Mind Equals Blown

Alive, in Standby Dream Status EP

Post-Hardcore | Unsigned

MEB Rating:

7.5

User Rating:

8.0

5 Ratings

Listening to post-hardcore has become something of a tedious affair to me. Most of it follows a relatively dull and similar pattern, and my patience only extends so far. However, every so often, a band comes along that follows the exact pattern you’d expect (monotonous chug-filled breakdowns, etc.) but for some unknown reason, completely changes your perspective on music. Alive, in Standby are not quite that band, but with their debut EP Dream Status, they’ve definitely taken a step in that direction.

Considering that three of the members are only seventeen, it’s hard to fault the band for the tiny missteps throughout. Take, for instance, the incredibly tight musicianship of “Direction” or vocalist Christian Koo’s magnificent vocal display on the powerful closer “Whispers.” At seventeen, Koo would give even Jonny Craig a run for his money. The only major misstep is the We Came as Romans-esque “The Safety in Sleep,” with its overly electronic opening and misplaced screamed vocals throughout. Even this is not a terrible track by a long shot, just terribly generic.

Alive, in Standby are at their absolute best with “Load-In, Load-Out, Strife,” displaying a perfect balance of heavy and melodic sound. There is a somewhat generic breakdown toward the end, but even that is done exceptionally well. Where most bands throw in a breakdown where it’s not needed nor wanted, “Strife” naturally flows into it, which is an impressive feat for such a new band.

I haven’t been this excited about a post-hardcore act since I started listening to this kind of music. Alive, in Standby have put to rest some of my lingering doubts and misconceptions about the state of post-hardcore. There are certainly flaws, but with time, these guys will form a more cohesive and unique sound. For now, Dream Status will serve as an appropriate teaser of things to come.

• About the Author

Author: Corey Hoffmeyer View Staff Page for Corey Hoffmeyer

I attend Full Sail University, and am currently in their online Creative Writing for Entertainment program. When I’m not swamped with a truckload of homework, I’m most likely behind my drum set, pretending I know what I’m doing. Other than that, my time consists mostly of writing reviews, screenplays, and anything else you could possibly imagine. Of course, I usually find time in-between my “busy” schedule to watch a vast amount of Supernatural, Lost, The Walking Dead, and various other educational programs.

(5 votes, average: 8.00 out of 10)

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