Review Summary: Want some Skittles? Here ya go!
Generic metalcore is oftentimes exactly like candy. It provides zero substance or protein to fulfill the partaker, but either tastes horrid or fantastic whilst it’s being eaten. You probably won’t remember you ate the candy a week later, but you’ll enjoy it while you have it. That’s the case for Woe, Is Me, at least on their first album. At no point in listening to
Numbers will you find anything truly creative or new, you’ll be digesting a MMF/Palisades/SWS sandwich, but it’s a good sandwich, as the men of WIM proved to be capable (but just capable) musicians on their debut record.
Yes, the guitarists chug along for most of the album, muddily tearing through low tunings and making the music seem heavier than it really is. Occasionally, the guitarists actually succeed in being driving rather than monotonous (“Hell, Or High Water” and “Keep Your Enemies Close”, for example), but for the most part, their performance is predictable. Same goes from drums and bass, but the bass is utilized to a lesser extent and is impossible to hear for the duration of the record. Like many “genericore” bands, much of the emphasis is placed on the interplay between harsh and clean vocalist. On
Numbers, members of the spotlight are former clean vocalist Tyler Carter (pretty much the only reason people know who Issues is) and former harsh vocalist Mike Bohn (pretty much just a backup for his friend in Issues). Though Tyler does tend to take the stage a little more with his Matty Mullins/Kellin Quinn-esque croon, Bohn has a harsh, grating, intense scream that beefs up some of the weaker moments of the album. As for Carter, he’s got a great range and voice, but sounds almost exactly like his contemporaries. Yes, Issues fans, if you were wondering, there’s a good deal of electronic influence this time around. In fact, sometimes the heavier elements totally slow down, leaving Carter’s R&B-esque croons and pulsating dubstep samples to duet. There’s also some orchestral elements a la TDWP and WCR that really do nothing to add or detract from the music, so thoughts on that are left up to the listener.
It’s admittedly hard to pick standouts on an album that’s this consistent, but there are some. Opener “&Delinquents” will have you knowing exactly where to headbang and roar and when to contemplate and sing, but it’s honestly fun as heck to jam to. The breakneck contrast between the poppier and heavier elements of Woe is palpable within all of “For The Likes Of You”, but serves rather to excite the listener and keep he/she guessing rather than jar them. “If Not, For Ourselves” has the same effect, while “I” might have the best lead guitar work all record. Johnny Craig lends his more than capable vocal chops on two tracks as well, saving the end of the record from becoming a bore-fest.
Yep, you’ve heard it all before lyrically too. Whether it’s raging against lost lovers (MMF), the state of society (ABR), or religious nut jobs (TPIY), WIM have all bases covered. Unfortunately, they lack clever wordplay, so instead of wisely using ambiguity, their lyrics come off more as awkward blunt trauma then thought-provoking eloquence. Would I give this whole thing a purchase? No, but maybe a few tracks. If you just want some heavier stuff to occasionally enjoy, buy the standouts. Otherwise,
Numbers won’t do you much good.
