of Thursday. First I hear of No Devotion getting a release on this label, then Nothing’s yet untitled sophomore LP, and now these guys. At times I can’t tell if the words being sung are “Lonely you” or “only you” and I think that’s intentional. A sad song that doesn’t make me sad at all. Listening to this is therapeutic.

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