Reviews

Plagues

The Devil Wears Prada

Released: Aug 21, 2007
Label: Rise Records
Reviewed by:
13 comments

So I've never been a fan of this second generation screamo, metal as balls verses with gorgeous, layered choruses shit. I think there were a handful of bands that launched this genre at such an incredible level that most bands trying to follow in their footsteps are simply laughable. The type of music The Devil Wears Prada play was inevitable, a natural evolution of trends and genres just waiting to be combined and cultivated to dominate the airwaves. You please the metal head in all of us by offering grinding guitars and pummeling double kick in the verses, then reach around and grab the pop-punk-emo group by offering a catchy as hell, dynamic chorus; it really is genius. Unfortunately, when you are in a dime a dozen genre such as this one is right now, you sure as hell better be doing something cool.

The Devil Wears Prada has released their sophomore album via prominent Christian hardcore label, Rise Records. Titled Plagues, Prada demonstrates exactly what they set out to demonstrate...what that is, I have no idea. You could listen to this album, or you could listen to 1 of 20 bands on Victory Records that sound exactly the same or, better yet, you could just listen to Devil's first album, Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord. Now I feel bad, let me say something good about the record. I felt a little better once I made it through the first song. The second track on this album, entitled "Number Three, Never Forget," is decent. It caught me off guard and I distinctly remember tapping my foot for a moment...though I was quickly interrupted by the abrupt return of the intense, but lacking scream of front man Mike Hranica. I felt a certain tightness lacking on the overall album, and forgive me, but I'm pretty sure it was the rhythm section. This music requires a great deal of syncopation, blaring guitars perfectly matched note for note with double bass triplets and rocking bass scales. These guys can hold down a groove, no doubt, but I still feel like they are not where they are going to end up musically.

There's definitely growth here, the problem is it seems forced. I hear solid musicianship for the most part on this album; I just don't hear the writing. These types of songs have been done better and there is no separating factor for this band. The good thing for bands like this is that there are drones for this genre; they eat up anything released from a certain label with a certain image. Unfortunately, without staying power, I see most bands in this genre experiencing poignant, but short, careers.