Album Review: We Are All Without Merit

Sometimes when you try to mash to separate genres together, you get a big, gloppy mess of sound that instantly makes you turn away.  Just check out Pete Wentz's (former Fall Out Boy bass player) new band Black Cards, a band mixing an electronic with a ska sound.  However, if you want to check out a mashing of genres done right, than walk on over to the melodic metal band My Eyes Fall Victim's latest album:  "We Are All Without Merit."

My Eyes Fall Victim is a five-piece band from the Sussex County area of NJ that has just released their first full length  album in March 2011. This band manages to seamlessly mesh together a multitude of genres.  Try to imagine Underoath, Billy Idol, Fall Out Boy, Relient K, and A Day To Remember collaborating on one unified sound and you can begin to imagine the awesome and unique sound of We Fall Without Merit.  There is a lot of pounding drums, shredding guitars, powerful screams, melodic pianos, and awesome vocal harmonies. If I had to give one genre name to these guys, it would be Melodic Metal Post-rock Pop.

"We Are All Without Merit" is a twelve track album available for streaming and digital purchase on their Band Camp page along with a physical CD purchase off of their Big Cartel page.

The first song off of the album, "They Are Gone and I Am Left," offers an amazing introduction along with a summary of the band's overall sound. The song starts off with melodic piano playing at a slow tempo.  With each passing note, the song becomes faster, heavier, and more electronic. By the end, the sweet lonely piano has transformed into a pounding hardcore rock track.

The album overs many other notable tracks. "Nothing But the Shadows of Images" is a wholly instrumental track that combines a whole lot of distortion with a piano; another summary of their overall sound.  "The Poor Servant of a Poor Master," was a single released in January of 2010 and is still available on their Band Camp for individual download at the low cost of $0.99.  The title track, "We Are All Without Merit," is probably one of their best and most identity confused songs.  Changing between their different sounds, you will think that Fall Out Boy and Underoath are playing at the same time. 

"We Are All Without Merit" is an interesting stew of sounds that will satisfy your ears appetite for both hardcore and pop music.  The music may sound schizophrenic, but that is part of My Eyes Fall Victim's unique sound. Check out My Eyes Fall Victim's various Internet platforms while you are purchasing their album: Facebook, Band Camp, Pure Volume, MySpace, Tumblr, Big Cartel, and Twitter.

In the end, just let your ears fall victim to the awesomeness that is My Eyes Fall Victim's new album "We Are All Without Merit."

-Gardizzle

The Dive Podcast Episode 7 - Goonz dè Maroon

Gardizzle rides solo today when he interviews the brand new band Goonz dè Maroon. Join Gardizzle, Arthur, Rodrigo, and Jordann (manager) as we talk about skankin', ska, rock, and other awesome topics! Enjoy!

Goonz dè Maroon: The Newest Goonz On The Block

 (from left to right) Rodrigo, Arthur, and Jordann [manager]

(absent) Kevin and Stefan

Probably one of the best people to interview in the music industry are the new bands who just hatched from the egg.  Full of vigor and excitement; just learning what it means to be a true collection of musicians that we call a band.  While brand new bands are inexperienced and out of practice, they have a certain charm that I personally find irresistible.  Please allow me to be one of the first people to introudce you to the amazing new band:  Goonz dè Maroon!

From the Kearny area, they are a four piece band consisting of Stefan beating on the drums, Rodrigo slapping the bass while doing some vocals, Kevin shredding the lead guitar and yelling, and Arthur playing rhythm guitar and serenading on vocals.  So far these guys have one recorded song and two shows under their belts, but expect plenty of more shows and songs, which are in the process of being recorded as I type.  

Their sound is an interesting blend of elements from different genres; mostly consisting of good old fashioned rock with elements of reggae, ska, and alternative.

To be honest, there is not much to say about this up-and-coming band, but expect plenty more to come.  At this stage in time, it is unclear what their future holds.  However, if I have any say in it, these guys will be leaving a huge footprint on the New Jersey scene.  Check out their Facebook to stream their recorded song "Free" and make sure to check back every now and then for the exciting updates of what these Goonz are doing!

-Gardizzle

The Dive Podcast Episode 6 - No Band

There are reasons why we have a lot of bands on and this is a prime example of why. Listen in for an episode of randomness, yelling, laughing, screaming, and more. Special guest appearances by Amber and Hulk Hogan.

The Dive Podcast Episode 5 - Cicada Radio Interview

Today we have on the well bearded Cicada Radio, a relatively new post-rock band from New Jersey. Enjoy some good talking and some good music. Cicada Radio was a little late but you cannot rush awesomeness!

Cicada Radio: Bearded Champions of the JC Area

 (from left to right) Pat, Chris, Michael Keefe

(absent) Michael Kundrath

Maybe I just have horrible memory or something, but I cannot seem to remember a recent, awesome band from the area in and around Jersey City.  Goodnigth Bravado was fantastic but we have to accept that they have bitten the dust and we need another awesome band to step in and fill their shoes.  Luckily, Cicada Radio, looks like they have the right shoe size to do the job. 

This four piece band is comprised of Pat Keefe (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Michael Keefe (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Chris D'Ambrosio (Bass), Michael Kundrath, (Drums).  Their sound?  Even they do not know, but think post-rock/punk/rock influenced by Sunny Day Real Estate and Cursive.  However, do not think that they are a Tim Kasher cover group, their sound is wholly their own and do not expect to hear any other band like them, wether in local New Jersey or worldwide.

They had a rough start; playing crappy strip clubs and other less than spectacular venues, but things are looking up.  They have shared the stage with Hands on the Stereo, Those Mockingbirds, and The Nico Blues on last March 5th at Maxwell's in Hoboken.  Not to mention they will be playing with Le Le Lo (previous The Dive guests) and Invisible Lines this Thursday at the sadly failing McCormick's.  You can also get excited for a new EP that is according to the band 85% done! No name or estimated time of arrival has been announced but expect it to be awesome!

Keep your eyes on Cicada Radio! Check out their MySpace and their Facebook.They are young band but have a lot of promise. Expect them to become a giant on the local New Jersey scene before long.

-Gardizzle

The Dive Podcast Episode 4 - Kosmic Daydream Interview

Gardizzle goes solo on an interview with three members of Kosmic Daydream, a Neo-Psychedelic that sounds like nothing you have ever heard before. Enjoy the laughter, jokes, and good music on this non-April Fool's edition of The Dive!