Of Mice & Men - Of Mice & Men

[Drew Beringer]

Of Mice & Men – Of Mice & Men
Release Date: March 9, 2010
Record Label: Rise

You've probably already made up your mind about Of Mice & Men without actually hearing its music. Since OM&M vocalist Austin Carlile was the formerly the vocalist of technojunkcore band Attack Attack!, you probably think Of Mice & Men’s Rise debut is exactly like that. Deep v-necks, beep-boop-beep noises, and running in place choreography. Basically crabcore. Thankfully, Of Mice & Men is not “Stick Stickly.” Instead, Carlile, along with bassist Jaxin Hall, created a band that’s a bit more technical.

Now before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s just make clear that Of Mice & Men are not reinventing the wheel on this genre. If anything, they’re biting the style made popular by The Devil Wears Prada. Brash screams, shrill clean vocals, some noodling on the guitar, breakdown, breakdown, BREAKDOWN. Rinse, wash, and repeat for ten tracks. Right off the bat, “YDG!? (Ya Dig!?)” brings the heat. No one can deny that Carlile is a fantastic screamer; his wail never falters throughout the 34-minute long album. “Second & Sebring” tries to switch things up a bit by incorporating some piano, although that's been done to death as well.

The urgency in this album is great though, songs are “They Don’t Call It The South For Nothing” and “Westbound & Down” are incredibly frantic, with Carlile violently screaming “I said I’d fight back!/I didn’t say that I’d fight fair!” in the former. “Farewell to Shady Glade” has one of catchier choruses on the album, while “The Ballad of Tommy Clayton and The Rawdawg Millionaire” reigns as the heaviest track, as it really showcases the band’s musical chops.

So in a genre that is so over saturated with bands that have the same haircuts and same sound, does Of Mice & Men stand out? Well, kind of. They have the potential. Hall, drummer Valentino Arteaga, and guitarists Phil Manansala and Shayley Bourget are all very talented musicians, and there are plenty of instances of fine musicianship. The problem is it’s too safe and too formulaic. The talent is there, now it’s time to branch out. Also, while Carlile’s screams are vicious, there isn’t a lot of depth to it, as it would be nice to hear some range every now and then. Lyrically, you’ve heard all of this before as well. But the urgency and intensity will help Of Mice & Men’s debut album to stand out from the poop pile that is modern “screamo/metalcore” (or whatever genre you want to classify it as). A decent debut, now let’s see if the band can evolve.

Track Listing:
1. YDG!? (Ya Dig!?)
2. They Don’t Call It The South For Nothing
3. Second & Sebring
4. Westbound & Down
5. John Deux Trois
6. Those In Glass Houses
7. Farewell to Shady Glade
8. The Ballad of Tommy Clayton & the Rawdawg Millionaire
9. Seven Thousand Miles for What?
10. This One’s For You
Produced by: Joey Sturgis

Of Mice & Men is:
Austin Carlile – lead vocals
Jaxin Hall – bass/backing vocals
Valentino Arteaga – drums
Phil Manansala – lead guitar
Shayley Bourget – rhythm guitar/clean vocals/keys

Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ofmice); Official Twitter Page (http://twitter.com/omandm); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=27021)

[the seventeenth]

Decent review, a little short for my liking though. I was hoping to hear your opinion on 'Those In Glass Houses', too; from what I've heard, I'd say it was the best on the album (that and 'Farewell To Shady Glade'). Anyways, I like OM&M, they have talent, I can't wait to see what they have in store.
I'll be buying this album.

[Kyleisraddd]

I love Seven Thousand Miles For What? quite a bit.

[andthetruthwill]

Record is good. It definitely sets the stage for where they can go next. I'm excited to see them again with Austin in the future now that the songs are familiar.

[Richard Maxim]

Good review drew, I've been blasting this since it came out. I really do think that most of the appeal (at least for me) comes from austins vocals, Solid debut through and through.

[livingalive626]

Why only 7.5 on vocals if you admit that his screaming is fantastic? Good review though, i agree with everything else completely.

Edit: Also, my friend is good friends with the dudes from Attack Attack, who told her that Austin has also been kicked out of Of Mice & Men. is this true?

[the seventeenth]

Why only 7.5 on vocals if you admit that his screaming is fantastic? Good review though, i agree with everything else completely.

Edit: Also, my friend is good friends with the dudes from Attack Attack, who told her that Austin has also been kicked out of Of Mice & Men. is this true?

I don't think so; it was said that during the Emptiness tour with Alesana he was to undergo heart surgery, I don't see why they would kick him out. Austin seems like a great person, and I hope he wasn't booted.
Anyways, I don't think they would be able to find a better frontman than him; great stage presence and amazing voice on record and off.

[livingalive626]

I don't think so; it was said that during the Emptiness tour with Alesana he was to undergo heart surgery, I don't see why they would kick him out. Austin seems like a great person, and I hope he wasn't booted.
Anyways, I don't think they would be able to find a better frontman than him; great stage presence and amazing voice on record and off.
He does seem like a great person, and yeah his screaming is amazing. But apparently the story is, the dudes from attack attack said he's an asshole, so they kicked him out. and then the same thing happened with OM&M. He was suppose to be out of the band right after the record dropped. But i haven't seen anything to confirm that.

[the seventeenth]

He does seem like a great person, and yeah his screaming is amazing. But apparently the story is, the dudes from attack attack said he's an asshole, so they kicked him out. and then the same thing happened with OM&M. He was suppose to be out of the band right after the record dropped. But i haven't seen anything to confirm that.
If you watch the three OM&M studio updates he seemed like such a cool guy, but hey don't judge a book by it's cover.
Well, I don't know, I hope not, OM&M are some really great musicians with an amazing future ahead of them. Hope it's something they can work out.

