Jaw dropping vistas, exotic wildlife some of the most picturesque scenes in the world. These are just some of the elements that make up Australia’s DNA. Fast becoming a hub of creativity, the lone island has become a beacon of Hardcore come Metalcore acts of the modern day. However despite its beautiful scenery there are still some who feel a little gloomy, one Amity Affliction.
[tracklist]
- I Bring The Weather With Me
- This Could Be Heartbreak
- Nightmare
- Tearing Me Apart
- OMGIMY
- All Fucked Up
- Fight My Regret
- Some Friends
- Wishbone
- Note To Self
- Blood In My Mouth
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]45:00[/length]
[record_label]Roadrunner Records[/record_label]
[release_date]August 12th 2016[/release_date]
[/detail]
The Amity Affliction‘s formula is on paper incredibly simple, combining the classic war on both fronts of cleaner singing and harsh vocals yet instead the band have been focusing more on vocal lines and hooks themselves. Despite the somewhat despondent title “This Could Be Heartbreak” retains an upbeat tonality ensuring that frontman Ahren Stringer‘s lyrics bound out with a sense of happiness regardless of their subject matter. This juxtaposition of having melancholic, yet somewhat clumsy lyrics put together contrasted with the bright chords of “Nightmare” creates an interesting multi faceted approach yet the band go all in with their most ambitious track yet the single stomping “I Bring The Weather With Me“. Compromising the ballad like simplicity of the melodies the band are known for with a somewhat atmospheric come theatrical backdrop making for it to be one of the most ambitious tracks the band have recorded.
The undeniable champion of the record though is the onomatopaic “Tearing Me Apart“, playing on both singers style the combination works brilliantly with the uplifting chorus chock full of misery yet delivered in a different angle coupled with the energetic performance given by one drummer Ryan Burt. An anthemic call to arms that slowly builds using clever dynamics. Although slightly cheesy the likes of “All Fucked Up” do bring the band’s emotional battle to the fore. Seeing the slightly simplistic lyrics work well to attach on to the common ear. Initially seen as somewhat throwaway song the likes of “Wishbone” wrap their hooks around the listener until yet another major key chorus is slotted deep in your memory.
Finishing the record on a more violent note “Blood In My Mouth” sees the band get ever so slightly more technical before reverting back to their usual breakdown approach. Fans of The Amity Affliction will no doubt be overjoyed with this record, pouring heartache and misery once again into a positive canvas. However those thinking that the band might have experimented will not be surprised with the turnout. Despite the ambitious opening track the album plays it safe, understanding its audience and is by no means a misstep in the band’s career but as the band have said before “the boat sails on” when maybe it could been out a little more.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Fans will no doubt eagerly lap up The Amity Affliction’s latest offering, brilliant hooks, clever song writing ensure the band have not faltered but for those searching for something that little more you might be a little surprised.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the new record here!
