Of Mice & Men

Tether

Of Mice & Men have made a name for themselves in this decade with an impressive seven-album run that boasts serious chops. Their most recent album, Tether, is a musical odyssey that sees the band treading into uncharted waters with emotionally potent lyrics and mixing from frontman Aaron Pauley and adventurous instrumental passages crafted by the rest of the band.

Tether is by far the band’s most creative album to date, and the final product shows them sticking to their roots, weaving in themes of mental health, exploration, creativity, and unity. The self-titled track has an ambient intro that ushers in an immersive experience — like you’re sitting on a pier looking into the sunset. It’s a visceral highlight in the album, but not the only one.

“Zephyros” begins with layers of synths that build into an epic hardcore highlight. Of course, other elements infused into the album bring depth and diversity into the listening experience, like the bright tonality of “Into the Sun,” which is a welcome contrast to the darker tracks and comes in perfectly at the record’s midpoint. Complete with a breakdown that features some rhythmic chaos that is pure ear candy, it’s no doubt a highlight for drummer Valentino Arteaga.

“Shiver” sees Of Mice & Men taking more melodic risks with high rewards. Pauley’s refrain on the track, “I want you to know you’re not alone,” is catchy and straightforward, delivered perfectly with impact amidst the well-layered anthemic metal instrumentals. “Shiver” (and most of the tracks) have a post-rock ambiance that ties the album together with a glorious sonic bow.

Tough as nails, “Enraptured” picks up the rhythmic assault with pure mosh pit energy distilled into a tight four minutes. One of the more hardcore cuts on the album, it packs a punch in hardcore heaven, along with the nasty and infectious breakdown in “Warpaint.”

Above all, the journey the band orchestrates from start to finish in their latest release reflects their care and intentionality with music, something no OM&M fan will be surprised to hear. Fitting for its name, Tether will undoubtedly stick with you as a hard-hitting and a triumphant return for the rock giants we know and love.