[andthetruthwill]

He does seem like a great person, and yeah his screaming is amazing. But apparently the story is, the dudes from attack attack said he's an asshole, so they kicked him out. and then the same thing happened with OM&M. He was suppose to be out of the band right after the record dropped. But i haven't seen anything to confirm that.
Of Mice is Austin's band. He isn't going anywhere.

Go out your way to see them play. He's all smiles onstage. He seriously seems like the happiest guy to be able to tour and play his songs for kids.

[livingalive626]

Of Mice is Austin's band. He isn't going anywhere.

Go out your way to see them play. He's all smiles onstage. He seriously seems like the happiest guy to be able to tour and play his songs for kids.
Well they are playing Warped yes? I'll watch their set for sure

[andthetruthwill]

Well they are playing Warped yes? I'll watch their set for sure
They are. The whole tour I believe. So yay, enjoy them.

[more heart]

Excellent review Drew. You absolutely hit the nail on the head with every point you made, especially regarding Austin's screams. Not only can the guy scream, his screams really standout making it easy to identify him. That said, it would've been nice to hear him do some clean singing because I felt that auto-tune aside, his clean singing with Attack Attack! was pretty good.

[the seventeenth]

Excellent review Drew. You absolutely hit the nail on the head with every point you made, especially regarding Austin's screams. Not only can the guy scream, his screams really standout making it easy to identify him. That said, it would've been nice to hear him do some clean singing because I felt that auto-tune aside, his clean singing with Attack Attack! was pretty good.
Austin didn't do any clean vocals in Attack Attack!, Johnny Franck, the rythm guitarist, did it all- see 'Sexual Man Chocolate', the new AA! song, same vocals and Austin isn't in the band.
Austin sticks to the screaming and is great at it. I agree, anyways, the review is really spot-on.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Excellent review Drew. You absolutely hit the nail on the head with every point you made, especially regarding Austin's screams. Not only can the guy scream, his screams really standout making it easy to identify him. That said, it would've been nice to hear him do some clean singing because I felt that auto-tune aside, his clean singing with Attack Attack! was pretty good.
I think by range he means to change up the screams from low to high, etc.

[more heart]

Austin didn't do any clean vocals in Attack Attack!, Johnny Franck, the rythm guitarist, did it all- see 'Sexual Man Chocolate', the new AA! song, same vocals and Austin isn't in the band.
Austin sticks to the screaming and is great at it. I agree, anyways, the review is really spot-on.
I'm pretty sure Austin contributed clean vocals on Someday Came Suddenly considering I do remembering him singing clean when I saw him with Attack Attack! two years ago...

[more heart]

I think by range he means to change up the screams from low to high, etc.
Yeah I got that, I was just saying I wished he had contributed some clean vocals.

[bentleyj98]

He does seem like a great person, and yeah his screaming is amazing. But apparently the story is, the dudes from attack attack said he's an asshole, so they kicked him out. and then the same thing happened with OM&M. He was suppose to be out of the band right after the record dropped. But i haven't seen anything to confirm that.
Austin is like the nicest person on earth. Attack Attack! are making shit up. Austin wasn't kicked out. Every member of Of Mice and Men loves him to death. When I met them all they talked about was how amazing of a person Austin is. I've actually heard that Attack Attack! are the assholes though.

[johnnyferris]

I don't think so; it was said that during the Emptiness tour with Alesana he was to undergo heart surgery, I don't see why they would kick him out. Austin seems like a great person, and I hope he wasn't booted.
Anyways, I don't think they would be able to find a better frontman than him; great stage presence and amazing voice on record and off.
Austin wasn't booted out. He's only until his surgery is done. Jerry Roush, the ex singer from Sky Eats Airplane is replacing him on tour right now, but Austin is not out.

Amazing album imo

[Juan Jose]

i agree with the review (strengths & weaknesses), but i think the score should of been higher cuz even though its generic it still does it better than most bands out there. hopefully they do branch out a bit.

[InBetweenAisles]

This was an accurate review.

[a nocturnal day]

Review was spot on. The talent is there for sure, but they played it too safe. Still a good album, but far from a classic. I hope on the next release they ditch the breakdowns. (Then again, I say that with every band that employs them....)

[ninetyFhOURs]

I think by range he means to change up the screams from low to high, etc.
Is it bad that you had to point that out?

That when we think of switching it up in meltcore/whatevercore, we (some of us) think that means scream/clean?

Man, I miss when legit metalcore was respected, instead of neon-colored hipcore. Stuff like Botch. The Changing of Times style UO. Slow Horse is carrying the torch well now.

[the seventeenth]

I'm pretty sure Austin contributed clean vocals on Someday Came Suddenly considering I do remembering him singing clean when I saw him with Attack Attack! two years ago...
I don't want to be that guy, but you are wrong. He may have done a few lines live but on record he never does and it is always Johnny who does, considering that AA! have the same clean vocals as two years ago.
Anyways he doesn't do any in OM&M because he never ussually does, he is a screamer.

[the seventeenth]

Austin wasn't booted out. He's only until his surgery is done. Jerry Roush, the ex singer from Sky Eats Airplane is replacing him on tour right now, but Austin is not out.

Amazing album imo

I know, I was just stating that he wasn't playing the tour but was not in fact booted. Great way to clear this out, too, though.
Good album, I agree.

[Meeze]

i like the genre, so i am sure ill be down w/ OM&M

[sonicfury]

Really love this album, I agree with the review too although I think it probably deserved a higher overall score. Surprised not to see more love for 'John Deux Trois' I think that may be my favourite track.

[cowlord]

Really love this album, I agree with the review too although I think it probably deserved a higher overall score. Surprised not to see more love for 'John Deux Trois' I think that may be my favourite track.
I concur. John Deux Trois is pretty sick

[more heart]

I don't want to be that guy, but you are wrong. He may have done a few lines live but on record he never does and it is always Johnny who does, considering that AA! have the same clean vocals as two years ago.
Anyways he doesn't do any in OM&M because he never ussually does, he is a screamer.
Then explain to me why the clean vocals on the new song they posted sound completely different from those found on Someday Came Suddenly? It's as if there are two different singers...

