Review Summary: Amen. The Animal create a competent, border-line inspiring, EP that conforms to modern song-writing with a technical twist.
Amen. The Animal is best known as the predecessor to chug-happy pop outfit, Life On Repeat. The latter's signature "pop with balls" style has been widely accepted in the music scene, etching their impact on the genre in permanent ink; until now. While it is important to note that Amen. The Animal's My Iron Heart shares many similarities with Life On Repeat's overall sound, it is paramount to recognize the differences between the two bands, namely Amen. The Animals' atmospheric guitar work and lack of heavy production.
As the opening track, "Blank Faces", kicks in, the listener is met with a formidable assault of pounding drums, driving bass, high-pitched vocals, and a surprising mix of rhythm-based chords tied in with delay-infused leads. This trend continues through the track as the band progresses through various melodic riffs, up-beat choruses and the Catalina Wine Mixer of song-writing; breakdowns. This effective, yet somewhat restrained, method of song-writing continues on throughout the remainder of the album.
With respect to the rhythm section of Amen. The Animal, it's nearly impossible to criticize their timing and knowledge of feel and meter. The drums and bass, along with the centered guitar, manage to lock-in seamlessly, even during some dauntingly sporadic moments. (E.G. - "My Iron Heart", 1:14 - 1:25) Even the bassist manages to creep up from the depths of inaudibility to lay down a solid, boner-jamming, groove from time to time.(E.G. - The chorus of "Questions") However, the dual guitar leads manage to add an additional layer of atmosphere to these tightly-knit riffs in such a purposeful manner that the songs would seem hollow without them.
To be honest, not much can be said of the vocals on this album. High-pitched, somewhat nasally? Check. Harmony-laden? Check. Lyrics about a girl that don't appear to be about a girl but are most likely about a girl anyway? Check. However, the vocalist is competent and provides a solid basis for the group's front-line attack.
The word that comes to mind when listening to Amen. The Animals', My Iron Heart, is, without a doubt; solid. This album was recorded by a young group who were in the midsts of discovering their signature sound; it's expected that they would stick to a safe, comfortable route while writing their album. While the ambient leads provide a certain je ne sais quoi, they do not completely mask the iniquities seen within this album. Check this out if you're a fan of pop-rock with a slightly technical edge.
