I’m partially irritated – let me explain:
Last year, I began my tenure with Mind Equals Blown with a bang! Humble, I know. Perhaps I should explain in more detail?
For real this time, Of Monsters and Men released their debut EP in the good ol’ U.S. of A. at around this time last year (not 100% exact, don’t judge me). Good for us, right?! Luckily for me, it was my first official review for MEB. I gave it a modest rating of 9.0, due in large part to the end of the title (EP). The four songs absolutely floored me beyond recognition. The Into the Woods EP eventually went on to become the extremely powerful and brilliant My Head is an Animal.
At this point, you are almost certainly asking yourselves, “What in the hell is this guy getting at here?”
After a very productive and successful year (2012) of rating and reviewing, we are now upon our first “official” release-week of 2013. The task at hand: Rescuer‘s With Time Comes the Comfort. Not to give anything away just yet, but let’s just say that you will not be reading a 9.0 review. You can read one of those here.
Choppy hardcore at its finest (not so much) is all I can really think of while dragging my body through this listen. Obviously, I understand the current trend in the hardcore scene at this point in time (it is kind of my job – weird). Let me just say that this is not it. Argue all you wish; nothing is creative or magnificent about it. But, maybe that is the point – mindless thrashing?
Creativity is an interesting concept. At times, the simpler, the better off you are. Then there are times when simplicity just seems silly – case in point.
My best advice going into your first listen of With Time Comes The Comfort is that if you listen to one track, you can probably skip the rest, because that is the extent of what you will hear. Personally I take offense to this disappointment, simply due to the fact that Rescuer are in an ideal position with the “so-called genre” they wish to undertake. Unfortunately they just come off as highly boring and ordinary.
While the vocals are uninspired and weak at best, the instrumentation is teenage as well (sorry teenagers, no offense). However, as with most hardcore, there are at least a couple interesting bridges to be heard. So, maybe I lied earlier? No, really guys, I’m reaching at this point. Got to end on a high note, I suppose. “Locked Inside,” “Birds of Prey” and “Too Far Gone” partially offer some ability and pause in an otherwise monotonous listen. Not entirely bad – not all too good though, so keep your panties in a bunch (is that right? I get sayings wrong all the time).
After an outstanding first year, mostly talking to myself – and arguing with myself, over my own comments – 2013 is here. And although I may not be starting off with the powerful release I was hoping for, my expectations for this year are huge. One thing I will say for these guys – they are not your typical Rise band, that is for damn sure.
Rescuer – dudes, maybe next year, right?
For Those Who Like: No Trigger‘s Canyoneer – This Is Hell‘s Misfortunes – Defeater‘s Travels