[the seventeenth]

Then explain to me why the clean vocals on the new song they posted sound completely different from those found on Someday Came Suddenly? It's as if there are two different singers...

Johnny got singing lessons (as said in an AA! blog) and the band decided to drop the auto tune (they were huge on auto tune).
Caleb Shomo is the new screamer and he may also do a few clean vocals on the new song, I don't know, but Jonny does most of all the clean vocals in all of the AA! songs.

[johnnyferris]

Then explain to me why the clean vocals on the new song they posted sound completely different from those found on Someday Came Suddenly? It's as if there are two different singers...
thats what happens when you dont use auto tune, you sound normal. Calebs screams are much heavier but i heard he sucks live

[Young Machetes]

He's an obscenely nice guy. I dig the album quite a bit. It's nothing unique, but I think it's among the best of it's over-done genre.

[barkingincision]

musicianship = 8.....???

are you shitting me?

[Romancebled]

The review score is definitely accurate. This album feels extremely safe. Nothing really unique about it at all.

[jay_klinkhammer]

I like this band for NOT reinventing the wheel. I like this style, why change it? Not everyone has to put out a boring record just to be different.

[Crimson_Curse]

so boring.

[Nate Bennett]

Interesting.

(One typo/wrong word in paragraph three... One missing word in paragraph three, and one missing in paragraph four)

[Drew Beringer]

Really love this album, I agree with the review too although I think it probably deserved a higher overall score. Surprised not to see more love for 'John Deux Trois' I think that may be my favourite track.
I like the track too, just because I don't mention a track doesn't mean I don't like it, it just means I didn't write something about it that would flow well with everything else in the review.

[Mattylikesfilms]

I enjoy the album? :shrug:

[WhatJulianSaid]

am I seriously the only person here who doesn't think this album is even worth the 67% given... I mean c'mon chug chug breakdowns high screams and some cheesey clean vox... that pretty much sums up the album this is definitely GENERICORE at it's finest. I feel like these guys don't even know how to play their instruments almost as much as asking alexandria another genericore band how in the world can the public can be this stupid anymore after the same album comes out 30x a year! Honestly I thought this was gonna be wayyy better than it was and I was soo disappointed I deleted the album right away so much for anything new these days it's an insult that they even call phil LEAD guitarist... horrible

[Mattylikesfilms]

He's an obscenely nice guy. I dig the album quite a bit. It's nothing unique, but I think it's among the best of it's over-done genre.

this.

[Drew Beringer]

musicianship = 8.....???

are you shitting me?
they're good at what they do.

[barkingincision]

they're good at what they do.
anybody can be good at generic screamo. drummer aside, this band has little actual musical talent.

[KatastrophiE]

shaylay bourget has sum damn good clean vox. The fact that this review failed to mention anything about his clean vox and how much they elevated the quality of this album makes me want to disregard the whole thing.

[Drew Beringer]

shaylay bourget has sum damn good clean vox. The fact that this review failed to mention anything about his clean vox and how much they elevated the quality of this album makes me want to disregard the whole thing.
you spelled "some" as "sum." This makes me disregard your entire post.

[tyramail]

good review, i enjoy this album a lot.

[xjdizzle]

I didnt know Shayley Bourget joined this shitty ass band ..Covette was so much better .. And Valentino was much better in Lower Definition..

[Justino4Realo]

i like how apparently no band can ever be good unless they are all master guitar players.

everyone gets sooo butt-hurt about the simplicity of this kind of music. what few people understand(particularly the ones talking shit who think they just have the most amazing musical opinions) is that this genre is just progressively getting more and more back to its roots. which is NOT HARDCORE. Its electronica/techno/house etc. THAT is where the breakdown was born. Heavy, slamming bass, getting the crowd hype. That is what this music is catering to, and its going to go further are further along that path. Take it for what it is.

[xjdizzle]

they're good at what they do.

Anyone can do what they do with no experience or sense of music theory... I dont think any advanced and technical musicians would be impressed one bit. Musicianship wise they desreve a 5 and that's pushing it ... Even Bring me the Horizon can do better lol..

[xjdizzle]

i like how apparently no band can ever be good unless they are all master guitar players.

everyone gets sooo butt-hurt about the simplicity of this kind of music. what few people understand(particularly the ones talking shit who think they just have the most amazing musical opinions) is that this genre is just progressively getting more and more back to its roots. which is NOT HARDCORE. Its electronica/techno/house etc. THAT is where the breakdown was born. Heavy, slamming bass, getting the crowd hype. That is what this music is catering to, and its going to go further are further along that path. Take it for what it is.

What the fuck are you talking about?? Lay off the shrooms ... Metalcore was never based of techno and neither was post hardcore . And Punk and Metal are the roots .. And yeah ive played guitar for 10 years and what they play is what any novice kid who likes breakdowns and hammer ons can o and toss in the same power chords which Theory is not even practiced ..And that;s not what ALL MUSIC caters to .Your the biggest douche this site ever. What you said is just stupid and made no sense.

[whateverwrks]

I run an all ages venue and have had Austin come through twice in the last year or so...he's always been extremely nice and grateful and even goes out of his way to talk to you...much cooler than 98 percent of bands guys I encounter...he also is the guys that started the band, he's not going anywhere...

also, as far as the clean vox on attack attack, its the same guy...he got vocal lessons, and they arent using the autotune as heavy in the new song...

[youngz]

austin's screams on the album are pretty much only highs. you rarely hear lows or anything like that. i agree with this review all the way through

[gjpinizz]

the final scream of this album is epic. thats all i have to say about it. also, breakdown.

[gjpinizz]

thats what happens when you dont use auto tune, you sound normal. Calebs screams are much heavier but i heard he sucks live
meaning a crap load of effects are put on his voice and he probably cant really scream at all.

