New Music Report – May 27, 2022

I always love the albums that I come across to review that are outside of my typical wheelhouse. I know I generally cover heavier music, but I do listen to a lot of post rock and I really enjoy being able to share it. On top of that, when it’s even more relaxed, almost ambient stuff like this new Mono album, all the better. So while this is VERY different from what I usually cover, it’s breath-taking and I can’t recommend it any more.

Mono – This album is gorgeous. This isn’t exactly a traditional Mono album, it’s an original soundtrack composed by Mono, so it’s a bit more ambient than post rock, but man, they are just as good at ambient as they are at post rock, it’s just at emotive, calming, and just beautiful. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been pretty stressed out lately, and putting this album on was like a complete reset for me; it was just what I needed. This album is absolutely what I need right now, and I think it might do everyone else some good too.

Scary Kids Scaring Kids – I was a little bit surprised by this album, to be honest. When SKSK announced their reunion tour as their first attempt to reunite after the death of their singer and their previous breakup a few years prior, they announced Cove Reber (ex-Saosin) would be their vocalist, which actually seemed like a good fit. So it seemed weird that this new album would have a series of songs, all with a unique feature vocalist. It’s cool in concept, but usually ends up feeling more like a compilation album than a complete piece, and that’s exactly what happened here. SKSK would never be the same without Tyson, though Cove offered the best chance, so maybe they’ll continue exploring that in the future.

Singles/Albums – Hollow Front (LP, Metalcore), Thornhill (Post-Hardcore), Antagonist AD (Hardcore), Limbs (Metalcore), Miss May I (Metalcore), Neck Deep (Pop Punk), Teeth (Metalcore), Bullet for my Valentine (Metalcore), Long Distance Calling (Post Metal), Glass Crown (Metalcore)