Album Review: Woe, Is Me - 'American Dream'

There’s nothing particularly distinct about the new release from Woe, Is Me - their EP American Dream. That said, it doesn’t really deserve the hate it has been getting. While there isn’t much in the way of substance, other than the force fed, supposedly ‘inspirational’ lyrics that feature heavily on the record, it’s a pretty solid metalcore/post hardcore release that would fit quite nicely between your A Day To Remember records and those Like Moths To Flames and We Came As Romans albums that you own.

Woe, Is Me get some credit for trying lyrics that are positive and inspiring for the kids listening to them, but as in ‘American Dream’ and ‘Stand Up’ it’s being spoon-fed and most fans will feel a little chastised, rather than inspired. Even so, the choruses found in tracks like this one are undoubtedly catchy, and the vocalist, to his credit, does a great job at lifting it up onto a fairly relatable, bearable level.

‘A Voice Of Hope’ begins on a weirdly metallic sounding note, which may have been purposeful in the mixing process, but just comes across a bit messy. It’s the heaviest track on a record that is lacking any sort of "real" heaviness, and there’s some token breakdowns and A Day To Remember sounding choruses thrown in for kicks.

‘Fine Without You’ and ‘Restless Nights’ are the metalcore band’s attempt at acoustic sincerity and emo-esque angst gone wrong. It’s great that Woe, Is Me are trying something different, but, even so, they're picking their ideas out of the same hat as all the other metalcore bands out there, and the result, although very infectious, is something equally a little cringe-worthy.

As heard in ‘Voice Of Hope’ and ‘American Dream‘ the breakdowns, throaty, guttural screams and guitar chugs are incessant and overdone. However if that’s the kind of thing that gives you kicks, then American Dream is an all you can eat buffet.

‘Stand Up’ is the reason this album shouldn’t just be written off though. It's well balanced between a thrilling sort of heaviness, catchy well-executed choruses and driving, brutal instrumentation.

Woe Is Me's 'American Dream' is essentially for fans only. While the record has some memorable moments, the most distinct occuring in the form off kick of track 'Stand Up', it's a shame the band couldn't keep it up for the entirety of the EP.

1. Stand Up
2. American Dream
3.  A Voice Of Hope
4. Restless Nights
5. Fine Without You