Get your listening ears ready for the new Of Mice & Men Timeless EP which drops on 2/26! This is their first release with Sharptone Records. The album art was designed by Derek Hess, and the animated music video for “Obsolete” is out now! Singer Aaron Pauley talked a bit about how 2020 and how the quarantine really made the band question what direction they were going in musically, and how “future proof” (as he called it) the band would be leading forward. After listening to this EP, I certainly believe that these tunes will stand the test of time!
“Obsolete”- This is a very well put together single. The intro fades in and once the bass drops it will make you want to get up out of your seat. Aaron does an extraordinary job laying down the guttorolls for the verses and pre chorus. His cleans for the chorus are very impressive and clear, something long time Of Mice & Men fans will find comfort in and enjoy. Right around 2:58 is when this tune gets especially unique. It features a tremendous bass and drum jazzy groove, with an orchestral string backing track. The tune resolves with punchy vocals and a hard hitting rhythm section.
“Anchor”- This is such a compelling song stylistically. Featuring Aaron’s mesmerizing isolated clean vocals, a cool bass line, and a click track, the opening is very calming and eerie. I can relate this portion of the tune to a bass heavy synth pop track (in the best way possible). But, the bass drop into the chorus will surely let you know what you are in for. The chorus is very “in your face” and heavy and then slowly subsides off to end the song.
“Timeless”- This song fits its name perfectly, and surely will be timeless.The intro has a perfect repetitive guitar lick (kudos to Alan and Phil) running overtop of the bass, then BAM, the song kicks in and doesn’t let up until the chorus. The chorus features a very catchy minor chord progression on the bass and might I add that the vocal arpeggios in the chorus outro are flawless. This tune dwindles out with a very thick and weighty percussion sound combined with a soloistic guitar line to settle the mood perfectly.
Overall thoughts- I adore that it encapsulates the traditional Of Mice & Men sound that longtime fans will relish in, with some interesting new twists. Overall I really enjoyed this EP and think that it articulates Of Mice & Men’s evolving sound perfectly.
I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Angelica Bohurjak
Follow Of Mice & Men:
http://ofmiceandmenofficial.com/