[KatastrophiE]

you spelled "some" as "sum." This makes me disregard your entire post.
You pointed out a grammatical error, congratulations. I make plenty. But I don't have an obligation to be grammatically correct; it's not like I'm writing a review. Now that I know I'm under critique from the cynical eyes of an obvious douche I'll try to be more careful.
You comparing me talking in 'internet slang', to you failing to acknowledge a critical part of an album of which it is part of your job to do; I just fail to see the correlation in disregarding the validity of a post in your comparison.

If I were to disregard posts, or reviews for that matter, based off their use of correct grammar then I wouldn't pay attention to 75% of what anyone said on this site. That being said, I feel that Shaylay Bourget had SOME damn good clean vocals, and it's a pity your review failed to mention it because they were included in some of the most defining moments of the album.

[HometownHero]

Finally a fair review from someone here.

[WhatJulianSaid]

I didnt know Shayley Bourget joined this shitty ass band ..Covette was so much better .. And Valentino was much better in Lower Definition..
I didn't even know that shay was from that band what a stupid decision well said definitely well said

[WhatJulianSaid]

i like how apparently no band can ever be good unless they are all master guitar players.

everyone gets sooo butt-hurt about the simplicity of this kind of music. what few people understand(particularly the ones talking shit who think they just have the most amazing musical opinions) is that this genre is just progressively getting more and more back to its roots. which is NOT HARDCORE. Its electronica/techno/house etc. THAT is where the breakdown was born. Heavy, slamming bass, getting the crowd hype. That is what this music is catering to, and its going to go further are further along that path. Take it for what it is.
once you said "butt-hurt" your opinion automatically became invalid... can't stand that crud

[whenwefirstmet]

thats what happens when you dont use auto tune, you sound normal. Calebs screams are much heavier but i heard he sucks live
hes getting better everyday. saw him today, miles better than last time etc etc

[whenwefirstmet]

You pointed out a grammatical error, congratulations. I make plenty. But I don't have an obligation to be grammatically correct; it's not like I'm writing a review. Now that I know I'm under critique from the cynical eyes of an obvious douche I'll try to be more careful.
You comparing me talking in 'internet slang', to you failing to acknowledge a critical part of an album of which it is part of your job to do; I just fail to see the correlation in disregarding the validity of a post in your comparison.

If I were to disregard posts, or reviews for that matter, based off their use of correct grammar then I wouldn't pay attention to 75% of what anyone said on this site. That being said, I feel that Shaylay Bourget had SOME damn good clean vocals, and it's a pity your review failed to mention it because they were included in some of the most defining moments of the album.
i felt the same about the clean vocals. distinct voice.

[Ryan Gardner]

Good review; I think for its genre, this is a solid album/band.

[JuneJuly]

only 34 minutes?

[_><_]

Talented musicians or not, but this band is one of the shittiest bands out there at the moment.

[dj92jr]

Why only 7.5 on vocals if you admit that his screaming is fantastic? Good review though, i agree with everything else completely.

Edit: Also, my friend is good friends with the dudes from Attack Attack, who told her that Austin has also been kicked out of Of Mice & Men. is this true?
They didn't kick him out but he's not touring with them right now. Ex- Sky Eats Airplane, Jerry Roush is filling in for Austin as lead vocals. Should be interesting as their genre's do differ slightly, although I'd go just to hear Roush sing again.

[JUSTaCHAboi]

I also heard that the other members of OM&M were getting sick of Austin. So there may be some legitimacey to rumors of him getting kicked out. It is hard to believe since OM&M is HIS band that he started, but then again, so was Attack Attack..

[lauren1234]

I decided to give this album a chance since the first time I listened to them I coulnd't stand them. I really like the album after listening to it about 10 times. It's definitely a good album to listen to in the mornings or to work out to.

[Schmidty Says]

Talented musicians or not, but this band is one of the shittiest bands out there at the moment.
This.

I tried to listen to this album, but I just couldn't get in to it. Maybe I'm just growing out of the genre in general.

[aradiantsunrise]

This.

I tried to listen to this album, but I just couldn't get in to it. Maybe I'm just growing out of the genre in general.
Same here. It bore the hell out of me.

[Schmidty Says]

Same here. It bore the hell out of me.
I really wanted to like it. I can't even point out one thing that made it so lackluster to me.

[aradiantsunrise]

I really wanted to like it. I can't even point out one thing that made it so lackluster to me.
It just sounded like one long song to me. not one song stood out.

[Alex1410]

I like this album

[gjpinizz]

This.

I tried to listen to this album, but I just couldn't get in to it. Maybe I'm just growing out of the genre in general.
i think most people who were into plagues can say they're growing out of it. For me though, this is good compared to other bands coming out with this stuff right now.

[Schmidty Says]

It just sounded like one long song to me. not one song stood out.
Now that I think about it, you're right.

i think most people who were into plagues can say they're growing out of it. For me though, this is good compared to other bands coming out with this stuff right now.
I'll give it to you, and as Drew pointed out, these guys have the potential to do something good. And yes, this is better than most of the garbage coming out of the scene. I just can't get in to it.

[Drow Swordsman]

I remember being a 15 year old kid and throwing on the first DWP album and being so into it. Four years later, Of Mice & Men's style is definitely reminiscent of DWP's latest album. I like it, but it's too safe, with too many breakdowns used as filler. Austin's screams are also a bit monotonous, though excellent. Album is definitely a guilty pleasure for me, though. Hope they mix it up with their next album.

[crimes]

i can dig this review

[mattattack!]

