Review Summary: Putting a positive spin on a negative connotation.
8 of 8 thought this review was well writtenThe formation of Woe, Is Me comes from the defunct Of Machines and features founding drummer Austin Thornton. The rest of the members owe him a bit of gratitude because a previous label contract gave them a signed deal before even playing a show. Woe, Is Me have an uncanny amount of characteristics with Thornton’s last band by following a near identical scheme. The single difference is the addition of a keyboardist who chimes in with low growls in the rougher areas.
At first glance this might rub off as another run of the mill spectacle, in some instances this rings true, but for every assumed blunder in a stale scene comes something digestible.
Number(s) in all accounts should fall flat on its face but somehow manages to latch on and grow in appeal throughout time. The melodic grooves set off a distinct tone that casts a theme over the albums journey; identical compliments can be passed towards the other instrumental duties. The rhythm guitarist could have expanded in certain aspects but when Thornton's last band is channelled it's definitely memorable.
Tyler Carter’s abnormal cleans save this venture from obscurity with a soulful demeanor in all the right variations. The rest of the band may not be covering uncharted territory but they are acting it out a hell of a lot better than a majority of their competition. Unlike most duo vocal acts, Michael Bohn screams are consistently powerful and serve as a fine catalyst to Carter's singing.
Number(s) lyrical passages also accomplish the task of painting vivid tales with creative depictions that break some aforementioned stereotypes.
The ten tracks on the album tend to merge together in a cohesive flow and this can be viewed in either a positive or negative light depending on the enjoyment of the experience.
Number(s) wraps up with ’Desolate (The Conductor),' a beautiful send off that features Jonny Craig showboating along side his chip off the old block counterpart that ends with a bang. Woe, Is Me has a ton riding on proving themselves as more than just a carbon cut out, so hopefully the standout qualities are capitalized while the cliched are erased.
