Vivid//Complex - A Mourning Bender

​Vivid//Complex

​A Mourning Bender
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

I was literally startled when I pressed play to listen to A Mourning Bender by Vivid//Complex. The five-song EP jumps out of the gate with no warning. I liked it and it is certainly a way you can catch someone's attention. 

The band comprised of Alex Ilyadis (guitar/vocals), Ben Thibault (drums), Glen Cavanagh (guitar) and Brittany Pappas (bass/vocals) certainly has an intense energy about them all the way through. This is the type of band that wants to be heard and aren't taking any prisoners. 

The music is a mix of emo, pop-punk, indie rock and even a tinge of post-rock. It works well and the band is riding a wave of originality but also certainly tips it hat to all the aforementioned genres. That being said the lyrics certainly veer towards pop-punk in that most of the songs seems to deal with an ex-flame. “Untitled (I Swear I'm Fine)” is an epic, anthemic opener. Right off the bat you can hear the precision of this band. Everyone is in the pocket and the technical ability is undeniable. There isn’t a loose cog in the machine.

“I Waited By The Door” is another solid song with some inspired parts. Take for instance the sick guitar part around a-minute-and-thirty-seconds in. The intensity doesn’t wane one bit on “Things That Change” which contains some exceptional hi-hat work while “Lost and Found” is an emotionally resonant ballad of sorts. “I'll See You There In Six Months (When You Get There On Your Fucking Horse)” closes out the album and is a further testament to their ability. 

​I’d say A Mourning Bender is no brainer to fans of pop-punk. I would also say that even if you aren’t crazy about that genre this album is worth your time. Recommended.

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