Review: American Standards – Anti-Melody
Artist: American Standards
Album: Anti-Melody
Let’s face it, this world is in a state of complete and utter chaos. From government corruption, pharmaceutical companies taking advantage of the mentally ill (and the doctors who constantly enable them), a general lack of societal interest in what truly matters because of the advancement of technology and the desire to have the newest and “best” at all times… we’re headed quickly towards a collapse. It is for this reason that anarchistic music will rise to an all-time high and why bands like American Standards are more important than ever. Unapologetic and unafraid to speak their minds, we’re at a point where music will continue to seek and become a catalyst for the change this world so desperately needs. Anti-Melody, the latest album from American Standards, started out as one of those records and, in many ways, still is but it took a personal turn when loss was introduced.
“What started as social commentary on the growing divide in our society became very personal when our founding guitarist (Cody Conrad) passed of suicide and then soon after, my father of cancer. We went back in to re-record much of the album and in a lot of ways used it as therapy to cope with the experiences. Although intimate, at its core Anti-Melody is centered around the universal theme of separation on many levels.” –Brandon Kellum
While the band’s previous efforts have focused on just having fun, this album is much more intimate and, if you listen to the lyrics to tracks like “Cancer Eater” that will be more than apparent. The band has a sound reminiscent of the early days of bands like Refused and The Chariot, chaotic in nature but with an important message to spread. From the opening track, “Writers Block Party” to the last, near-acapella screams of “Chicago Overcoat,” this album is relentless and lives up to its name. Complete chaos ensues and draws you in through some of the best the genre has had to offer in many, many years. Fans of a heavier side of the hardcore, rejoice because they’ve got you covered in spades. Centered around the angst-ridden lyrics of Brandon Kellum, this album begs to be heard but is not for the faint of heart.
In a time where such madness exists in the world, Anti-Melody, becomes more important than ever. With a message to wake up and look at what’s going on around us, to stop feeding into the bullshit we’re told daily and a rallied cry for change… it wouldn’t surprise me if this album were grouped into “essential” hardcore album lists. If you think you have the heart for it, be sure to check out Anti-Melody which will be self-released, tomorrow!
Pre-Order “Anti-Melody” available 4/28/17 (https://americanstndrds.bandcamp.com/…)
Listen to American Standards on:
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/6umD0…
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ant…
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/american-stan…
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Melody-Ex…
Follow American Standards on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmericanStand…
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AmericanStndrds
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AmericanStan…
