“Screamo is dead…bands like Pianos Become The Teeth might beg to differ.” PR gumpth, or valid point? Whilst it’s always best to take a press release with a pinch of salt, there’s something about this description of ‘Old Pride’ that rings true. No mistakes, this isn’t a release that will resuscitate the genre to a magisterial presence but there’s enough life in the recording to ward off any pissing on the embers just yet.
Pianos Become The Teeth (terrible, terrible name) is a quintet from Maryland that’s been around for about three years. ‘Old Pride’ is one of those releases that sort of defies categorisation; it’s eight tracks long so it’s like a mini-album in that respect, but it clocks in at 36 minutes, more than worthy of album status. Regardless of definitions, this is a release packed with intricate, deliberate and impressive musicianship. It’s well crafted without being over-produced. Lumping it in with the whole screamo genre is probably a tad harsh as the guttural vocals tend to take a back seat to the fierce but refined sound, and there’s an air of intelligence that you might not ordinarily associate with this type of band.
Although the level of musicianship is much better than your average there is a feeling that ‘Old Pride’ might well benefit from a few more melodic/harmonious moments. In terms of comparisons, this puts you in mind of Proceed without those hooked harmonies. Whilst there’re hints of the likes of Thursday and Thrice it’s all a little too singular in its approach which means that this one doesn’t really stick with you. Similarly, there’s no real stand out song. Obviously there’re no rules that say there have to be, but the lack of these means this is a record that you really have to sit down with and listen to. Of course, that in itself is no bad thing.
In short, this is a thinking man’s record packed full of epic intentions and a sombre mystique. It’s not a barnburner but it’s a decent enough listen.
Alex