I'm pretty sure Austin contributed clean vocals on Someday Came Suddenly considering I do remembering him singing clean when I saw him with Attack Attack! two years ago...
You were probably at the show where Johnny had mono with like I See Stars and The Hi-Fi Horizon, or a show where they didnt have a mic for Johnny, he does all of the clean vocals for them on record and live.
meaning a crap load of effects are put on his voice and he probably cant really scream at all.
No, hes actually gotten a lot better. At first he would lose his breath a lot, but I saw them on the last date of their tour and he was actually pretty good. He also sounds good in this video JVXpwdbRfpQ
He does seem like a great person, and yeah his screaming is amazing. But apparently the story is, the dudes from attack attack said he's an asshole, so they kicked him out. and then the same thing happened with OM&M. He was suppose to be out of the band right after the record dropped. But i haven't seen anything to confirm that.
He seems really nice, but I've heard from a ton of people around Columbus that he's an asshole. He also raped my friends ex girlfriend (he fucked her when she was passed out and she woke up while he was fucking her...) However, he has always been nice to me whenever I've met him. I doubt that OM&M would kick him out, but I know that AA! kicked him out because he was a dick to all of them.

I really like Austin's screams and this whole CD is pretty good, but it does get a little repetitive.

[bentleyj98]

Good review. I'm just a bit confused on why you gave such an average vocal rating when you stated that Austin's screams were excellent. Did the cleans ruin it for you or something to make the vocal rating a 7.5? I'm just curious. I liked the cleans quite much actually

[Drew Beringer]

Good review. I'm just a bit confused on why you gave such an average vocal rating when you stated that Austin's screams were excellent. Did the cleans ruin it for you or something to make the vocal rating a 7.5? I'm just curious. I liked the cleans quite much actually
7.5 is not average

[bentleyj98]

7.5 is not average
It's not really excellent either though. Overall good review though.

[jaredisrad_9]

I've been following y'alls album release on the myspace for months! SO stoked about the new shit guys. Keep it comin'. :D

[Sherrice]

i have no idea why i was expecting to hear actual singing rather than screaming.

[crazytoledo]

Austin is like the nicest person on earth. Attack Attack! are making shit up. Austin wasn't kicked out. Every member of Of Mice and Men loves him to death. When I met them all they talked about was how amazing of a person Austin is. I've actually heard that Attack Attack! are the assholes though.

Attack Attack! are the ones known to be assholes. And Austin flat out told my friend he hates all of them so it's not a surprise they'd say something.

I also heard that the other members of OM&M were getting sick of Austin. So there may be some legitimacey to rumors of him getting kicked out. It is hard to believe since OM&M is HIS band that he started, but then again, so was Attack Attack..

Of Mice and Men is definitely his band, he started with is friend Jax and was the reason they got the Rise deal. As for AA, he joined the band after the formation but was the reason they got to where they were.

[sonicfury]

I like the track too, just because I don't mention a track doesn't mean I don't like it, it just means I didn't write something about it that would flow well with everything else in the review.

That makes sense, to be fair I mainly meant in these replies as people were picking out individual tracks they'd been enjoying. Good job either way.

[livingalive626]

You were probably at the show where Johnny had mono with like I See Stars and The Hi-Fi Horizon, or a show where they didnt have a mic for Johnny, he does all of the clean vocals for them on record and live.

No, hes actually gotten a lot better. At first he would lose his breath a lot, but I saw them on the last date of their tour and he was actually pretty good. He also sounds good in this video JVXpwdbRfpQ

He seems really nice, but I've heard from a ton of people around Columbus that he's an asshole. He also raped my friends ex girlfriend (he fucked her when she was passed out and she woke up while he was fucking her...) However, he has always been nice to me whenever I've met him. I doubt that OM&M would kick him out, but I know that AA! kicked him out because he was a dick to all of them.

I really like Austin's screams and this whole CD is pretty good, but it does get a little repetitive.
do you know a girl named Rachel Clayton? she's good friends with Mike from Prada, Norma Jean, and all the dudes from attack attack. she used to do merch for all those bands when they were in that area. just curious, that'd be cool if you somehow knew her.

[mikeandike1993]

i completely agree with this review, the songs are very similar overall, they have an amazing vocalist in Austin, but he needs to show something new. i loved AA, and now i love OM&M, they just need to branch out a little a few slow songs and what not

[satellitesong]

ya, this scene kinda pisses me off. its just not that good- the instrumentation, the writing, the creativity, the lyrics- its all so single dimensional and recyclable....
But fuck, to each his own though. They are bigger than my band, so they must be doin something right- or theyre just compromising their musical selves for popularity

[Burn_Burn_Burn]

you spelled "some" as "sum." This makes me disregard your entire post.
This is exactly why I adore Drew Beringer.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Good review. I'm just a bit confused on why you gave such an average vocal rating when you stated that Austin's screams were excellent. Did the cleans ruin it for you or something to make the vocal rating a 7.5? I'm just curious. I liked the cleans quite much actually
might of been lowered due to the "clean" singing. It's so bad/auto tuned that I'm not a fan of it.

[WorldByStorm55]

I didn't like this album at all =/

[A7XBlink]

Good album, after a few listens you start to see the similarities to everything else in the post-hardcore genre. I agree with Drew, this band has all the potential in the world and I think they'll nail the next one

[bentleyj98]

might of been lowered due to the "clean" singing. It's so bad/auto tuned that I'm not a fan of it.
I didn't hear much auto tune. I've seen them live and he pretty much sounds like that. But everyone likes what they like and has different opinions.

[mattattack!]

do you know a girl named Rachel Clayton? she's good friends with Mike from Prada, Norma Jean, and all the dudes from attack attack. she used to do merch for all those bands when they were in that area. just curious, that'd be cool if you somehow knew her.
I cant say I do, but the name sounds kinda familiar

[phillycheese37]

He seems really nice, but I've heard from a ton of people around Columbus that he's an asshole. He also raped my friends ex girlfriend (he fucked her when she was passed out and she woke up while he was fucking her...) However, he has always been nice to me whenever I've met him. I doubt that OM&M would kick him out, but I know that AA! kicked him out because he was a dick to all of them.

I really like Austin's screams and this whole CD is pretty good, but it does get a little repetitive.

I'm sorry, what?

