Mouthbreather
Thank You for Your Patience
Kiss of Death Records
7/10
I saw these guys a year ago on Modern Life is War’s last tour in Mouthbreather’s hometown of Richmond, VA. I remember being unimpressed and put off at the time. When I gave them a listen later, I realized that Mouthbreather is not put-off worthy- I just had them pegged as an odd band to throw on that line-up. However, Mouthbreather is undeniably hardcore, and mid-tempo at that, sorting them into the same subdivision as Modern Life is War. It’s the other incorporated elements leading them to a very different sound.

Thank You for Your Patience illustrates a base in mid-tempo melodic hardcore punk, with hard rock and prog rock thrown into the mix. Mouthbreather comes off as somewhere in-between Silent Majority and The Bronx. While not mind-blowing, their style is something quite original and would likely take off amongst alternative and prog fans. Poppy and distortion-drench guitar riffs often carry you through the tracks, but the repetitiveness gives an impression of lacking energy. Deep vocals are shouted throughout, offsetting the upbeat riffs and creating a strange vibe. These 10 tracks make great background music, but don’t leave a lasting impression. I picture bearded potheads throwing this album on at a BBQ and bobbing their heads; not kids going off at a show. Throw river rope-swinging into the mix and bearded BBQs aren’t far off in a city like Richmond, VA. The diversity of this southern city that produced hardcore greats Avail and Strike Anywhere can be heard in Mouthbreather.

–Stephanie Thornton