Odds of an Afterthought - Finding the True Vine

Odds of an Afterthought

Finding the True Vine 
self-released; 2014

3.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Odds of an Afterthought is a band from Minneapolis, Minnesota that somehow blends pop-punk and Evanescence style metal. The band plays music that sounds like mainstream metal but the singer sounds like a really young guy who should be in a pop-punk band. It really threw me off at first as I was expecting the music to have a singer with a deeper almost demon like growl you expect from this music. 

The band has been together since 2013 and is comprised of Tanner Greely (lead vocals/guitar), Emma Bell (vocals/keys), Colin Jaques  (bass/vocals) and Logan Greely (drums). Their recent release Finding the True Vine is a well produced ten-song album that is impressive from a technical perspective. I also thought if nothing else that this type of metal which has been popular since the late ‘90s, is hard to play. The drummer and guitarist occasionally pull of some jaw dropping moves.

The band opens with “A New Beginning,” which is an onslaught of distortion and palm muting. As I mentioned the vocal delivery threw me off as the singer sounds like a nasally teenager that might not be out of his teenage years. Around two-and-a-half minutes in the guitarist goes on a rampage, which is pure ear candy. “Seize The Day” is more intense than the first song as the band relies on predictable song structures and breakdowns while “The Frustration of Self Indulgence” starts with an intense snare roll and build up.

As the album progressed a pattern was starting to emerge. Most of the songs started off exploding with lead guitar  and frantic drums leading the charge. After about thirty seconds or so the songs will simmer down leading into the verse and then exploding into a chorus The one true deviation come in at “Don’t Go” where it begins with piano and vocal work by Emma Bell. It was a wise choice for the band as they prove they have talent in different areas.

Odds of an Afterthought is a band that will appeal to a younger audience and actually fits within the spectrum of mainstream music. I wouldn't be surprised to be hearing their music on the radio at some point. If you have been secretly wondering what pop punk would sound like when infused with metal that you would hear on your local FM station, you will want to check this album out.

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