The Devil Wears Prada

If their name’s insinuating that people who follow fashion above all else are shallow sheep focusing on aesthetics over actual substance, well, I’m good with that. And I think that’s what they mean when lead singer Mike Hranica screams, "You’ve surrendered yourself to fashion, come back to your faith, come back to your grace.” Since Plagues touches upon many religious ideals, I think it’s an apt theory. This Dayton, OH sextet are young (18 to 20 years old), full of energy and brutalise this sophomore release. However, this CD is as beautiful, at times, as bludgeoning. They start things with heavy melodies and metal licks, the synth effects fading in and out like fashion trends. They use clean vocals to accentuate the beauty of certain parts on "Goats On A Boat,” contrastingly utilising descending belly growls in "Html Rulez D00d,” which features many tempo and sonic changes. It’s tough keeping track of what song you’re listening to, however. In the beginning there are light vocals over top of snare rim cracks, then comes the brutality they showcase on every track. There are breakdowns with slow, drooping notes and heartbeat background sounds over clean vocals that complete a heavenly breakdown. These kids are reading quality material as well, giving thanks to Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare.