Review by Stewart Gray
The well of inspiration has not run dry for Philadelphia Post-Hardcore band mewithoutYou. Despite the release of six unique full-length albums since their formation in 2001, [Untitled] feels like yet another engrossing chapter in their body of work. Favoring a much more saturated sonic landscape than many of their previous releases, the band returned to the studio with Will Yip (Citizen, Balance & Composure, Circa Survive, Code Orange), who produced their 2015 release Pale Horses. Yip’s signature is prevalent throughout the record, with a fantastic mix that allows Aaron Weiss’ vocals space to impact, while accentuating the flowery and energetic instrumentation the band is famous for. With Aaron taking a softer and more melodic approach to his vocals that recall his work on their 2009 release, It’s All Crazy! It’s all false! It’s all a dream! It’s Alright!, that counter act his brother Michael’s loud and exciting guitar riffs, this is no small task.
The album kicks off with three heavy hitting tracks, “9:27 am, 7/29”, “Julia”, and“Another Head for Hydra”, that set the tone for the journey ahead. The band then take a softer more relaxed approach to many of the following songs making a point emphasize Weiss’ poetic lyricism. However, they pick up the energy on the track “Wendy & Betsy”, a cut that is reminiscent of their seminal album Catch for us the Foxes. The album ends with a dream-like set of tacks “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore” and “Break Through” that set the listener off on their way with just as many questions as answers.
mewithoutYou fans will find this record an exciting listen and a definite evolution in the band’s sound. For new fans this record maybe the gateway drug into the band’s deep and eclectic catalog.
LISTEN TO: “Julia (Holy to the Lord on the Bells of Horses)” and “Tortoises All The Way Down”
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