[JustinSxE]

I'm sorry, what?
Austin would never do such a thing. He's a devout Christian (which I believe was one of the reasons he was kicked out of AA!, since the other members weren't as religious), and would never even think about something like that.

Anyways, I personally enjoy the album - they're on their way to be the next big thing in this genre.

[phillycheese37]

Austin would never do such a thing. He's a devout Christian (which I believe was one of the reasons he was kicked out of AA!, since the other members weren't as religious), and would never even think about something like that.

Anyways, I personally enjoy the album - they're on their way to be the next big thing in this genre.
pay no attention to this tool. He knows not what he's talking about :tophat:

[JustinSxE]

Please rape my face
fixt

[aradiantsunrise]

Austin would never do such a thing. He's a devout Christian (which I believe was one of the reasons he was kicked out of AA!, since the other members weren't as religious), and would never even think about something like that.

Anyways, I personally enjoy the album - they're on their way to be the next big thing in this genre.
It's okay for Devout Christians to take pictures where they grab onto their topless' girl's breasts?

[JustinSxE]

It's okay for Devout Christians to take pictures where they grab onto their topless' girl's breasts?
I just don't think Austin would do that... unless there was some sort of proof that he actually did it.

[aradiantsunrise]

I just don't think Austin would do that... unless there was some sort of proof that he actually did it.
http://strikegently.com/?s=austin+carlile

[JustinSxE]

http://strikegently.com/?s=austin+carlile
I stand corrected.

[livingalive626]

http://strikegently.com/?s=austin+carlile
wow

[Handraa]

If it wasn't for Austin being in this band, I probably wouldn't have gave them a listen.

[Handraa]

He seems really nice, but I've heard from a ton of people around Columbus that he's an asshole. He also raped my friends ex girlfriend (he fucked her when she was passed out and she woke up while he was fucking her...) However, he has always been nice to me whenever I've met him. I doubt that OM&M would kick him out, but I know that AA! kicked him out because he was a dick to all of them.

AA! are a bunch of pricks.

[xtsukiyamax]

his girlfriend is ridiculously HOT. are they still together?

[Handraa]

his girlfriend is ridiculously HOT. are they still together?
who cares?

[wherewehide497]

this album is completely terrible in my opinion.
i know all the members are good at what they do individually...but i can't even give this a second listen because them as a band ..well...this is just horrible

[D' Evils]

What the fuck are you talking about?? Lay off the shrooms ... Metalcore was never based of techno and neither was post hardcore . And Punk and Metal are the roots .. And yeah ive played guitar for 10 years and what they play is what any novice kid who likes breakdowns and hammer ons can o and toss in the same power chords which Theory is not even practiced ..And that;s not what ALL MUSIC caters to .Your the biggest douche this site ever. What you said is just stupid and made no sense.

okay badass, just out of curiosity, wheres your band? wheres your album? wheres your fans? stfu, if your such a guitar king then make something of it and stop putting down everyone elses work

[D' Evils]

might of been lowered due to the "clean" singing. It's so bad/auto tuned that I'm not a fan of it.

your really going to say he has a bad voice and its autotuned? see them live and then tell me if theres autotune

[Sic Transit Zeb]

your really going to say he has a bad voice and its autotuned? see them live and then tell me if theres autotune
You can tell it's autotuned, you can hear the correction. Not saying he can't sing but I'm not a huge fan of it because it's so cliche.

[D' Evils]

You can tell it's autotuned, you can hear the correction. Not saying he can't sing but I'm not a huge fan of it because it's so cliche.
oh alright i understand, for some reason his voice just does it for me. best clean vocalist when comparing to tdwp and bands along the lines.

[janinexqueen]

oh alright i understand, for some reason his voice just does it for me. best clean vocalist when comparing to tdwp and bands along the lines.
disagree with you on that. he's not that great. at all, infact

[wherewehide497]

of mice is a fucking TERRIBLE band

[Sic Transit Zeb]

oh alright i understand, for some reason his voice just does it for me. best clean vocalist when comparing to tdwp and bands along the lines.
i do like him better than tdwp, def! But i'm not a huge tdwp fan either way. He's good and much better than his counterparts it's just not for me!

[Sic Transit Zeb]

disagree with you on that. he's not that great. at all, infact
u speakin crazy then.

[johnnyferris]

You can tell it's autotuned, you can hear the correction. Not saying he can't sing but I'm not a huge fan of it because it's so cliche.

everyone has studio correction but there is a difference between auto tune and that. shaley is one of the best clean vocalists around

[scarfaceedi]

I think people should stop crediting bands with the fear that they might get bashed on. This bands album sucks! It's attack attack! slim down without heavy synth action. Listening to the whole album is annoying. Heavy music is suddenly eating up pop charactersitics. AND THE BREAKDOWNS! wtf. I am almost positive about every band on earth with a similar style has played these same breakdowns before. UNIQUE=negative, MUSICANSHIP=negative (musicians strive for creativity, simply playing what everyone else has played before is called a hobby.) SUCCESS=this band will be done for in about a year. they are not really anywhere right now so I guess that does not make sense. This band is a small and dim spark within the scene that will quickly fade away.

[Pete-Fish101]

just to clear things up. there is NO autotune on this record at all, and hardly ANY correction. i just saw them live and he was basically spot on when he sang the songs. good dude!

[DropdeadWHA?]

Of Mice & Men have delivered a weak, generic album and I really cannot get into it..no matter how hard I try.
It's just ok, although I am pleased to see Austin with a mic in his hands again.

[llclamping]

to all those in the early reviews saying austin got kicked out. hes having some heart problems so jerry roush or whatever his name is is filling in on the tour for him.

[wherewehide497]

just to clear things up. there is NO autotune on this record at all, and hardly ANY correction. i just saw them live and he was basically spot on when he sang the songs. good dude!
every record has auto tune on it aswell as pitch correction.
yes, every record you've ever heard in the past 10 years has auto tune on it.

