As a melodic guitar riff turns from soothing acoustic to punching electric and builds up, the new self-titled Terrible Things album starts with the words “This is not your savior or the answers to those prayers.”
That message may be pointed at fans from the members’ previous bands. Fred Mascherino, Josh Eppard and Andy Jackson were in Taking Back Sunday, Coheed and Cambria and Hot Rod Circuit, respectively, and the newly formed Terrible Things is a superb mix of the seasoned three. The record has hints of the members’ previous projects but is more modern-rock driven.
The self-titled album is a concept album about a string of arsons in Mascherino’s hometown of Coatesville, Pa., with a love story hidden in the balance. The storyline is evident in songs such as “Up At Night,” “Lullaby,” “Conspiracy” and the finale, “The Arsonist’s Wife.” The album as a whole is not the whiny, emo-driven experience you would expect, but instead has meaningful lyrics. There are some piano- and violin-centered songs that give an atmospheric vibe, while others take a complete 180-degree turn and make your heart race.
The joining of the three members gives the album creative depth and brilliant songs. From the slow and peaceful “Been Here Before” to the rock-out tune “Not Alone,” the album is well written. The gem is the title track. In this anthem-type song, Eppard’s talent shines while the other members complete it with crunching guitars and punching lyrics.
Overall, being able to dodge the “punk” tagline and write fast-paced songs while still being able to capture the essence of string-plucking acoustics is hard to do, and Terrible Things makes it look easy.
Rating: W W W W
Source: theweekender.com