Review Summary: Who says that solo projects always suck.
With the unexpected separation of My Chemical Romance, there were sure to be side/solo projects coming out of the wood work. With each member of the band doing a little something, but nothing too glaringly interesting, former rhythm guitarist Frank Iero’s Stomachaches was a well welcomed surprise. Supposedly written while suffering a health condition that caused Stomachaches, the record wears this discomfort proudly on its sleeve. Completely composed by Frank alone, the angst’y lyrics, gloomy production, and restrained performances give an ill feeling, but never goes as far as to feel melodramatic or self indulgent.
Frank is at his best when he takes things slow and brooding. With the sonic might of a rain cloud, tracks like Weighted and Stitches have a delightful drabness to them. On the flip-side, the latter half of the album features pop-punk styled tracks, short and digestible in pill form. Songs like The Prettiest Girl At The Party take a slower pace, and take advantage of the shoe-gaze esque production to be hazy but never quite boring. Smoke Rings stands out with one of the more aggressive vocal performances and entertaining choice of sampling. Tracks such as Joyriding and Blood Infection showcase some pretty decent, catchy melodies, and make great use of the underestimated bass guitar. Sounding urgent and hungry, the bass lines on some songs will have you nodding along. Regretfully the choice of production on the drums feels a little too synthetic, but this isn't a glaring issue.
The entire album could fit perfectly as a soundtrack for any Tim Burton film. There is an eery MCR feel to the songs, but not enough to drastically compare the bands. Its pop-punk with a dark tint, saddening yet up lifting in a strange way. Depression, anxiety, confusion, anger, tiredness, it all perfectly bleeds into each song leaving the impression that this album was recorded through sickness.Stomachaches is an aptly named title for this burlap sack of little black gems.
Recommended tracks: Joyriding, Weighted, Smoke Rings, Shes The Prettiest Girl At The Party.
