Contrary to popular belief, screamo isn't dead. Granted, it could very well be crippled and unable to be even a shadow of it's former self, but it isn't dead and will probably never die. Aside from a handful of bands in the States playing the genre well, including Cease Upon the Capitol, Kid Crash, Loma Prieta, and to some extent Comadre, the genre has more or less taken the back seat in the country. The same can be said in Europe, as after the breakup of Raein and the low level of production from La Quiete, things are not what they used to be. Unfortunately, the new crop of screamo bands, regardless of what part of the globe they reside in, are not progressing the genre at all, and this is one of the main reasons screamo is a dying horse that bands are continually beating.
The Mock Heroic calls the U.K. home and has their hearts and heads in the right places. Singing songs about animal cruelty, individualism, and social expectations, regardless of how many times other bands have touched on the subjects, is still admirable. The lyrics are straightforward for the most part, and explanations are provided if confusion occurs. It might not be coming from a poet's hand, but they're still something to be appreciated.
When it comes to the vocals, The Mock Heroic is able to keep things intense and fast, with yelps and screams mixing together with furious speed. It's surprising to learn the band is a three piece, as the vocals and accompanying music can at times be intensely powerful. There are not many varying elements within the vocal styles, but there doesn't necessarily need to be. The genre is known as screamo for a reason, and The Mock Heroic keeps with the formula.
The thing that brings the band down is the music itself. While a certain amount of manic drumming and intricate guitar and bass playing can work, The Mock Heroic relies too heavily upon it. As stated, screamo is dying due to the lack of progression, and Dignified Exists provides no better example of this. Whether intended or not, the band cannot come up with a coherent rhythm or structure to their songs. The band can't keep up with each other and their tempo changes, leading to a very mixed up and confused sound. It's as if the band is trying to keep things technical, but don't have the skills to pull it off.
While The Mock Heroic may be keeping screamo on a breathalyzer, they are not doing much to find a cure for the problem. The band's message and their delivery of it are greatly respected, but it comes at the expense of a genre that is struggling to continue to hold it's own. There's hope, but it's continually fleeting.
