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The Black MariaLead Us To Reason Victory/Shock Think Funeral For A Friend meets Alkaline Trio and The Used and you would be somewhere close to imagining the sound of this rather impressive emo rock outfit from Toronto. TBM emerged from the ashes of the well known rock act Grade as frontman Kyle Bishop sought to create a new and unique sound within the boundaries of the emo rock genre. 'Lead Us To Reason' is an eclectic mix of groove laden tracks, thankfully incorporating a variety of imaginative fills and interludes. The addition of many other surprises as the album progresses, such as the heavy use of flange and tremolo effects on the vocals in songs like Commitments Of Sickness, was also refreshing. Whilst on the topic, it need be mentioned that although this band get lumped in the 'screamo' genre, about 80% of the vocal content is clean and harmonious. Although void of any thrashy edge which they may get described as possessing, the music is undoubtedly appealing. The only real criticism I have is that they fail to accurately capture the real emotion of the subject matter; at times the guitar parts take a much too light-hearted approach to songs whose lyrics portray negative aspects of death, heartache and depression. For this reason, at times it seems as if the band is delivering the music without providing any real conviction. This recording may not be as heavy as people are expecting (and they may not be as emo either) but The Black Maria have cemented their position in the middle ground.  |
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