Fear Before

After a change in moniker (they were formerly Fear Before the March of Flames), the emergence of Fear Before, and their self-titled album, shows off a different side. Aurora, CO's experimental-minded screamo act have continued to tinker with their sound and opted to try new things, aside from being predominantly heavy. They have retained their distinctive schizophrenic, shifting between ordinary and bizarre sounds, but the band are now matching their music with their vocals. Looking to walk the line of pop, "I'm Fine Today" offers less chaos instrumentally, with David Michael Marion's vocals having progressed to the point where his singing aligns with the lighter side of Fear Before. Somewhat along the same lines is "Fear Before Doesn't Listen To People Who Don't Like Them" but showcases more shifting between their trademark atmospheric background noises and their ability to tame their music. For those more interested in the chaotic sound FB had on The Always Open Mouth and Art Damage, "Get Your Life Together" and "Bad Days" are as close as it gets. New ground for the band has been broken on this album but it doesn't meet the standards that Fear Before previously set.