Review Summary: Cohesive and catchy, doesn't get much better than this
The first two singles are perfect releases. They set the tone for the album, and give the listener a general idea of what to expect. "Home" is an anthemic number that doesn't stray far from the work the band did on their 2013 EP. The major difference between the EP and the album is the production level. The songs are mixed to perfection, and have this particular arena rock vibe to them that suits the band to a T.
One of the standouts is track 7, "Living Now". The song opens with some minimal synths, and then clean guitars. Cue the drums, and before you know it the song is in full swing. You get a little of everything with this number. The melodic verses performed by both Trevor and Matt, a very pop influenced chorus, and gruff screams make one killer song. Matt and Woody have fine tuned their guitar and bass work, and have produced something that isn't overloaded with breakdowns, or chugs like in the past. Molloy drives his drums home with as much force as he can, keeping the rhythm going strong. Which is what drives the chorus, aside from Matt's vocals.
As I said, there is a strong mainstream rock presence in this album. But don't let that turn you off. Because unlike some other bands who have given up their signature sound in favor of something more accessible, OLN haven't sacrificed anything. The sound they started with the "Oak Island EP" continues stronger than ever. Since the band's inception, their sound has ventured into a more post-hardcore, alternative rock oriented genre rather than a more technical metalcore. And that in itself makes their music more accessible, but without losing the touch that fans have come to love.
The weakest track is album closer, "Barricades", which incorporates heavy electronics in the last minute of the song. The auto-tune takes something away from the song, and doesn't do anything positive for Matt's vocals. Other than that, it's a great number. An energetic piece that mirrors the high voltage opener. "Forgotten Souls" is a perfect example of everything that's right with the band's experimenting with some other sounds. The track's main rhythm is provided via synths. A very R&B esc vibe, this is a soft tune that still maintains OLN's rock sound, and their signature lyrics. Trevor and Matt provide sweet, smooth vocals, similar to what the performances they gave for their acoustic version of Oak Island. A sure crowd pleaser, I highly recommend this particular track for fans of recent Sleeping with Sirens, and Pierce the Veil's softer music.
Summary -
This eleven song album packs a punch, and proves that this band is out conquer their crowded field. Years of experience have paid off, and the band can only get better from here. Recommended for fans of The Color Morale, Pierce the Veil, newer We Came as Romans and SECRETS. Pop touches here and there make this a very accessible post hardcore album. One aspect I love about the album has to be the fact that this is an independent release from the band (just as the "Oak Island EP" had been). No interference from record labels, no producers forcing their style on the band, just OLN and their ideas. And it's clear these guys know what they're doing.
