Living in California definitely has its perks. There's the near perfect weather, bodacious waves to hang ten upon, killer earthquakes that hella shred, beautiful ladies with even more beautiful brains (JK ON THAT!), and tons of other stereotypes that are all 100% true. But don't get me wrong, chill ass brah, this isn't perfect-land. As evidence of the lack of perfection, I point you in the direction of the East. The East coast accommodates many great things- in residence are wicked pizza slices, crucial history that is like way important, and great bands such as the infamous One Dead Three Wounded! If you're wondering who this "infamous" band is, chances are you are already dead. When I say dead I really mean ignorant to something truly great and worth checking out.
Inside the jewel case that encases Paint The Town there are many highlights to find. One of the first things you'll notice is a metallic sounding sound with hardcore energy, which, to be honest, isn't all that fresh sounding these days. But soon after coming to this initial conclusion, I realized that under the surface laid a vaguely Southern rock backbone that was ripping mad shit up. This becomes even more evident in the last part of album pinnacle "Ghosts". At around 2:20, the prior jam sounding interlude busts into a Pantera-influenced rockdown replete with twangy-twisting guitars and throttled vocals. I could totally see some dudes with moustaches and mullets headbanging to this. While One Death Three Wounded's tunes can occasionally border on cheese, the group often surpasses that description and brings the fun. This sound is frequently linked to Every Time I Die (see: Alternative Press) but to write them off as an ETID clone doesn't give One Dead Three Wounded the justice they deserve. In terms of a variety of influences, look no further than "Eight Dollar Prom Dress" which has a guitar solo in vein of Children Of Bodom, really fast and really clean. The whole song gives off this epic attitude that makes you want to sacrifice a virgin at sunrise.
The only gripe I have with this album is that it doesn't seem like the group's sound has fully matured (the group's generic metalcore influences sporadically crop up during a few songs). But, regardless, One Dead Three Wounded must be doing something right if they can have a four minute instrumental song without it coming off as boring, as displayed in "Welcome Home Tragedy". The first half of the song could definitely appear on some post rock album, with spacey guitar effects that trace lightning bugs and what sounds like delay pedal effects that echo sincere chords. As it begins to dive into heavier portions, it comes off less like a random post rock song and more like post rock through a metal filter (think Pelican but not quite).
While not necessarily advocating alcohol consumption, the singer sounds as though he's drank one too many shots, three too many beers. As I attempted to follow along with the lyrics, I had trouble due to the vocalist's slur on words; his ramblings often sound like the monologue of a drunkard home alone on a Friday night rethinking past relationships and such. While the topic of most of the group's lyrics veer towards the "girls suck; I got dumped" variety, the actual lyrics are written in a way that creates a new texture of sorts. "She was my heroin; she was my love and hate. She was perfection in a pill that takes me away. This is life as addiction." Even though there aren't any particular lines that are particularly clever/witty the overall feel that they create helps you empathize with his current state. Although, "This was a daytime promise and the sunlight bids adieu," is a pretty cool line.
Regardless if you are a West coast baller or an East coast fly girl, it's time for some musical rockingness in true, Wyld Stallion-format. Enjoy some Southern rock-tinged metal with a hardcore aftertaste. Just don't say I didn't tell you so! If you get a chance check out the One Dead Three Wounded website, there's this navigation thing on the left side with a naked girl sitting down that reminded me of The Ring. HELLA CREEPY, YO!