[llclamping]

and those saying its boring, it was for me too on the first listen. a couple more and you start to notice the songs are quite enjoyable in a more pop sense. its one of the few times a scream can be used as a hook but it works. and the cleans are phenomenal.

[Richard Maxim]

This is a fucking sick record, stealing all my last.fm plays right now.

[aradiantsunrise]

Autotune can be used for good. It's just a rare occasion.

[janinexqueen]

This is a fucking sick record, stealing all my last.fm plays right now.
you clearly listen to poop

[johnnyferris]

Autotune can be used for good. It's just a rare occasion.
listen to the last two songs on from first to lasts new record. good use of autotune there

[Richard Maxim]

you clearly listen to poop
You look like a recycled scene girl, please go edit your page more and add more bands that you don't listen too.

[wherewehide497]

you clearly listen to poop
THIS.

[OM&Mfortheworld]

First of all, when i first heard this band, it reminded me very much of TDWP, but now this being my newfound favorit band for about two weeks now,they sound way different. i agree with how you say his screams never faulter, and not to mention the guitarist that does the cleans vocals, such as in the beggining of "this ones for you" has an amazing voice. i think of mice and men stand out in this new era of "post-hardcore" music, and for a debout album id give it a 10/10.

om&mfortheworld

[FuzzyPeach99]

definetly better than Attack Attack, But im still not feelin the album.

[xjdizzle]

okay badass, just out of curiosity, wheres your band? wheres your album? wheres your fans? stfu, if your such a guitar king then make something of it and stop putting down everyone elses work

Wheres my band ?? Haha you would be surprised and you might even had come across a few of them ...Well their work sucks if you cannot play nothing more than power chords,chugs and drop C breakdowns you are one very half assed guitariist and they have 2 which is even more terrible..And when all your fans are 15 year olds who like shitty bands like Attack Attack and Brokencyde.. It was much much harder to get signed a few years ago now ANY DOUCHEBAG that wears skinny jeans and choppy long hair and buys a V Neck that steps on stage or puts a demo on myspace gets signed .. It's not any achievement anymore. I have a real job now that pays me pretty damn well and i own a music venue with a instrument shop where i give lessons.. Unless u get lucky and got some mainstream succes like acts like Alkaline Trio,Thrice,Senses Fail etc.. I dont wana be eating terrible fake-mexican food at Taco Bell every night and drinking light beer that tastes like piss every night ..

[xjdizzle]

and those saying its boring, it was for me too on the first listen. a couple more and you start to notice the songs are quite enjoyable in a more pop sense. its one of the few times a scream can be used as a hook but it works. and the cleans are phenomenal.

Phenomenal??? are u fucking kidden me ?

[xjdizzle]

First of all, when i first heard this band, it reminded me very much of TDWP, but now this being my newfound favorit band for about two weeks now,they sound way different. i agree with how you say his screams never faulter, and not to mention the guitarist that does the cleans vocals, such as in the beggining of "this ones for you" has an amazing voice. i think of mice and men stand out in this new era of "post-hardcore" music, and for a debout album id give it a 10/10.

om&mfortheworld


Get outa here troll ! Yea in the new era of POSE-Hardcore lol... They sound like every scene metalcore band so nice try ..

[Pete-Fish101]

every record has auto tune on it aswell as pitch correction.
yes, every record you've ever heard in the past 10 years has auto tune on it.
first off. Auto Tune is what T-Pain uses. Brandon Boyd does NOT use autotune, and he has put out three records in the last 10 years. lets see, who else? oh, Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder does not use auto tune! my list goes on!

[hailjake]

good solid sounding record songs start sounding the same after a couple listens theres afew gems in there but nothing thatll stand the test of time

[xapplexpiex]

I've heard good things about this. I will buy this.

[livingalive626]

Of Mice is Austin's band. He isn't going anywhere.

Go out your way to see them play. He's all smiles onstage. He seriously seems like the happiest guy to be able to tour and play his songs for kids.
haha so it seems i was right....

[wherewehide497]

first off. Auto Tune is what T-Pain uses. Brandon Boyd does NOT use autotune, and he has put out three records in the last 10 years. lets see, who else? oh, Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder does not use auto tune! my list goes on!
you're an idiot.
auto tune is a pro-tools plugin.

it adjusts your pitch to the closest note taht you're trying to hit. for most artists, you cant even tell it's there...it's just a perfection thing.

what "t pain" uses is a vocoder PROGRAM (much like ones that come on keyboards), moron. uses the same technology as auto-tune plugin but takes it a step further.

the stupidity of kids these days is amazing.

[wherewehide497]

Get outa here troll ! Yea in the new era of POSE-Hardcore lol... They sound like every scene metalcore band so nice try ..
i like this guy. he speaks the truth. this band is fucking terrible.

[Pete-Fish101]

you're an idiot.
auto tune is a pro-tools plugin.

it adjusts your pitch to the closest note taht you're trying to hit. for most artists, you cant even tell it's there...it's just a perfection thing.

what "t pain" uses is a vocoder PROGRAM (much like ones that come on keyboards), moron. uses the same technology as auto-tune plugin but takes it a step further.

the stupidity of kids these days is amazing.
kids? I AM TWENTY TWO! three years older than you. and you didnt answer my freaking question about autotune NOT being used in the last ten years. really? i have seen Incubus live more times that i can remember and i dont think Brandon uses "auto tune." like seriously, who cares what T-Pain uses. Auto Tune adjusts to the closest note OR a specific note you want to hit. i have pro-tools, i use pro-tools DAILY.

