From California comes Dear Life, a five piece metalcore band whose new album Framework is being released on Uprising Records. The ten tracks presented initially don't strike the listener with much originality, but let's face it, this day and age the metal & hardcore hybrid is played out to death anyway, making it harder for new bands to squeeze anything different into this oversaturated genre. While vocally Dear Life sounds just like any countless number of acts we've all heard (mixing screams, growls, and clean vocals on the chorus), there's some inventive instrumentation going on here that warrants repeat listens. Sure, the expected breakdowns are all over the place, but the band throws in some post-rock guitar experimentation at times, which provides a nice diversion from the somewhat generic rhythms and melodies. Despite the title, "Puppy Mills Breed Misery" actually has some tasty guitar harmonies, and riff mongers like "Speaking Volumes" and "Between Friend and Foe" contain plenty of capable crunch. Still, just can't get past the fact that I've heard this all before, and better I might add. The band has some talent, but they have yet to find their identity, and it would be interesting to see if singer Kevin Castellon can add something new to his attack next time around. Fans of Comeback Kid, The Bled, and Bury Your Dead by all means dig in.
Track Listing
1) Speaking Volumes
2) Prophets
3) Our Defining Moments
4) Puppy Mills Breed Misery
5) The Architect
6) Embrace
7) Icebergs
8) Between Friend and Foe
9) Loss For Words
10) Framework
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