EP REVIEW: Vol. 2 – The Plot In You

Ohio metalcore mob THE PLOT IN YOU have been on an upward swing lately largely in thanks to the resurgence of their track Feel Nothing on social media. The band have taken this newfound boost in popularity and graced us with a selection of EPs, starting with Vol. 1 which was home to some of the band’s biggest hits and racked millions of Spotify plays in no time.

Seemingly in a marketing move to appease fans not keen on waiting for new music, the band have decided to split up what would have been album tracks, with each volume containing three tracks apiece. This is certainly a more modern approach to releasing music and one that seems to be a smart move over time as more and more bands utilize this method, although there is always the pitfall of fans being upset that by the time each volume is re-released as a full album set, they will have already heard everything and ultimately the hype may have dwindled. Circling back to Vol. 2 then and THE PLOT IN YOU have set themselves a task of not only keeping everyone’s attention but also matching the quality of tracks released in Vol. 1. The result is a mixed bag.  

Opening track Closure oozes appeal with its crisp production and instantly infectious hook. This one will no doubt be a winner with the TikTok crowds. It’s a slight departure for the band and one that’s setting them up for grander stages, but you can’t help but feel like the track is a little middle of the road. It’s very predictable but its RnB sheen and electronic elements are something that’ll most likely catch your attention. It also sounds oddly similar to Boutta Cashew by BILMURI – unintentional, no doubt, but one is a lot more fun to listen to than the other.  

Don’t Look Away however, is the opposite end of the spectrum. It’s an angst-filled hulking behemoth that’s dripping in aggression as it hits you with zero remorse. Just when you think Forgotten was one of the heaviest tracks they’ve penned, the band come in with a ‘hold my beer’ moment in response to themselves. Landon Tewers once again bleeds unfiltered rage through his forced screams and poignant. He challenges the listeners not to look away but if you’ve watched the music video you might want to. The track works well as a counterweight to Closure.  

Closer All That I Can Give hits a sweet spot sonically between the two preceding tracks. It leans more on the side of radio metal without sounding too cheesy. Initial thoughts on the style of this track make you think of BAD OMENS and their colossal hit Just Pretend. It reaches for the heights of viral success stardom and almost grasps it. It’s catchy and will no doubt be a live favourite. The band themselves sound fantastic. Tewers is an immensely talented vocalist and tends to garner the most attention for good reason, but the unsung heroes here are the rest of the band. The drumming especially from Michael Cooper is on point, and the production is flawless as you’d expect from this type of modern metal.  

Vol. 2 is a quality continuation of where Vol. 1 left off. While it doesn’t shine quite as bright as its predecessor, it’s another showcase of the band’s evolution, which is no doubt going to keep boosting their worldwide appeal.  

Rating: 7/10

Vol. 2 is set for release on May 3rd via Fearless Records.

Like THE PLOT IN YOU on Facebook.