ALBUM REVIEW: Bulletproof – Dear Mother
It can be quite exciting when a band are evidently as hyped about their music as the fans are. Trio DEAR MOTHER, heralding from the Netherlands, knew when they began their totally self-made record Bullerproof that they didn’t want to make something run of the mill. They wanted to love it, and so their specific brand of metalcore incorporates a wide range of influences that are bound to turn heads.
Vertigo is an excellent start for Bulletproof, telling you know exactly what’s in store from the off. Dirty, chugging, progressive riffs; light, bouncing synth; blasting, sharp drums are all present. Vocally, this is a great performance with a huge range from clean into gritty screams and all out growls. Varying from the more pop influenced side of metalcore to some of the darker elements of the genre, this heartfelt song sets up this record.
Means To No War is a menacing, droning and gnashing beast filled with thrashing beats and chant-worthy vocal hooks. There’s evidently a LINKIN PARK and BRING ME THE HORIZON influence, but the trio put their own spin through that inspiration which serves to show they actively have their own aspirations and creative style. The first release from this record, 12 Years In Exile is a super modern, synth heavy track that was worthy of being their first single. The ebbs and changes, from big, electronic-infused synth work that marries so well with the heavy lifting guitar work and screams, spilling over into softer, pleading vocals. It’s a great, dynamic track that has tonnes of repeat value, finding all the nuances between every rhythm and the soaring, destructive guitars.
There’s an argument that The Ones Below begins with the most unusual intro so far, playing around with spoken recording and rewound samples to create a central melody. It’s almost hip-hop inspired, demonstrating a softer, serene beat, quiet vocals and echoing tones. There’s plenty of bite and swagger, and the fresh ideas are not unwelcome. In fact, while the unexpected parts of this song might not land with everyone and make for too much of a generic, popular sound for hardcore metal fans, they certainly make DEAR MOTHER stand out as a band that wants to experiment and make something fresh.
If you’re looking for a classically aggressive, frustrated tune with plenty of personality and nasty vocals, An Eye For An Eye is for you. It’s got wailing guitars a-plenty, balancing the bittersweet and the brutal; snapping drums that carry the whole tune without ever feeling like they’re overplaying and affecting, downright unreal vocals. It’s a masterful performance that upholds David Pear as one to watch, with a massive range that never feels strained.
The bands most debated single before this album release, A Soul For Hire is something of a dividing track. Its in your face, hyper-heavy, dubstep-style bassline is a huge part of that push/pull in appeal. If you’re into it, you’ll love how it bursts past the subtle drumming and ambient synth ripple of the verse. This tune is the least conventionally driven by what we might think of as organic or human-made, feeling very produced, and perhaps doesn’t shine as brightly on the band’s talents because of that. However, with its bombastic attitude coming from very symphonic place, if you go in with an open mind you might be surprised.
Next track Symbiose has personality in spades. If you enjoy the chaos and frantic nature of bands like LAMB OF GOD and KILLSWITCH ENGUAGE, this has that same energy, especially through Joey Martin De Boer’s tight work. The breakdowns are just as tantalising, making you want to swing your head right off your neck, while the choruses pull you into a sense of revelry.
Another acclaimed single from the record, Satellite is gentler than its predecessor, but still just as fun to listen to. It’s pained and heartfelt in its vocals, and the layering of each section allows the dynamic of the band to be expressed, with some of Meral Bechtold‘s best work on the record coming out here. The key change is especially powerful, and while as a technique it can be cliché, this exacts a sense of awe and uplift. Sliding back into more symphonic, hip hop infused electro space again, Fade In is the quintessential blending of the sounds of CROSSFAITH or BLOOD STAIN CHILD with some of IN FLAMES work. It’s pure electronic metalcore at its best: big and unflinching.
More great melodies come through Heart, another track that pushes into the more emotional performances and poignant lyrics. It has a more emo-pop sound the first half, roaring and crying out, akin to a cross between early PARAMORE and AVENGED SEVENFOLD. Instead of moving in for an obvious breakdown, we are given a heart-breaking breath towards the final moments, taking plinking, innocent notes and a calming, sentimental feeling to counter and amplify the anguish in the rest of the song.
Invincible is a bellowing penultimate track that keeps up the energy and momentum the record has built up to now and plays around with any formula you might have been expecting. Choir bursts, utterly brutal moments, a chorus of children’s voices over snapping drums, mounting tension through the riff all accumulate to a chunky, satisfying tune.
Evidently DEAR MOTHER isn’t going to conform to the norms of what is expected on a metalcore record, ending with the beautiful Palace. It’s acoustic, firstly, and the total shift into something very toned down adds another personal touch to this final outing on Bulletproof. It’s a more stripped-down reflection of what this record is all about, and for its difference in tone, the sentiment and core of what makes this song feel like DEAR MOTHER is right there.
Bulletproof is a jam packed first effort from DEAR MOTHER. If you’re looking for upbeat, bittersweet, downright dirty or electro-infused metalcore, this record has something for everyone. It’s clear that everyone involved in making this album was passionate, and the fun oozes out of it without taking away from the often-dark storytelling in the lyrics. DEAR MOTHER has made an incredible start to defining their sound already here, and their will to experiment and venture into different areas is very exciting.
Rating: 8/10
Bulletproof is set for release on July 26th via self release.
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