Ohio-based metalcore act The Plot In You is one that needs very little introduction to those who are heavily into the genre and keep up with the current artists out there. Starting in 2010, this consistently active and dynamic band has taken the scene by storm with their diverse sound structure, eclectic songs, and powerful instrumentals as well as hard-hitting vocals by frontman Landon Tewers. Since their inception The Plot In You has performed and recorded under a few different record labels including Rise Records & Stay Sick Recordings. And now, the group has recently released their latest fourth full length album under Fearless Records.
Dispose is a ten track album clocking in at around 35 minutes of metalcore content. The new album is a significantly softer and less core-ish effort as opposed to the band's previous releases. The concept of this album isn't too clear; however, the lyrics and themes point to feeling numb, hopelessness, possibly unrequited love, and more. The instrumentals on here take on a more ambient, alternative rock-esque sound from what I've heard, with a touch of post-hardcore vibes. Dispose is also kind of a "slow-burn" type of album, with more balladic songs this time around. The breakdowns are also nonexistent, as are a number of other core-related aspects the band was once known for. The vocals are the same we've all come to know, so that's something.
The things I liked about Dispose include the stellar production quality, which fits the type of sound they're going for. The vocals, especially, have a nice touch and tone to them. Additionally, the vocals are as energetic and dynamic as ever, with the frontman presenting more of his brand and talent, switching from highs to lows and cleans all around. Another enjoyable aspect of this latest album is the transitions and overall fluidity of the song structures themselves, with the catchy choruses being a formidable strong point in all of the mix.
My initial feeling about this album was one of disappointment due to the underwhelming instrumentals. The guitar riffs presented on Dispose are there, but they contain much less impact than those found on Happiness In Self-Destruction. As mentioned before, the breakdowns are cut out completely and all of the established core elements take a back seat for the most part. You've got your power chord strumming and some high note riff picking, but nothing really complex or technical. Also, I felt as though the themes presented on this album aren't as impactful as on the previous album.
As a concluding statement, I would like to state that, despite the negative things I've said about The Plot In You's newest full length, I do not think that it is necessarily a poor album. There are some little things scattered around it that are moderately enjoyable and do show some level of promise. The talent and effort is there, but the substantial change in sound and factors that have taken away many of the things that us fans of this band have come to know and love seems to leave a sort of sour taste in the mouth, personally. Some of these second-rate cons overshadow many of the positive traits of Dispose...and, to me at least, this step in a rather less familiar direction for the band raises a few questions of what the material these Ohio boys will put out in the future. Overall, while Dispose isn't all bad, it leaves much to be desired for me.
Fave Tracks: "I Always Wanted To Leave", "Disposable Fix"
For Fans Of: A much lighter side of the core sound
**This album is available now at MerchNow and Fearless Records!**
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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