Review Summary: jun to my ears
This band is like every other band that's been coming out in the past few years. And that's not exactly a
bad thing, it's just most likely people will give it zero attention. Which to be honest, is understandable. You won't be missing out a lot unless you either have a guilty pleasure now and then for some modern (young) metalcore, or you're fan of the genre. This is by no means ground breaking stuff in any way, shape, or form.
Well, that's not entirely true. There are a few certain aspects of Ohio based My Ticket Home that set them apart, certainly their lead vocalist Sean Mackowski has some pipes. Now when I say pipes, I'm not referring to the cliche "whiny" high pitched vocals that seem to be in abundance lately. Sean has a great calming voice, and he uses it well. There are at no points where his voice is grating or tiresome, in fact he creates some of the more shining moments on the album.
Sean, in partnership with screamer Nick Guimenti create flowing verses, lush with catchy hooks, and great sound. The music in itself is slightly lacking, not very technical, but then again, not all bands need technicality to be good.
The guitarists are there to make sure you're never bored, but they never really shine, one going more for a "jun" to "sludgy" feel, while the other soars in the higher frets (you'll know what I mean if you listen). The drummer is pretty good, nothing special, but he does however show potential. He just needs more experimentation with time signatures. He is capable of keeping a very solid beat however and throws in some great fills (also check the intro to Refuge In Purpose). The bassist is virtually non-existant. He really only reinforces the drop-d tunage of dissonant low junning and power cords. Make no mistake though, this band isn't
all junning, it's just used a fair amount if not a bit too much.
The screams are great. Nick has great range, and I for one have trouble not tapping my foot and screaming along.
Unfortunately most people peg this kid a copier of his older friend Caleb Shomo (vocalist of Attack Attack!) but interestingly enough, this band released a few singles much earlier than any of the new Attack Attack! stuff came out. Also interestingly enough, this kid sounds VERY similar live, which is nice to hear. Too often are screamers over-produced and riddled with lies, LIES.
And with the album closer, slow, soft singing based 'The Opportunity To Be" (piano with Sean showing off his range really, its good but I tend to skip it usually unless I'm in the mood) the band even shows some diversity.
Anyways, My Ticket Home is basically one of those fun bands that are catchy and sound great. They are nothing special, but I think if you had to pick only a few bands to listen to of the recently released, this would have to be in it. They deserve some attention for being simply put, solid.
