Album Review – Of Mice & Men ~ Echo

The album artwork for Of Mice & Men’s new studio album, echo. Fair use.

American Metalcore giants Of Mice & Men have been active for 12 years now, and have jumped from height to height in that timespan. Gone are the days of Warped Tour, drop c# tunings and the staple post-hardcore sound that existed in every 2010 scene band’s sound. As the years have passed, the band has aged like a fine wine – gaining mainstream success, singer Aaron Pauley taking the reigns after the departure of their former singer Austin Carlile, and a fresh start with SharpTone Records. With their seventh studio album Echo comprising of three EPs that have been dropped over the course of 2021, it’s a unique yet intriguing release method that seems to have payed off for the quartet. Having listened to the three EPs, I gave the album a full listen through once again to reminisce on what has been a busy year for Of Mice & Men.

The first three tracks make up the Timeless EP – and that word itself is the name of track one. With some gentle synth work starting us off, the powerhouse guitar duo of Alan Ashby and Phil Manansala explode out of nowhere, with drummer Tino Arteaga joining swiftly. Aaron roars his way into the first verse, with the EP title track setting a good pace of how the album unfolds – heavy in parts, with the occasional melodic chorus to match. Having a frontman like Pauley in the metal scene who can have such an angelic singing voice whilst delivering devastating screams goes to show why the band have continued to be successful since Pauley took over. The track closes as it opens, with that dreamy synth – a good opener.

The artwork for the first EP, Timeless. Fair use.

Up next we have Obsolete, which has gathered over 10 million streams on Spotify since it was released in January of this year – and listening back to it reminds me why it’s become so popular. It’s fast, it’s punchy, it’s everything you look for in your standard Metalcore song. Although we’re in the year 2021, I felt some definite call-backs to their earlier days on this track, especially in the guitar work. The mini-breakdown in the second verse was fantastic, and keeps the track going faster and faster just when you thought it was as quick as it could get in terms of technicality. We then take a little break from the intensity, with some smooth bass from Pauley accompanied by some string work. This weaves into the pre-chorus nicely, with the strings continuing and accompanying a light guitar solo in the background. Probably my favourite track off of the first EP.

The final track from EP number one is Anchor. The catchy riffs are there, the cymbal crashes are there, but they take a more relaxed approach to their verses on this track, with Pauley’s bass playing and the use of electronics being opted for more than previously. However, Aaron lets out a ridiculous scream at the end of the first chorus, which catches you off guard. This is repeated in a similar fashion on the second chorus – speaking of the chorus, it’s probably my favourite part of this song. It helps keep the song glued together, and close what was a good musical journey to start off the album.

Next up, we move onto the Bloom EP – I found this trio of tracks to be the most dark-sounding in my opinion. Levee opens us up, and rips us apart simultaneously. As we listen to the sound of rain combined with Aaron’s dulcet bass tones, he suddenly bellows “Feel the rain!” As loud as he can. The guitar works it’s way up and down the fret board, and Tino doesn’t let up on the kit. The riffs continue to crush their way through the verses and choruses, whilst Aaron screams his heart out. If you’re a fan of the heavier work of OM&M, this EP is definitely for you. Many bands have tried to go back to being heavier over the past few years, but if you’re going to do it, you need to do it well. This track is proof that going back to your roots can still be done well. The breakdown at the end left my jaw wide open the first time I listened, and I still get goosebumps to this day. Wow.

The artwork for the second EP, Bloom. Fair use.

Next we have the title track, which once again blends the light and heavy sides of this band. We start off with some great harmonies from Aaron, before transitioning into a a simple but catchy intro, followed by some chugging and cymbal smashing. Pauley doesn’t let up, with his vocal skills seeming to get better with each record OM&M put out. We continue with the verse/chorus pattern until we get to the breakdown – Aaron shouts “Love is watching the petals fall” over and over again, whilst the band slowly chug and crash behind his vocals, gaining pace as he lets out his last breath. A great track that’s musically simple but complex at the same time.

Finally for the Bloom EP, we have one of my favourite tracks on the whole album – Pulling Teeth. I’m a sucker for heavy songs, but they blew my expectations out of the water with this song. I couldn’t even guess what tuning the guitarists went for when I first listened, and they were playing so fast that when I tried to learn the song myself I had to slow it down to try and get the pattern correct. Tino’s double kick work is something to be admired, as well as his insane drumming in general. We continue on this masterpiece of a song (if I do say so myself) up until yet ANOTHER breakdown – I think how lowly-tuned the guitars are made this one of the most brutal Of Mice breakdowns i’ve ever heard. The “piece by piece by piece” was mental, the whole song was mental. I don’t exaggerate when I say I’ve listened to this song at least once a day since it’s release. You can tell I really like pulling teeth, can’t you?

And finally, the Ad Infinitum EP. Whilst this was released the day I’m writing this review, 3 of the 4 tracks on it have been out for a while now. The first being Mosaic, which could’ve easily fitted onto the previous EP with how heavy it is. It’s speed, it’s structure, and it’s simplicity with some of the guitar add to the excitement of this song for me. Even the smaller details like the sirens occasionally heard in the background add to this track – it’s always the little things that make the biggest impact. Solid song.

Artwork for the third EP – Ad Infinitum. Fair use.

Next we have Fighting Gravity – whilst this was soft in terms of vocals, it was heavy in instrumentation AND emotions for me. The synths and electronics in this song are very effective, and probably make the track stand out on this record. Whilst it’s been great to hear the heaviness come back from OM&M, hearing the more gentle, straightforward songs such as Fighting Gravity remind you that every band has its softer side. Aaron does a good job showcasing his singing voice on this song. I’ve grown to love this track.

The penultimate song on the record is the title track for the album, Echo. I drew similarities to Bloom with this song – we open up with some piano-synth vibes, before the riffs come flying in with the drums. Then with a change of pace, Aaron soothes us with distant singing, before his screams come raging out of the abyss, leading us back into the riff pattern we heard at the start. The chorus hits us, with the “we echo” words actually echoing out being rather fitting. Some bands strive to include subliminal messages in their lyrics, but one of the things I like about these tracks off this album is how open and raw they are. Aaron isn’t afraid to open up on his emotions and viewpoints, something which should be treasured. The track signs off with a short but snappy breakdown, and we fade into the final track.

Last but not least, we have Hopelessly Hoping – a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young cover. We’re exposed once again to the soft side of this band, with a string group easing us in, before Aaron blesses us with his gentle singing. He does an incredible job yet again with his harmonies, which provides this track as a thought-provoking album closer. I’ll come back to this track a lot when I’m in need of calmer moments, I think.

Of Mice & Men, from left to right – Valentino Arteaga, Alan Ashby, Aaron Pauley and Phil Manansala. Credit: Of Mice & Men

Overall, this album was a strong effort from Of Mice & Men. They’ve combined all the elements that they’ve gifted us with before, and ended up with an album they should be proud of. Music has been a staple of a lot of people’s lives in 2021, and I think Echo will be special for a lot of people.

Rating – 8.5/10

Top Three Tracks –

1 – Pulling Teeth

2 – Fighting Gravity

3 – Obsolete

~ Review by Sam Seabridge