[wherewehide497]

kids? I AM TWENTY TWO! three years older than you. and you didnt answer my freaking question about autotune NOT being used in the last ten years. really? i have seen Incubus live more times that i can remember and i dont think Brandon uses "auto tune." like seriously, who cares what T-Pain uses. Auto Tune adjusts to the closest note OR a specific note you want to hit. i have pro-tools, i use pro-tools DAILY.
well then mr "i use pro tools daily" you should know how often a certain plug-in is used in all forms of "rock" music.

yes, brandon is auto-tuned on records. every artist is.
live, maybe he isn't. but just realize a lot of artists have their own sound guy running the boards aswell as their own crew and techs that keep all their processors and pedals backstage.

why is there 4 simultaneous guitars on a song with 1 guitar player?
or 4 different snare samples for one drummer?
or 3 different vocal harmonies on a part with one vocalist?
because it's a record. not a live recording. our generation needs everything to be "perfect" so everything IS perfect for that reason.

you want me to break your heart even more by telling you sublime's producer had to play the majority of the guitar lines on their last album because bradley was just to fucked up to?

for being 22 you sure are ignorant.

[Pete-Fish101]

well then mr "i use pro tools daily" you should know how often a certain plug-in is used in all forms of "rock" music.

yes, brandon is auto-tuned on records. every artist is.
live, maybe he isn't. but just realize a lot of artists have their own sound guy running the boards aswell as their own crew and techs that keep all their processors and pedals backstage.

why is there 4 simultaneous guitars on a song with 1 guitar player?
or 4 different snare samples for one drummer?
or 3 different vocal harmonies on a part with one vocalist?
because it's a record. not a live recording. our generation needs everything to be "perfect" so everything IS perfect for that reason.

you want me to break your heart even more by telling you sublime's producer had to play the majority of the guitar lines on their last album because bradley was just to fucked up to?

for being 22 you sure are ignorant.
brandon Boyd DOES NOT USE AUTOTUNE! or anything of the likes. thats just the worst thing i have ever heard come out of anyones mouth. Brandon sounds better live than he does on any of the cds.

and also. Sublime blows monster penis. and i would not care if a dead baby played all the fucking guitar parts

and also. i dont think i have ever heard one guitar player layer 4 parts before, because that would not really work live.

and yes i know people layer vocals and screams, but thats not because they want to perfect it its because they wrote the songs that way.

i am not ignorant i'm just way better than you are

[wherewehide497]

brandon Boyd DOES NOT USE AUTOTUNE! or anything of the likes. thats just the worst thing i have ever heard come out of anyones mouth. Brandon sounds better live than he does on any of the cds.

and also. Sublime blows monster penis. and i would not care if a dead baby played all the fucking guitar parts

and also. i dont think i have ever heard one guitar player layer 4 parts before, because that would not really work live.

and yes i know people layer vocals and screams, but thats not because they want to perfect it its because they wrote the songs that way.

i am not ignorant i'm just way better than you are
......right
except that everything you just said was completely wrong

im an assistant for a very well known producer
i dont just "think i know everything"
i just see it happen every day and feel the need to correct idiots such as yourself

[janinexqueen]

You look like a recycled scene girl, please go edit your page more and add more bands that you don't listen too.
ouch.
nice one, geronimo.

[Pete-Fish101]

......right
except that everything you just said was completely wrong

im an assistant for a very well known producer
i dont just "think i know everything"
i just see it happen every day and feel the need to correct idiots such as yourself
everything i said cannot be completely wrong. anyone i know will tell you that Sublime sucks. and if Brandon Boyd used autotune i want to see fucking proof of that shit. until then, i will be as ignorant as i fucking want!

[AirTraffic]

Good review. A million times better than AA!
But overall, nothing special... but for a "typical Metalcore band," pretty impressive.

[wherewehide497]

everything i said cannot be completely wrong. anyone i know will tell you that Sublime sucks. and if Brandon Boyd used autotune i want to see fucking proof of that shit. until then, i will be as ignorant as i fucking want!
i wasn't denying that "sublime sucks", dipshit
however, clearly enough people don't think so since he's a dead yet PLATINUM recording artist.

[fashionshowdown]

this record is great. I've seen them live 3 times, I noticed a distinct lack of crabcore moves, perhaps it really bothered Austin that much?

[wakenthefallen]

While I don't hate Austin's scream, I'm sort of disappointed to see you call him a fantastic screamer. I'd say he's decent, although I must say, he sounds much better in OMAM then he did with Attack Attack. He seems to be branching out more and showing more range. I think he's trying to sound like Mike Hranica, but we all know Mike can't be touched.

[wakenthefallen]

Also, he just got kicked out because he's a fucking dick.

[llclamping]

Phenomenal??? are u fucking kidden me ?
maybe not phenomenal, but definitely unique. he has a very distinctive voice.

[ryanwilcox]

i really liked this album.i cant stop listening to it. I really like austin's scream even though he only does high ones, its fine with me

[Kid Amnesiac]

WOW! Drew, this review is exactly how I feel down to the exact feelings you have on each song. The creativity's score was the number I was think too!

GREAT REVIEW! I'm going to check out your past reviews to see if we see eye to eye on anything else.

[eatbabiesyum]

im an attack attack! fan, their new stuff is great, but OM&M is definatly a pretty cool band, i liked this album

[DeviateRogue]

I Lol'd when I saw someone say that Austin wasn't going anywhere.. oh well Jerry Roush is a good replacement he has a great stage present as well.

I've seen OM&M twice once with Austin and once with Jerry, both shows were great so you won't be disappointed, I'd even go as far as to say Jerry has a bigger stage presence then Austin. So if your hesitating to see them, go ahead and check them out Jerry is a good fit.

[PureBlueSF]

The only song I really like off of this is Second & Sebring. :/ I really wish they would utilize Shayley a lot more, because he has a really good voice.

EDIT: This album has really grown on me since I made this post. I like it quite a bit.

[expert_review]

carlile has a great screaming voice, if only he can stay in a band without pissing everyone off lol. def wanna hear his new stuff tho whenevr it comes out

[AgainstTheCurrent]

good review.

[Zev Frazer]

It deserves higher. no doubt

[MWM87]

i like this band