Mychildren Mybride- Having The Heart For War (2/10)

Tracklisting:
1. Circle The Sky
2. In Due Time
3. Love Letter To
4. A Spar Too Late
5. Close Your Eyes
6. Immaculate Murder
7. Falls First Fire
8. A Bayonette Doesn't Make You A Hero
9. Every Moment

Mychildren Mybride is a pretty much cookie cutter metalcore outfit that needs to get some years or some new members under their belt. Fortunately for them, they have plenty of the former ahead of them, and we'll see what comes, I guess. But as for this record, let's just go ahead and get this over with.

Musically, I will say that there is nothing explicitly horrendous, but regardless, we are dealing with very, very generic metalcore. I will go so far as to say Devil Wears Prada meets Job For A Cowboy. And I'm sorry to say, that those are both terrible bands as far as I'm concerned. So we're dealing with harmonic minor riffs, some sing alongs, lots of breakdowns, and I'm just waiting for the southern rock lick to lead into a breakdown with some clever repeated line about the South. I'm dead serious; we are talking COOKIE CUTTER. And the worst part is that none of the musicians even perform their parts well. The guitar work is so sloppy, as is the drums. The most solid member is the vocalist, but his voice just doesn't do much to redeem this band. I HATE listening to a drummer who clearly is winging the entire recording, by the way. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Okay, production: HORRIBLE. But, this being (I believe their first record) I'm sure it was pretty low budget so that's understandable, but it doesnt change the fact that this record is unlistenable. You can't put a combination like this together and expect it to work out for you at all. Gee, let's play the exact kind of music as all 20000 of our friend's bands, then record it in a cardboard box, and expect kids to pay for it!!! Sorry, dudes.

All I can say is- better luck next time. I'm sure you're sweet dudes, but I can't listen to this.

Sounds Like: The Devil Wears Prada, Job For A Cowboy, Haste the Day

Ligeia- Your Ghost Is A Gift (5/10)

Ferret Records

Tracklisting:
1. Beyond A Doubt
2. I'm Sorry You're Ugly
3. Heart Attack
4. Judas Complex
5. The Blackout
6. Household Stereotypes
7. Makin' Love To A Murderer
8. Swollen Eye View
9. Always, Forever
10.Dead Man's Bride
11.Wishing Wells

Ligeia comes out swinging on this semi-heavy, slightly comical metalcore/hardcore record. I'm kind of on the fence thus far. My impression of this band always seems to change, I guess. I hear people say they suck, that theyre just some bro-core dudes doing what's already been done, but then at the same time every song I had always listened to in the past would have these really odd Incubus-esque choruses... and bottom line, I will say that this band is hard to describe.

Picture hatebreed meets [insert any metalcore outfit these days here] meets, I don't know, the Backstreet Boys. Basically, it's lots of stuff that's already been done before, with just enough done differently to sell some records. Sorry to be harsh, but that's the impression I get. The record starts with a good punk beat and some beatdown riffs, some lyrics about punching someone out, and then a relatively weak but well placed breakdown. And you pretty much have a good picture of the whole record, with one exception. Every so often they have these just random singing parts with totally clean, pretty vocals. And I mean, I guess do what you want, but it's not good. It's just not.

I can't say enough that this band is really, really not covering new ground. The worst thing about listening to a band that can't decide if its metalcore, deathcore, grind, beatdown, or Underoath is that each of those is fundamentally one of the most copied genres in music today. COME UP WITH SOMETHING NEW! You'd think that musicians, as artists, would enjoy breaking new ground, but when was the last time any of us saw that happen?

Production wise, there's nothing to complain about too heavily. The guitars are nice and present, although a little raw. The drum recording is punchy but authentic- definitely no triggers used here. And the vocals are recorded the same. Basically, I guess what I'm getting at is the whole theme of the production seems to be recorded well but not overdone. I can dig that.

Overall, not a necessarily bad record, but nothing special and I can't get into it. Lyrically, it's retarded. Musically, eh... not bad. Keep working guys, maybe you can develop this little nich of yours into something nice, but I can't say enough, try something new. Please.

It Prevails- The Inspiration (8/10)

Rise Records
2007

Tracklisting:

1. Explanation: Content
2. The Distance
3. Change Today
4. Thirst For A Better End
5. My Life Back
6. To Fail...
7. An Anomaly
8. Man.Moment.Machine.
9. At Least Understand
10. The Inspiration

I read a review of this cd that said something like, "easily the best release to come out on Rise Records in the last four years." Well, agreed. This disc absolutely rules, and it's great to know that there are still bands coming out in the world and making music as beautiful and authentic as this.

It Prevails is a melodic hardcore outfit that sites Shai Hulud as one of their biggest influences, and you can definitely hear it on this record (which I have absolutely no problem with that). The music is hard hitting but absolutely gorgeous, kicking off with a slow tempo drum intro and just absolutely crushing. Very open progressions with driving drums and melodic post hardcore leads, some very big breakdowns, and just absolutely heart wrenching vocals. I really can't say enough how impressed I am with this band, and secondly, how impressed I am that Rise put this out. Maybe someone over there actually has some decent taste.

The songs are pretty much similar throughout the record, not alot of high and low points, minus the two instrumentals, until "At Least Understand," which surprised me with an awesome clean singing part. Sort of in the vein of Aaron Gillespie's work with Underoath, which noone can say is original, but regardless makes a high point on the record as far as I'm concerned.

Production wise, this record is prestine. Nothing special, but no complaints here. I mean, it's not like I expected anything different from Rise anyway, but one thing that's pretty cool is there are no keyboards, and none of the tell-tale signs of a Foundation Recording on this record. Guitars are very nicely blended, which is so important on a record of this kind, drums are massive, and the vocals are comfortably out-front but not overbearing. I'd say these guys got hooked up, as far as I'm concerned.

I highly recommend this record. It breathes good feelings and positivity, and GO SEE THEM LIVE! An absolutely amazing live show.

For Fans Of: Shai Hulud, Hopesfall (Old Old), Anam Cara