Of Mice & Men Release a powerfully creative new album!
Photo Credit: Lindsey Byrnes 2017
Of Mice & Men
Album: “Defy”
Release Date: January 19, 2018
2017 Rise Records
Hey Mayhem! Bringing you my first review of the New Year! I have to say, 2018 is looking pretty impressive as far as new releases and new music in general have to go. I am beginning a string of reviews for the month of some pretty impressive new music from artists that have been around for some time. I wanted this album to be my first review, because I was so impressed with it! Of Mice & Men’s new album “Defy” is out! Go and buy it, download it, and stream it on Spotify.
I was waiting with anticipation for this album. It is their first album since the departure of vocalist Austin Carlile. If there was ANY doubt that these guys would stay afloat without him…this album will quash those doubts! From start to finish, this is some very HEAVY, well constructed and impeccably played music. Aaron Pauley has proven himself to be a master multi-tasker playing bass and providing the primary vocals for the band. His bass playing does NOT lack or suffer in any way with the increase on vocal duties. He nails it the whole album. Epic work Aaron! Everyone performed at peak levels for this album. NO slackers to be found at all. But I have to say, for the first time in my life, I was highly impressed with the drums! Valentino Arteaga has power, speed, and noticeable artistic talent on drums. This guy has serious drum chops! There was even a part in ‘Back to Me’ that had a very fun and spirited sound. When I listen to his playing, I get a sense that his personality comes through on his drum work. And that is what probably makes him one of my top drummers of modern times. When an artist’s energy and personality can be heard and felt through the instrument they are playing (of if singing, their voice), that’s a wonderful thing to hear. Alan Ashby and Phil Manansala are always in rhythm and they sound incredible together. Riffs are very strong and some of those solos are awe inspiring.
Ground Shakers
Haha! THIS was certainly a challenge for me. I liked almost all of the songs, so limiting them down to 5 was hard for me. I’m also very indecisive and finicky with my music so listing my Ground Shakers is always a difficult process for me.
Instincts
Back to Me
Sunflower
Vertigo
On the Inside
**almost made the list, ‘Defy’ and ‘Unbreakable.’**
This album is fantastic! Very solid and impeccably put together. Each song is unique, from the slot machine noises in ‘Money’ to sound of a clock ticking in ‘Sunflower.’ And each song touches the listener differently.
On a personal note, the song, “If We Were Ghosts,” meant so much to me. I tear up when I listen to it. Not only is it a beautiful mix of orchestral strings, guitars, bass and drums with clean vocals, it was one of those songs that reached my heart. I lost my father in September of 2017 to cancer. I live in Massachusetts, he lived in South Carolina with the rest of my family which made travel toward the end of his illness was hard to do. I stayed in touch by phone and Skype. While I got to say goodbye in person, while he was coherent, 3 weeks before he passed, I still hold some guilt because I wasn’t there at the end. And I wasn’t there to say goodbye when he opened his eyes for the last time, and took his last breath. I am grateful my mom and brothers were there for him in his last moments. “I have to wait ‘til I get to the other side. ‘Cause I never, never got to say goodbye.” I will see him again someday. Until then, I carry him with me in my heart. And he’s there for every concert I attend, and every review I write. Love and miss you dad. <3
This band plays live extremely well. I did see them back in 2016 and became a new fan at that moment. Very glad I made my way over to the stage they were playing on (festival—multiple stages). Hoping I get to see them in February as they are playing in Boston. Though I will be sure to buy my parking tickets (ok, let’s say it the Boston way—pah-kin’ tickets), so I am guaranteed a parking spot for this show. Give this album a listen and let us know what you think! ---Lady Siren Song
Of Mice & Men Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ofmice/
Website - https://ofmiceandmenofficial.com/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tususHNaR68xdgLstlGBA?si=qb27ChNMQLi_EkIRIuhruw
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/of-mice-men/127357180
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