Review Summary: Of Mice & Men's 'The Flood' is every generic metalcore's dream sophomore album.
Let's face it - Of Mice & Men is a band that has a lot more fans than deserved. Between the people that follow solely because of Austin Carlile and the rest that are riding the current Metalcore wave; Of Mice & Men left a lot to be desired with their debut album for many of their critics. Whatever kept this band afloat despite the lineup changes and drama during the past year and a half is the beating heart at the center of their newest album
The Flood.
The Flood is far from a masterpiece but that's not saying much. This album is better in every way from its predecessor. Whereas the first album felt extremely rushed due to the late final lineup's very, very limited time to produce an album, this album actually feels like a lot of thought and time went into the music. Almost every song produces a distinct mood and puts the angry screams/growls, grinding guitar, and melodramatic cleans where they belong.
After reading an Alternative Press article on the Track-by-Track; the Trojan Horse of the album without a doubt is the addition of Alan Ashby. Don't get me wrong; Austin Carlile's screams have improved and Shayley Bourget's singing somehow got even better! Yet I read about Ashby's influence on songs like Still YDG'N, I'm a Monster, and Repeating Apologies (the last of which he wrote completely) and realized Ashby is the third creative force; the X factor I feel this band always needed.
Out of all the growth evident in this album the most apparent is in the songwriting. In the first album they already had most of the music written before Shayley joined. This is why he only sang in limited pieces. With their sophomore album they more than let him flex his vocal strengths to add new avenues to all of their songs. His singing adds an emotional springboard; giving us much needed highs for Carlile to use to dive into the darker emotions of his scintillating screams. These two have improved the most noticeably out of their quintet.
The greatest strength yet greatest weakness of this album is that the songs are great but there was no stand-out songs on this album. Everyone who listens to this album will walk away with three or four different song recommendations but there are no absolutely mind-numbingly brilliant songs on this album. As a weakness that isn't saying much and will undoubtedly come with time if the band manages to keep riding this wave of musical integrity. This album should serve as their metaphorical rock and thus the foundation for every subsequent album to come.
This album will not be anybody's choice for Metalcore/Post-Hardcore Album of the Year but it surely will contend to be in the Top 10 or 20. However, I will leave this review as I have done with the album - with hope. What Of Mice & Men have done with this album is proven that they are brimming with potential and are here to stay; rightfully so. How plagued the next year is with lineup changes and drama within the band will determine their ability to one day produce an Underoath disambiguation, a Chariot Long Live, or a Norma Jean Meridional. If they manage to stay together and keep this current trend alive; Of Mice & Men will become a force to be reckoned with.
I recommend picking up this album for the sole fact that everyone will find something to enjoy.
Of Mice & Men is:
Valentino Arteaga - 'Drums'
Alan Ashby - 'Rhythm Guitar'
Shayley Bourget 'Clean Vocals/Bass'
Austin Carlile - 'Lead Vox'
Phil Manansala - 'Lead Guitar'
